He was born in the middle of a family of talented musicians; his father led the Symphonic Band of Limburg and was the principal director of the Opera of Leipzig. Andre's brothers and sisters are dedicated and recognized musicians.

André grew listening to classic music, especially symphonies, chamber music and opera. Rieu was the violinist of the Symphonic Orchestra of Limburg many years and after that in a period of 10 years, he covered the whole of Europe with his own Orchestra. The album that gave him his start & reputation is FROM HOLLAND WITH LOVE, played simultaneously in 26 countries.

In addition to a feeling of love and excitement about the violin, André Rieu also was born to be a music director (Orchestra Leader) in the same mold as Johann Strauss. Perfectly suited to the role, Andre Rieu formed his Johann Strauss Orchestra to express and demonstrate his musical qualities and bring his music to the world. He presents his concerts with humor and has an abundance of charisma, making certain the concert going fans have an unforgettable experience.

"While studying in the conservatory, I was invited to perform in a special project, this was the first time that I interpreted a waltz, Gold and Silver by Franz Lehar. This opened a new world to my eyes. It had an exciting rhythm. Immediately I felt attracted to this type of music and decided that it wanted to perform in this style."

"Johann Strauss was writing his waltzes not so much for the interpretation in a concert rooms, but for massive festivities where the young people were amusing themselves and dancing" said Andre.

"When I founded the Johann Strauss Orchestra many years ago, I never imagined that it would have the success that it has today. We have gone of tour to Holland, Belgium, and Germany with all the sold tickets. Since I began with my album FROM HOLLAND WITH LOVE, where I included a rendition of THE SECOND WALTZ. The success of it has been overwhelming. The album contains waltzes and melodies of operetta of Strauss and other Viennese music as well."

Rieu likes directing his Orchestra as if Johann Strauss would, by playing the violin and leading the Orchestra not only with the instrument but also with the bow, and moving his entire body. It seems as if he is dancing while he was directing. This is inspiring to his musicians and his fans. They all adore it. "If Johann Strauss lived in this century, I am sure that he would be one of the most famous pop artists of the world", Rieu assures.

His goal is to use music to resuscitate the Vienna of the XIXth century: The beautiful city of Strauss, with it's beautiful hall for music and dance, the walls with shining mirrors and enormous candelabras hanging from the ceiling, everything creating the purest romance.

"I am very proud because with my Orchestra, I can transmit to people, a Viennese ambience through the music. I am very grateful for all my fans who make this known to me through their letters, of their great appreciation of my music. Even in these modern times, romance can be brought to every concert."

"For me the music is like breathing".

Andre Rieu, Violinist & Conductor of the Dutch Johan Strauss Orchestra was born in Holland. With his interpretation of waltzes, marches and polkas, Rieu recreates the typical incomparable and entertaining ambience of the music of Johann Strauss and other Viennese composers. Rieu enjoys enormous success about the world.

The selling of his discs already register in the millions of and he has revitalized the waltz and has put it in fashion again.

André Rieu, a big artist of classic music, is in the city of Mexico for the promotion of his disc, Waltzes. The first of March he granted this exclusive interview. (2006)

André Rieu is a simple, agreeable and charismatic man who smiles, as he raises his eyes and looks at the sky while he reflects by the his beginning.

"It was difficult to find anyone will to allow me recording time. When I first was trying to record, they all said "He is crazy, playing waltzes, he will not achieve anything" as I was going studio to studio hearing this. Finally a recording producer decided to attend one of my concerts, and when that happened, the following day he brought a contract to my house."

"My life has changed. I do a great deal of promotion; travel very much around the world and that is why I am not home much, which is something I do not like. I would like to think of myself as a father of a normal family. My family does not like it that I am gone so much, but they understand that I cannot remain in the house and play waltzes. They understand that I have to go out and give concerts."

"Music is my life, from a young age I listened to classical music. I would die without music. From when I was small, I wanted to be a musician. My father was a conductor and all my family is musical. For me Music is like Breathing."

"I think that classic music must not be only for the elite, it must be accessible to all. It must please people and the people go away satisfied and therefore endorse a concert. Classical music is not boring, that is why I have fun during my concerts as do my fans who attend concerts. It is like a holiday every time I play a waltz."

"It is a good time for classical music. Many people have helped make classical Popular and Big again. Pavarotti for example, who has given concerts for big masses in Madison Square Garden, singing into a microphone."