André Rieu, the Maestro of the Waltz, has revealed the surprising truth behind the unstoppable passion that has shaped his remarkable life: he takes only three days of holiday a year, lives entirely for music, and vows he will never retire. At 74, his eyes still spark with the fire of a dreamer — leaving audiences wondering how one soul can burn so brightly without ever fading.
The world-renowned Dutch violinist and conductor, who founded his legendary Johann Strauss Orchestra in 1987, has faced near-bankruptcy, health challenges, and decades of grueling touring. Yet none of it has slowed him down — not even for a moment.
Speaking from his castle in Maastricht while preparing for his upcoming London shows, Rieu shared that his mind is already overflowing with ideas for future tours.
“Every year my wife and family, we go three days to Rome and that’s it, our break,” he said proudly. “The rest of the year, I love to play music. I will never take a break and never stop! I will never retire.”
Two unforgettable nights at OVO Arena Wembley
Rieu is set to return to the UK with his 60-piece orchestra and a lineup of hand-selected guest vocalists for two spectacular performances at the OVO Arena Wembley on May 15 and May 18.
He spoke with great affection about London audiences:
“They are fantastic… they suck every note out of my violin and my orchestra. Their humour and wit — it’s wonderful to play for them.”
Rieu contrasted his shows with traditional classical concerts:
“People usually look at the programme — what conductor, what symphony, should I go? But with my concerts, people know André and his orchestra are coming. They don’t know what we will do at all, but they buy the tickets because they know they will have an evening they will never forget. And that makes me very proud.”
“Three hours of pure joy”
Rieu promises that every audience member will be transported:
“For three hours, they will forget everything else. They go home, and they need at least two weeks to come back down to earth again.”
The same is true for him — after a concert, Rieu admits he can hardly sleep, his mind still buzzing with energy and emotion.
Lockdown: “It was torture!”
The Covid shutdown, which halted live performances worldwide, was especially difficult for him.
“It was torture!” he confessed. Unable to perform, unable to travel, and unable to connect with audiences, the maestro found himself restless.
But something unexpected happened: the sleepless nights led him to a surprising new passion.
“I remember very well that time. I cannot sleep after a concert — it’s very difficult. I hear that from other artists too. So I was always looking at baking tutorials on my iPhone… and that’s how I started to bake!”
Even in stillness, Rieu found a way to create — a testament to a man whose life is forever intertwined with rhythm, joy, and discovery.
And as long as he has breath, bow, and violin, one thing is certain: André Rieu has no intention of slowing down. Not now. Not ever.