André Rieu, the globally renowned Dutch violinist and conductor, has no intention of slowing down, let alone retiring.
At 74, the King of the Waltz continues to delight audiences worldwide with his passion for music and his infectious enthusiasm for life. With his famous Johann Strauss Orchestra, founded in 1987, Rieu has overcome health scares and near-bankruptcy, yet he remains as driven as ever.
Speaking from his Maastricht castle ahead of his London shows at the OVO Arena Wembley on May 15 and 18, Rieu shared his philosophy: “I will never take a break and never stop! Every year, my family and I take just three days in Rome, and that’s it for holidays. The rest of the time, I love to play music.” With his characteristic humor, he added, “I’ll be 75 in October, and I intend to live to 140—so I’m only halfway there!”
Unforgettable Performances
Returning to London with his 60-piece orchestra and a lineup of handpicked international vocalists, Rieu promises audiences two nights of pure joy. “The London audience is fantastic. They have incredible humor and wit. When they come to my concerts, they absorb every note from my violin and orchestra. For three hours, they can forget everything else and go home with memories that take weeks to fade.”
Rieu takes pride in the unique appeal of his performances. Unlike traditional classical concerts, where audiences might scrutinize programs and conductors before attending, his fans buy tickets simply because “André and his orchestra are coming.” He emphasized, “They don’t know what we’ll do, but they know it will be an evening they’ll never forget.”
Lockdown and Baking Adventures
Even the Covid-19 lockdown couldn’t dampen Rieu’s creative spirit. Unable to perform, he took up baking, inspired by online tutorials. “During that time, I couldn’t sleep after concerts, so I started watching baking videos on my phone. Before I knew it, I was baking all kinds of things!” His culinary creations have since been shared on social media and enjoyed by his orchestra. In 2021, he even appeared as a guest on Heel Holland Bakt, the Dutch equivalent of The Great British Bake Off.
While Rieu jokes about joining the iconic Bake Off tent with Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, his true passion remains music. “Everyone asks, ‘Are you going to become a baker?’ and I laugh, saying, ‘No, I love making music too much!’”
Looking Ahead
With his unwavering dedication and love for performing, André Rieu continues to captivate fans around the world. His concerts offer an unparalleled escape, combining stunning music, humor, and emotional moments. As he looks forward to a packed schedule of performances, one thing is clear—André Rieu’s journey is far from over.