André Rieu

André Rieu, a violinist and conductor, gained recognition in the late 1980s for his focus on light classics and Viennese salon music, reminiscent of a bygone era. Born into a musical family, Rieu began studying violin at age five and pursued formal training at the Conservatorium Maastricht and the Music Academy in Brussels, earning his degree from the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. In 1978, he founded the Maastrict Salon Orchestra before establishing the Johann Strauss Orchestra in 1988, aiming to re-create the ambiance of 19th-century Strauss performances by conducting and playing the violin simultaneously.

Rieu's dedication to engaging audiences through his performances has garnered widespread acclaim, leading to sold-out concerts across Europe and the United States. With a diverse discography that spans classical works, folk music, pop tunes, and pieces from soundtracks and musical theater, Rieu has achieved international success, solidifying his position as one of the world's most prominent male touring artists by the late 2000s.