Born on October 1st, 1949, in Maastricht, Netherlands, André Léon Marie Nicolas Rieu was immersed in music from the very start. His father, André Antoine Rieu, was a conductor for the Maastricht Symphony Orchestra, and his mother was a photographer with German, Irish, and Native American roots. Growing up as the third of six children in a Roman Catholic family, André began playing the violin at just five years old. Although he admired his father, André sought to carve his own path, moving away from his father’s traditional style to create something uniquely his own.

André studied at some of Europe’s most prestigious music schools, including the Conservatoire Royal in Liège and the Conservatorium Maastricht, before completing his studies with the highest honors at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. In 1975, he married Marjorie Kochman, a language teacher and music writer. Together, they have two sons, one of whom, Pierre, works closely with André as a producer for his orchestra. The family resides in a charming castle in Maastricht, once home to Charles Debbat’s Castlemore Dartanion—the inspiration behind The Three Musketeers.

Fluent in six languages—Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish—André is as much a scholar as a performer. By 2016, his net worth was estimated at €25 million, but his true legacy lies in how he revolutionized classical music.

In 1987, André founded the Johan Strauss Orchestra, starting with just 12 musicians. Their debut concert on January 1, 1988, marked the beginning of a dream: to make classical music fun, exciting, and heartfelt again. Over the years, the orchestra grew to include up to 150 members, depending on the venue. André’s performances are not just concerts; they are lively celebrations filled with humor, warmth, and connection. Playing a rare 1732 Stradivarius violin, he leads with charisma and joy, inviting audiences worldwide to experience the romance and magic of the waltz.

André’s style, often compared to the original Waltz King Johann Strauss II, sparked a waltz revival in the Netherlands and beyond. His shows have toured across Europe, the Americas, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, filling stadiums and concert halls alike. Not just confined to classical pieces, the orchestra’s repertoire spans folk tunes, movie themes, and musical theater, appealing to a broad audience.

Despite his enormous popularity, André’s approach has sparked debate among critics. Some accuse him of prioritizing charm over technical prowess, while others defend his ability to bring classical music to new audiences. In Australia, where he sold over $50 million in CDs and DVDs, he was the bestselling artist from 2006 to 2011. In the UK, his concert films broke box office records despite mixed critical reviews. In the US, he’s been called a “maestro for the masses,” blending showmanship with genuine musicality.

Behind the scenes, André’s life is grounded and personal. Married to Marjorie for over 47 years, he cherishes their privacy and family life. Their castle home, built in 1492, is not just a residence but a symbol of dreams fulfilled. André hosts guests and interviews there, preferring the simplicity and comfort of Maastricht over the hustle of big cities.

André’s career has seen highs and lows. His ambitious 2008 tour featuring a full-size replica of Schönbrunn Palace nearly bankrupted him but catapulted him into the top 10 touring acts worldwide. Tragedy struck in 2016 when a longtime orchestra member suffered a fatal heart attack, forcing André to cancel several shows and mourn the loss of a dear friend. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of his beloved summer concerts in Maastricht, disappointing thousands but underscoring his commitment to safety.

Beyond music, André is a generous philanthropist. In 2019, he donated €425,000 to support music education for children in his region, believing deeply in the transformative power of music. He also contributed steel scaffolding from his stage set to help rebuild Notre-Dame Cathedral after the devastating fire.

André’s concerts are more than performances; they are joyful experiences blending music, dance, costumes, and storytelling. He often jokes with the audience, dances on stage, and surprises fans with playful moments. This authenticity and passion keep his fans returning year after year.

In 2023, André continues to tour with the Johan Strauss Orchestra, performing across Europe and the United States while releasing new albums like Happy Together and Silver Bells. His mission remains unchanged: to bring joy, connection, and the timeless magic of the waltz to people everywhere.

When asked about his inspiration, André recalls sitting as a child in his father’s concerts, watching audiences come alive during waltz encores. That memory ignited a lifelong passion to make music that moves people—not just their feet, but their hearts.

From humble beginnings to global superstardom, André Rieu’s story is one of dedication, innovation, and love for music. As he prepares to return to Maastricht’s Vrijthof Square in July 2025, thousands of fans from around the world eagerly await the next chapter in his extraordinary journey.