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
The classical music world is so snobbish.
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.
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.
Now, I've changed my life to make sure I work only on what I love.
I have two speeds, nothing and full pelt.
I know that when I like music, when it touches my heart, that it will touch your heart, too. That, I think, is the secret to my success.
I love reading but I never last very long because I fall asleep right away.