André Rieu, whose full name is André Léon Marie Nicolas Rieu, was born on October 1, 1949, in Maastricht, Netherlands. He is a Dutch violinist, conductor, composer, and music producer known for his performances with the Johann Strauss Orchestra, which he founded in 1987. Rieu began studying the violin at the age of five and received his musical education in Maastricht, Liège, and Brussels. He gained international recognition in 1994 through his recording of The Second Waltz by Dmitri Shostakovich and the album Strauss & Co.. His concert programs combine the music of Johann Strauss II with operettas, classical compositions, film scores, and popular melodies. He has performed internationally with his orchestra for several decades and continues touring in 2026.

Early Life and Musical Education

André Rieu was born on October 1, 1949, in Maastricht, Netherlands, into a family closely associated with classical music. His father, André Rieu Sr., was a conductor who led the Limburg Symphony Orchestra. Rieu grew up with five siblings in a household where orchestral music was part of everyday life.

He began violin lessons in 1954, when he was five years old. Between 1968 and 1973, he studied at the conservatories of Maastricht and Liège, Belgium. His teachers included violinists Jo Juda and Herman Krebbers, both of whom served as concertmasters of Amsterdam's Concertgebouw Orchestra.

From 1974 to 1977, Rieu continued his studies at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels under Hungarian violinist André Gertler. He completed his education in 1977, receiving the Premier Prix distinction.

Early Music Career

In 1978, André Rieu founded the Maastricht Salon Orchestra, an ensemble that performed light classical music and Viennese waltzes.

That same year, he joined the Limburg Symphony Orchestra as a violinist, remaining a member until 1989.

With the Maastricht Salon Orchestra, he performed in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and the United States. The ensemble continued giving concerts until 1996.

During these years, Rieu developed concert programs that presented classical music in an informal setting and encouraged direct interaction with audiences.

Founding the Johann Strauss Orchestra

In 1987, André Rieu established the Johann Strauss Orchestra and his own production company, André Rieu Productions.

After approximately six months of preparation, the orchestra gave its first concert on January 1, 1988. The ensemble initially consisted of twelve musicians.

Rieu named the orchestra after Austrian composer Johann Strauss II, whose waltzes form a central part of its repertoire.

Between 1988 and 1996, the orchestra toured the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany with programs devoted to Viennese music.

The ensemble gradually expanded as its concert schedule developed. By 2026, Rieu was performing with an orchestra of approximately 70 musicians, accompanied by soloists and guest performers.

International Recognition

In 1994, André Rieu recorded The Second Waltz from Dmitri Shostakovich's *Suite for Variety Orchestra*. The recording reached a wide audience in the Netherlands.

His album Strauss & Co., also released internationally as *From Holland with Love*, became a commercial success.

In 1995, his album Wiener Melange reached number one on the Dutch album chart. That year, he performed at halftime during an Ajax football match before an audience of approximately 60,000 people.

Following his success in the Netherlands, Rieu expanded his concert tours to other European countries, North and South America, Australia, South Africa, and Asia.

His programs featured waltzes alongside works from operas, operettas, musicals, and films. Concert staging often included large sets, lighting effects, and opportunities for audience participation.

Musical Repertoire and Stradivarius Violin

André Rieu performs and conducts a repertoire that includes music by Johann Strauss II, Johann Strauss I, Franz Lehár, Emmerich Kálmán, and other composers associated with the Viennese musical tradition.

His concerts also include arrangements of classical compositions, traditional songs, film music, and selections from musical theater.

Among the works regularly associated with his performances are The Blue Danube, The Emperor Waltz, The Radetzky March, and The Second Waltz.

Rieu performs on an antique Stradivarius violin made in 1667 by Italian instrument maker Antonio Stradivari.

International Concerts and Television Productions

In 2013, André Rieu performed at Museumplein in Amsterdam during the celebrations surrounding the accession of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima to the Dutch throne. The event attracted more than 60,000 spectators.

His television series Welcome to My World began airing in the United Kingdom in 2013, featuring concert performances, rehearsals, and scenes from his professional life.

In 2017, Rieu celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Johann Strauss Orchestra.

He celebrated his 70th birthday in 2019. In December of that year, he introduced the Magical Maastricht Christmas concert series in his hometown.

The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted his concert activities during 2020–2022. Rieu and his orchestra subsequently resumed international touring, including a return to the United States in March 2023.

Maastricht Concerts and Recent Work

André Rieu regularly organizes open-air concerts at Vrijthof Square in Maastricht. These performances feature the Johann Strauss Orchestra, guest vocalists, and orchestral arrangements from a range of musical genres.

During 2024 and 2025, Rieu celebrated his 75th birthday and marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of Johann Strauss II.

On November 7, 2025, he released Thank You, Johann Strauss!, a collection devoted to music by Johann Strauss II and members of the Strauss family. The release includes compositions such as *The Blue Danube*, *Vienna Blood*, *Roses from the South*, and *Tales from the Vienna Woods*.

In 2026, Rieu continued his international tour with the Johann Strauss Orchestra. His concert schedule included performances in Portugal, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia, followed by Christmas concerts in Maastricht in December.

Personal Life

André Rieu married Marjorie Rieu in 1975. They had first met in 1962 and renewed their acquaintance in 1974.

The couple have two sons: Marc Rieu, born in 1978, and Pierre Rieu, born in 1981.

His wife has been involved in the administration and production activities of his musical career. His son Pierre has also worked with the family business.

In 2025, André and Marjorie Rieu celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Albums

1994 – Strauss & Co.
1995 – Wiener Melange
1996 – The Christmas I Love
1997 – The Vienna I Love
1998 – Romantic Moments
1999 – 100 Years of Strauss
2000 – La Vie Est Belle
2001 – Musik zum Träumen
2002 – Walzertraum
2003 – Romantic Paradise
2004 – The Flying Dutchman
2005 – Songs from My Heart
2006 – New York Memories
2007 – In Wonderland
2008 – Waltzing Matilda
2009 – You'll Never Walk Alone
2010 – Moonlight Serenade
2011 – And the Waltz Goes On
2012 – Home for Christmas
2013 – Music of the Night
2014 – Love in Venice
2015 – Roman Holiday
2016 – Falling in Love
2017 – Amore
2019 – Happy Days
2021 – Happy Together
2022 – Silver Bells
2023 – Jewels of Romance
2025 – Thank You, Johann Strauss!

Source: Biyografiler.com