André Rieu

At the helm of his world-famous Johann Strauss Orchestra, Dutch violinist impresario André Rieu transforms classical music into polished popular entertainment. Born in 1949, the year his father began conducting the Maastricht Symphony Orchestra, Rieu started studying violin at the age of five. After his conservatory training, he worked with the Maastricht Salon Orchestra, for whom he conducted on his 1984 debut album, Serenata. In 1987, Rieu created the Johann Strauss Orchestra, its 12 original members eventually expanding to more than 50, including featured vocalists and a female chorus. In person, the orchestra mixes up classical favorites such as Ravel's Boléro and, of course, Strauss' "Blue Danube Waltz" with orchestrated pop hits like "Happy Together" and "Memories" from Cats. On stage, his musicians jump and sway to the music as Rieu presides, Stradivarius in hand, before vivid visual backgrounds. (Christmas shows are especially spectacular.) Rieu has offered thematic tributes to nationalities, holidays, cinematic successes, and romance, in addition to the light and lively classical sounds of the past 300 years.