Andre Rieu, often referred to as the “King of the Waltz,” is a Dutch violinist and conductor renowned for his ability to bring classical music to the masses. Born on October 1, 1949, in Maastricht, Netherlands, Rieu has become a global phenomenon, transforming the perception of classical music through his engaging performances and innovative approach.
Table of Contents
Who is Andre Rieu?
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Andre Léon Marie Nicolas Rieu |
| Age | 75 years |
| Family/ Parents | Andries Antonie Rieu (father) and Alice Christina Maria Kleijntjens (mother) |
| Songs | The Blue Danube Waltz, The Second Waltz, Boléro, My Heart Will Go On, Edelweiss, The Radetzky March, You’ll Never Walk Alone, Nun’s Chorus (Nonnenchor), Komm, Zigany, and The Music of the Night |
| Wife | Marjorie Rieu |
| Sons/ Children | Marc and Pierre |
| Net Worth | $60 million |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) |
| Health | Viral infection of the vestibular nerve |
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Andre Rieu Age and Education
Rieu was born into a family steeped in musical tradition. He is the third of six children in a Roman Catholic household, with his father, Andries Antonie Rieu, serving as the conductor of the Maastricht Symphony Orchestra. This environment fostered Andre’s early love for music. He began studying the violin at the tender age of five demonstrating prodigious talent that would shape his future career.
Rieu pursued formal education in music at various prestigious institutions. He attended the Conservatoire Royal in Liège and later studied at the Conservatorium Maastricht. His education continued at the Music Academy in Brussels from 1974 to 1977 under the tutelage of Andre Gertier.
After graduating with the prestigious “Premier Prix” distinction, Rieu married his childhood sweetheart, Marjorie Kochmann, in 1975. Growing up in a household filled with classical music, Rieu developed a fascination with orchestras and waltz music. His formative years were marked by exposure to the works of composers such as Johann Strauss II and Franz Lehár, which would later influence his career significantly.
Early Career With Johann Strauss Orchestra
After completing his formal education, Rieu began performing professionally and formed his first orchestra, the Maastricht Salon Orchestra, in 1978. In 1987, after years of honing his craft and performing with various ensembles, Rieu founded the Johann Strauss Orchestra. Initially comprising just 12 members, the orchestra was established with a vision to revive the waltz and make classical music more accessible and enjoyable to a broader audience.
The orchestra’s first concert took place on January 1, 1988. Rieu envisioned creating a musical experience that was accessible and enjoyable to a broad audience, breaking away from the often solemn atmosphere associated with classical music concerts.
Rieu’s approach to performance is characterized by an emphasis on entertainment and audience engagement. Unlike traditional classical concerts that often maintain a solemn atmosphere, Rieu’s concerts are lively events where audience participation is encouraged. His unique style combines classical works with popular tunes and folk music, creating an inviting atmosphere that resonates with diverse audiences.
Rieu’s innovative production style has turned classical music into a worldwide touring phenomenon. He has performed across Europe, North and South America, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Notably, his tours have included spectacular stage setups such as life-size replicas of historical landmarks.
Breakthrough Success
Rieu’s career took a significant turn in 1995 during a performance at a Champions League football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Bayern Munich. He played Shostakovich’s “The Second Waltz” during halftime, captivating the audience and turning him into an overnight sensation. This performance marked a pivotal moment in his career; he sold over 200,000 CDs shortly thereafter, surpassing even Michael Jackson’s sales in the Netherlands that year.
Following this breakthrough, Rieu released his first major album, From Holland with Love, in 1994. The album topped charts in the Netherlands and remained in the top ten for over a year. This success laid the foundation for his future endeavors, leading to over 40 million records sold worldwide.
Throughout his career, Rieu has released over 40 million recordings worldwide. His discography includes numerous platinum-selling albums and DVDs that span various genres such as classical music, pop, folk, soundtracks, and musical theatre. Some of his most notable recordings include “From Holland With Love” (1996), “The Vienna I Love” (1998), “100 Years of Strauss” (2004), and “And The Waltz Goes On” (2011), which features a waltz composed by actor Sir Anthony Hopkins.
Rieu’s recordings have not only achieved commercial success but have also garnered critical acclaim. He has received multiple awards throughout his career, including several Classic BRIT Awards for Album of the Year. Additionally, Andre has been awarded over 500 platinum awards for his recordings worldwide.
Moreover, Andre holds records as one of the highest-grossing classical artists in Billboard’s Boxscore history. His impact extends beyond just record sales; he has redefined how classical music is perceived by younger generations. By blending genres and creating an engaging concert experience, Rieu has successfully attracted new audiences to classical music—a feat many thought impossible given the genre’s declining popularity.
