In an unexpected convergence of art and politics, André Rieu, the legendary Dutch violinist and conductor, recently met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss a grand vision: a world tour celebrating European unity through music.
The meeting, which took place in October in von der Leyen’s Brussels office, stemmed from a chance encounter in Maastricht earlier this year. Von der Leyen had been in the Dutch city for a European election debate when she briefly met Rieu, a Maastricht native and global ambassador for classical music. That brief exchange blossomed into a formal sit-down where Rieu presented an ambitious proposal.
A Grand Musical Vision
Rieu’s plan centers around commemorating the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss, the iconic Austrian composer synonymous with the waltz. Beyond his regular touring orchestra of 120 performers, Rieu envisioned assembling a 100-member male choir, with singers representing every European country. This ensemble would tour the world, spreading a message of cultural unity and celebration.
However, Rieu noted the financial challenges of such a large-scale project. His initial estimates suggested a shortfall of €10-€15 million, even with ticket sales. To bridge the gap, Rieu reached out to von der Leyen for support, requesting EU funding to make this vision a reality.
A meeting of minds
The October meeting was described as warm and engaging, with von der Leyen and Rieu reportedly “clicking” over their shared appreciation for culture. Rieu, joined by his son Pierre and Dutch MEP Jeroen Lenaers, emphasized the significance of music as a unifying force in Europe.
The European Commission, while acknowledging the value of Rieu’s proposal, directed him to the Creative Europe funding program, which supports cultural initiatives across the EU. Minutes from the meeting highlighted Rieu’s enthusiasm for creating “the largest European male choir” and his passion for showcasing Europe’s rich cultural heritage.
A Change of Heart
Despite initial optimism, the Rieu family ultimately decided not to pursue EU funding, wary of potential backlash over seeking public funds for their private enterprise. “We’ve always run a healthy business,” said Pierre Rieu, referencing the 800,000 tickets sold across 90 concerts this year. “We’ve never taken public subsidies, and we won’t start now.”
Instead, the family is now exploring commercial sponsorship opportunities to bring the Johann Strauss World Tour to life. Pierre noted that the tour remains a priority for André, whose dedication to music and his audience remains unwavering.
A Legacy Beyond Music
For Rieu, this project is more than a tour; it’s a tribute to European unity and culture. While funding challenges persist, his determination to realize this vision speaks to his enduring commitment to using music as a bridge between nations.
Whether through EU support or private sponsorships, Rieu’s dream of a pan-European choir and world tour underscores the power of art to transcend borders and celebrate shared heritage. As the maestro himself might say, music has the unique ability to bring people together—and André Rieu is determined to prove it once again.