A Dutch violinist, conductor and showman, Rieu has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide. Together with his 50-pieces Johann Strauss Orchestra, he tours on five continents. Every year, more than 700,00 fans attend an André Rieu concert, establishing him as one of the top ten touring acts in the world. In 2008 he's was crowned nr. 1 Classic Artist in the US and scored he more than 100x Platinum in Australia.

Encouraged by his father, a symphony conductor, Rieu began violin lessons at the age of five. Rieu’s training eventually brought him to the Royal Conservatory of Brussels where he was awarded the Premier Prix. In 1978, he formed the Johann Strauss Orchestra, which has grown from twelve to nearly fifty members. André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra now perform in Australia, Japan, South Korea, Canada, the US, and across Europe.

Crowned the “King of Waltz” by the media, Rieu believes that everyone can enjoy classical music. Following in the footsteps of Johann Strauss himself, he encourages his audiences to get out of their seats and waltz in the aisles.