Waltz round Maastricht with virtuoso André Rieu
WITH more than 40million album sales, André Rieu is one of the world’s biggest classical music stars – and we’re giving you a chance to experience his talent at first hand on a fabulous three- or five-day break. Every year André, known as the King of Waltz, performs a special series of concerts in Maastricht, his Dutch home town.
Staged in the city’s historic Vrijthof Square, these extraordinary performances include toe-tapping waltzes as well as some of the bestloved melodies from film, opera and musicals.
Our unforgettable holiday packages allow you to enjoy the world’s finest music in a relaxing atmosphere.
Fly from an airport near you, or travel by Eurostar, to attend a spectacular, specially themed concert. Five-day packages include an evening in the company of André and his Johann Strauss Orchestra, choir, soloists and special guests, as well as visits to Amsterdam and to Antwerp, the world’s diamond capital.
REASONS TO BOOK
TO GET you in the mood, here are some lesser-known facts about the violin virtuoso.
Like father, like son: André’s father was conductor of the Maastricht Symphony Orchestra and inspired André to learn to play the violin from the age of five.
A very special violin: André’s prized Stradivarius dates from 1667 and he has admitted to keeping the instrument with him at all times. Asked if he slept with it, he famously responded: ‘No, I sleep with my wife, but the violin is in between.’
Starring role: The musician has guest-starred in Australia’s most iconic television drama, making a cameo appearance on Neighbours in 2015 to celebrate the show’s 30th birthday.
Impressive orchestra: André Rieu established his Johann Strauss Orchestra in 1987 with just 12 members. Today it is the biggest privately owned orchestra in the world, with as many as 60 members on very large stages.
Lofty ambitions: André still has big plans. He wants to perform at the North Pole – and to become the first musician to give a concert on the Moon.
Sporting chance: André performed Shostakovich’s Waltz No 2 at the 1995 Champions League football semi-final, helping to make his name world-famous.