André Rieu is 77 years old as of October 2026. He was born on 1 October 1949.
Quick facts
Date of birth1 October 1949
Age77
NationalityDutch
BirthplaceMaastricht, Netherlands
Editor's Take:
Rieu shows how classical repertoire can become large-scale popular entertainment. Critics have often objected to his commercial approach. Yet the sales are hard to ignore: in Australia he was the top-selling music artist between 2006 and 2011. Researcher Sarah Keith found no clear evidence that his concerts draw audiences away from other classical events. Rieu says he is aiming for a total work of art, where music, set and costume combine. A Guardian interviewer likened his showmanship to that of Johann Strauss II.
Key Milestones
1987: Founded the Johann Strauss Orchestra
1988: Gave the orchestra's first concert on 1 January
2008: Took a replica of a Sisi castle on tour, the largest stage of its day
2013: Had a UK channel dedicated to his work for two weeks
2014: Composed music for the film Tuscan Wedding
André Léon Marie Nicolas Rieu (Dutch:, French:; born 1 October 1949) is a Dutch violinist and conductor best known as the founder of the waltz-playing Johann Strauss Orchestra. Rieu and his orchestra tour worldwide, often playing in stadiums.
André Rieu: Maastricht violinist who fills stadiums
Dutch violinist and conductor, born 1949
André Rieu was born in Maastricht on 1 October 1949.
He founded the Johann Strauss Orchestra in 1987 with just 12 members.
He trained at conservatoires in Liège, Maastricht and Brussels, finishing with a Premier Prix.
He plays a 1667 Stradivarius violin and still lives in his native Maastricht.
Career highlights
1977Brussels training ends: Completed studies with Premier Prix
1987Orchestra founded: Johann Strauss Orchestra begins with 12
1988First concert: Played on New Year's Day
2008Sisi castle stage: Biggest touring stage of its time
2013Sky Arts Rieu: UK channel renamed for two weeks
Did you know?In 2013 a British television channel, Sky Arts 2, was renamed Sky Arts Rieu and showed his concerts and documentaries around the clock for two weeks.
