André Rieu & the Johann Strauss Orchestra. Career A Dutch violinist, conductor and showman, Rieu has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. Billboard ranked his 2011 tour as the 9th highest grossing tour of the year, just behind Lady Gaga. He has broken all classical concert records, packing stadiums and arenas with more than 700,000 adoring fans each year. Rieu has sold over 32 million albums globally and received 330 platinum awards for his albums. With his natural charisma, Rieu conducts his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra and plays his 1732 Stradivarius violin to create a celebratory atmosphere. Biography 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. Philosophy 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. Social http://www.andrerieu.com http://www.facebook.com/andrerieu http://www.twitter.com/andrerieu http://www.youtube.com/andrerieuTV