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Andre Leon Marie Nicolas Rieu is a Dutch conductor, violinist and composer. He is the conductor of the Johann Strauss Orchestra which he founded. Andre Rieu plays a Stradivarius violin that was built in 1667.

Andre says: "Even as a child, I was fascinated by the world of music. My father was a conductor, (of the Maastricht Symphony Orchestra) and I remember the huge orchestra and the wonderful sound it made." In 1987, he created his own orchestra, the Johann Strauss Orchestra. The Orchestra began in 1987 with 12 members, but currently performs with between 40 and 50 musicians, dancers and singers.

Encouraged by the audience's reaction to some of his performances, Andre decided to concentrate on the waltz form. Rieu and his orchestra have performed throughout Europe, in North America, Australia and Japan. They have won numerous awards including two World Music Awards, and their recordings have gone gold and platinum in many countries.

Andre says, "You know that solemn atmosphere you find in the concert hall with classical music, and how it intimidates most people and keeps them away? With us, it is simply not there. My orchestra consists of young, enthusiastic musicians, who put their heart and soul into the music every evening when they play in our concerts. 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."

Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra maintain a busy tour schedule and their tour stops include Atlantic City.

*** Watch for Andre Rieu! You can use the "ticketnetwork" banner on the right to search for Andre Rieu's tour schedule, and to see when he will be coming to Atlantic City, or to a city near you.