André Rieu: Things you never knew including his concerts, wife and net worth
The Dutch violinist has captivated international audiences, bringing the glamour of the Viennese ballroom to millions across the world. But how much do you really know about André Rieu, King of the Waltz?
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1. André and Marjorie Rieu
André Rieu has been married to Marjorie for 40 years (as he told us in an exclusive Valentine's Day video – link below). She rarely appears in public with André and once said in an interview that she doesn't want to be defined by her husband.
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2. André Rieu doesn't listen to music
He never listens to music to relax – he’d much rather sleep, because he spends so much time listening to music as part of his job.
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3. André Rieu's net worth
André Rieu currently has a net worth of $40 million dollars. However, he previously admitted that the lavish £24 million fairy tale castle he designed for his 2008 concert in Schönbrunn, Vienna, left him bankrupt.
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4. André Rieu's concerts and how to get tickets
André Rieu will be performing in Maastricht, The Netherlands, for a number of dates throughout July 2018. His tour will continue around the world for the remainder of the year, coming to the UK in December 2018.
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5. André Rieu at the North Pole?
He’d like to play a concert at the North Pole to publicise the effects of global warming. Despite not earning any money from the concert, he’s keen to expose the magic of the waltz to the local polar bears. “I love bears,” he said, “and I think when they hear the Danube the polar bears will dance."
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6. André Rieu on the moon
If the North Pole concert can't go ahead, Rieu has set his sights on an even more ambitious project. He’d like Richard Branson to build a concert hall on the moon, so people will one day be able to waltz in space.
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7. André Rieu, Catholic priest
As a boy, Rieu wanted to be a Catholic priest. Despite no longer being Catholic, he feels the kind nature of a priest enables him to communicate with his audience.
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8. André Rieu's fans
André continues to inspire fans across the world with his unique waltz performances – including one balloon artist who presented the star with a balloon sculpture of himself on a recent tour!
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9. André Rieu, a medical marvel
Since he started performing on stage more than 30 years ago until 2016, André never got ill. He even went to the doctor because he was so concerned, but the doctor allegedly said: “Mr Rieu, you are a miracle. Your heart beats in ¾ time.” No wonder he is so good at waltzing.
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10. André Rieu's castle in Maastricht
After visiting a castle in Maastricht for his childhood piano lessons, André Rieu dreamed that one day he would fill it with chandeliers and paintings, and live in it. That dream is now a reality, and the star holds his interviews and receives his guests at the Castle 'de Torentjes’, but also has a private haven with his wife, Marjorie.
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11. André Rieu speaks six langauges
André likes to communicate with his international fans. He can speak six different languages including Dutch, English, German, French, Italian and Spanish.
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12. André Rieu's Stradivarius violin
André started playing the violin at the age of five, and plays a 1667 Stradivarius violin.
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13. André Rieu on Neighbours
André clearly has a sense of humour. He once made a cameo appearance as himself on Ramsay Street in the long-running Australian soap opera Neighbours.
