André Rieu returns to Ireland this week as part of world tour
Mark Casserly
André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra return to Ireland this week as part of their 2025 World Tour with performances in Belfast and Dublin.
The world-renowned Dutch violinist and conductor has over 40 million albums sold, more than 500 platinum awards, and more than half a million spectators worldwide annually.
Recently, on St Patrick's Day, Rieu's official YouTube channel uploaded the full concert from his 2022 performance in the 3 Arena. The video has been viewed by almost 700,000 people in just two weeks.
''It's always a special experience for me to perform in the UK and Ireland. I love the energy and enthusiasm of the fans there and I'm really looking forward to the upcoming tour. It will be one to remember,'' said Rieu in a recent interview.
Rieu's incomparable concerts are known not only for the music, but also for his humorous showmanship, elaborate costumes, opulent stage decorations and marvellous lighting effects. His orchestra comprises 50 to 60 players from a wide range of nationalities.
Rieu began studying violin at the age of five and went on to study violin in his teens and 20s in his hometown of Maastricht and the Belgian cities of Liège and Brussels.
During this time he also married his wife Marjorie, and they have been together both personally and professionally for almost 50 years.
Rieu's music has become a family business. Marjorie works with Rieu to help create his tours, the sets, the costumes and decide on the venues. They have two sons, with one of them, Pierre, working as vice-president of Andre Rieu Productions.
Speaking about his family in his biography, Rieu said: "For at least the last 20 years, my personal life has been so bound up with my work that the story of my personal life would sound pretty much the same as the story of my career - especially as my wife Marjorie has been so closely involved from the start."
Wanting to change how classical music is enjoyed, Rieu set about making his performances full of fun. "At one of our concerts you'll see me and the orchestra, and the audience too, all having a lot of fun together. Swaying with the music, humming along, clapping, jumping up and down - it all happens. Every evening is a wonderful experience, and in my view, there couldn't be a greater pleasure for a musician."
André Rieu plays the SSE Arena in Belfast on Thursday, April 10th and the 3 Arena in Dublin on Friday, April 11th and Saturday, April 12th.