Andre Rieu
Andre Rieu
André Léon Marie Nicolas Rieuis a Dutch violinist and conductor best known for creating the waltz-playing Johann Strauss Orchestra. Together they have turned classical and waltz music into a worldwide concert touring act, as successful as some of the biggest global pop and rock music acts. For his work, Rieu has been awarded such honours as the Order of the Netherlands Lion by the Netherlands, the Knight of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France, and the Honorary...
NationalityDutch
ProfessionComposer
Date of Birth1 October 1949
CityMaastricht, Netherlands
Now, I've changed my life to make sure I work only on what I love.
When my twin grandchildren, Linda and Lyeke, were born two years ago, it changed me. I felt it was the essence of what life is about, and I cried all day. When my son Pierre, their father, was born I didn't cry like that.
People don't come to my concerts because they know the program. They come because they love the atmosphere and because they know that when I offer them a program it will be a night they never forget.
I think there are people who use classical music to say, 'I am better than you, because I know all the rules and you don't.' You're not allowed to have fun or entertain.
You go to a pop concert or a classical concert but there's nothing in between.
I was so busy with my studies that I didn't have a musical idol as a teenager. Later, around my 20s, I suddenly discovered the Beatles and the Rolling Stones but I guess my musical idol has always been Strauss.
Mozart composed his music not for the elite, but for everybody.
I am travelling half the year around the world, every year, so coming home is one of the most beautiful things.
When I'm not on tour, I love to have a long breakfast at home in my garden.
It is my personality alone that has brought back the waltz and made it a global craze.
I'm an un-healable positive optimist.
For me, I always like to get up bright and early.
We should make decisions in life with our hearts, not our brains, not only in music but in daily life.
I first picked up a violin aged five - I just assumed everyone played.