Andre Rieu Wife and Personal Life
Andre has had a long and fulfilling relationship with his wife, Marjorie Rieu. Andre Rieu married Marjorie Kochmann in 1975. Marjorie is a language teacher and has contributed to Andre’s musical career by writing compositions for him. Their marriage has lasted for over 50 years as of 2025.
The couple has two sons; Marc and Pierre. They have also welcomed five grandchildren into their family, showcasing a vibrant family life alongside Andre’s demanding career. Andre and Marjorie reside in a historic castle known as “de Torentjes” in Maastricht, Netherlands.
This castle was built in 1492 and holds personal significance for Andre, as he attended piano lessons there during his childhood. Marjorie prefers to maintain a low profile and rarely publicly appears with Andre. She has expressed her desire not to be defined solely by her husband’s fame.
Andre attributes the success of their long-lasting marriage to mutual trust, shared humor, and the freedom they allow each other. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying life together and maintaining open communication despite his busy touring schedule.
Andre Rieu Net Worth and Concert Sales
As of 2025, estimates of Andre Rieu’s net worth vary significantly across sources, ranging from $40 million to $450 million. The most commonly cited figure is approximately $60 million. This wealth has been accumulated through various streams, primarily from his successful music career spanning over four decades.
Rieu’s concerts are a major source of income, with earnings per concert estimated between $1 million and $2 million depending on the venue and attendance. His tours have collectively grossed over $550 million, making him one of the highest-grossing classical artists globally. He has sold over 40 million albums worldwide, contributing significantly to his financial success.
His ability to blend classical music with engaging performances has broadened his audience, resulting in high album sales. Moreover, revenue from concert merchandise, including CDs, DVDs, and exclusive memorabilia, adds millions to his annual income. This includes branded items and exclusive concert souvenirs.
Ticket prices for Andre Rieu’s concerts typically range from $60 to over $250, depending on the venue and seating options. His concerts are known for their elaborate staging and engaging performances, making them a popular choice for audiences worldwide. In 2018, Rieu’s tour was marked as the most successful year of his career, selling 700,000 tickets across 90 concerts in 21 countries.
The tour grossed approximately €46.7 million ($52.4 million), showcasing his ability to attract large audiences globally. Rieu’s World Stadium Tour in 2008 sold 714,617 tickets and grossed around $76.9 million, placing him among the top ten touring acts that year. This tour featured an extravagant stage setup, including a full-size reproduction of Empress Sisi’s Castle, which captivated audiences and contributed to its success.
In 2009, Rieu performed 112 concerts across four continents, selling over 834,000 tickets and grossing nearly $96 million. This tour further solidified his status as a leading figure in the classical music scene. Rieu sold more than 500,000 tickets in 2019 alone, with significant sales in Germany and Portugal.
His concerts at Lisbon’s Altice Arena were particularly noteworthy, where he became the most successful solo artist to perform at the venue. Furthermore, Andre is known for smart investments in real estate and stocks. Additionally, he owns a record label and a music publishing company, which contribute to his income.
Rieu’s lifestyle reflects his success in the music industry. He is known for his philanthropic efforts, having donated millions to various charities. His investments include luxury properties and high-value items like a multi-million-dollar Stradivarius violin, showcasing his appreciation for fine craftsmanship.
Andre Rieu Illness and Health History
In early 2024, Rieu suffered from a viral infection of the vestibular nerve, which forced him to cancel his sold-out UK/Ireland and Australia/New Zealand tour dates. He expressed deep regret over this decision, stating he was “heartbroken” not to perform for his fans but expected to make a full recovery soon.
Also in 2024, shortly after a successful start to his tour in Mexico City, Rieu experienced an acute attack of flu accompanied by fever. This illness led to the cancellation of four out of six scheduled concerts in Mexico. His son Pierre mentioned that the combination of jet lag and the high altitude of Mexico City contributed to his father’s illness.
In 2010, Rieu developed a viral ear infection, which affected his balance and required him to take time off from performing. This incident marked a significant moment in his career as it was one of the few times he had to cancel performances due to health issues.
FAQs About Andre Rieu
How rich is Andre Rieu?
As of 2025, estimates of Andre Rieu’s net worth vary significantly across sources, ranging from $40 million to $450 million. The most commonly cited figure is approximately $60 million.
Is Andre Rieu still alive?
Andre is alive and in good health. As of January 2025, Rieu is on a tour in Germany.
How old is André Rieu?
As of January 2025, Andre is 75 years of age.
Why is André Rieu so popular?
Andre is a Dutch violinist and conductor renowned for his ability to bring classical music to the masses.
When did André Rieu become ill?
In early 2024, Rieu suffered from a viral infection of the vestibular nerve, which forced him to cancel his sold-out UK/Ireland and Australia/New Zealand tour dates.
Is André Rieu still married to his wife?
Andre has had a long and fulfilling relationship with his wife, Marjorie Rieu. Andre Rieu married Marjorie Kochmann in 1975.