Composer Andre Rieu Background Information

André Rieu (André Léon Marie Nicolas Rieu) is a famous Dutch violinist and conductor noted for his revitalizing of waltz music. Rieu is conducting the well-known "Johann Strauss Orchestra".

André Léon Marie Nicolas Rieu was born to a musical family in Maastricht in the Netherlands on October 1, 1949. From an early age he attended musical classes, played guitar and violin but he showed the greatest interest to orchestra. Rieu studied at the "Conservatoire Royal", the Conservatorium Maastricht and then pursued his studies at Music Academy in Brussels.

In 1897, André established his “Johann Strauss Orchestra” marking by this the era of revitalization of waltz in classical music, and became known as “The King of Waltz”.

Rieu‘s “Johann Strauss Orchestra" have won two World Music Awards. His records have got gold and platinum certification both in the Netherlands and internationally (including in 8-times in the Netherlands). He gives his concerts all over the worlds and his musical performances are broadcast widely. This year he has been in Australia for the first time, but he has given his performance without the Orchestra. There Rieu has been heartily acclaimed and praised. Next year he is going to come back to Australia and give the performance with his Orchestra.