André Rieu makes chart history

Showman violinist André Rieu has made chart history by reaching No.4 in the UK Pop Charts with an album of waltz tunes, which has also become the fastest-selling instrumental album of the century so far!

'Moonlight Serenade' achieved record-breaking sales figures by going Gold within 24 hours of release.

Only three new releases, by Take That, Rihanna and Susan Boyle, have managed to chart higher than the violinist. The Dutch violinist-conductor fought off stiff competition from ‘The Boss’ Bruce Springsteen, Cheryl Cole, James Blunt and Katy Perry.

Gennaro Castaldo, a spokesman for HMV said: "This musical phenomenon is quite unlike anything else in the entertainment world. The rise of André Rieu has been truly remarkable - and with his new album likely to feature in the Christmas Top 10, he'll be a household name before long."

André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra have confirmed a UK Arena Tour for April 2011. The self-styled 'King of the Waltz' has also announced plans to perform at the North Pole!
"People from each country will come and we will all play and sing together to get attention for global warming and the fact that the North Pole belongs to us all. I would very much like for the polar bears to waltz", says Rieu.

Special gloves are being designed to allow André and the orchestra to play their instruments in sub-zero temperatures and protect against hypothermia, frostbite and reduced muscle flexibility.