I have always loved music. I recall my first 'high fidelity' record player. It was October 4^th, my birthday and I was 3 years old. My father promised to take me to the record shop where I could buy 12 records. (Remember those bygone things we called Records?)

Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley along with Fess Parker and El Kabong were some of the selections I made while browsing 45's. I was allowed to pick one album, but was unable to decide which one to get. After much review and asking my father repeated what the words on the album said, I choose: 50 Great Movements in Music, a double album set. From Waltzes to Rock n Roll I was in a 3 year old's music heaven.

The love of music has stayed with me. I started piano lessons when I was 6 years old and can only say Jo Huijts has no competition to worry about from me. I also play Viola and Trumpet but would never claim to have made it past the playing for personal enjoyment ability. (or is that personal annoyment to others ability?)

Watching television a few years back, I stumbled onto Andre Rieu while flipping channels and catching a brief glance on PBS of something I had to return to watch. What was this beautiful sound? Who was that smiling man and those women in dazzling gowns? Returning to the channel I had clicked past, I found Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra.

I could not turn away from this happy, playful music with the smiling violinist named Andre Rieu. He was playing music to bring heaven to earth. Andre's charm was shining through the television. I was hooked. In that moment I became an Andre Rieu fan.

Jo Huijts took my breath away with his ever-perfect piano style, tempo and ability. I sat listening for his touch within the glorious music I was hearing. His musical arrangements with Andre are one of the things I think sets the Johann Strauss Orchestra in their own category.

I immediately purchased: Andre Rieu & The Maastricht Salon Orchestra's Live Gala Evening. It remains a favorite of mine to this day. I now own every DVD, CD and VHS of Andre Rieu & the Johann Strauss Orchestra.  (www.andrerieu.com)

I started this website in February 2004 to give Andre Rieu Fans a meeting place and voice. Andre Rieu has fans around the world as well as in the United States, and I would like to meet them all.  Great Music & Good People. It brings such happiness.

I would love to see more interest generated in the U.S. for Andre's music.

Happy, Joyful, Playful, Vibrant, A Musical Party, Heaven for the Ears…

Webmaster Sally