The King Of Waltz!

André Rieu loves playing waltzes because they evoke so many different emotions – both in the audience and in him.

- Susan Watson

The Dutch violinist has brought joy to millions around the world with his intoxicating blend of music and showmanship. Regularly performing to over 700,000 people around the world each year, André admits he loves “doing his thing” in front of a live audience.

“The thing I love most is the endless stream of energy I get while I play my favourite piece of music, especially waltzes. And seeing all those happy faces all around the world makes me proud.”

He’s performed on many thousands of occasions but one particular concert stands out in his mind. “It was during the break of a soccer match in 1995. Amsterdam soccer club Ajax played Bayern Munich and I said if Ajax was in the lead in the first half I would play in the centre of the field. Well they did, so I played in front of 60,000 singing and cheering football fanatics. They went crazy, all of them! Ajax went on to win, too.”

Having played his violin from the age of five, André credits his parents for nurturing his love of music.