Conductor: André Rieu
Many Grannies have proclaimed that André Rieu is a wonderful man and “puts on a good show”. This is one of those occasions when we should trust them. What a show.
From the sumptuous stage with gorgeous flowers, to the stunning princess worthy dresses of all the female singers and musicians. From the top hats to the fantastically fitting backdrops. This is a big budget production with all the shimmer and shine you can dream of in a perfect night out. The set list includes well known songs such as The Impossible Dream and I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady, to name just a few well-loved classics.
The Johann Strauss Orchestra has been touring with Rieu for 40 years, two of the musicians are still the originals who rehearsed with him in his children’s cold school hall back at the very start. The orchestra contains musicians from around the world, from 18 different countries in fact, although the brass section are all from Rieu’s home of Maastricht.
As well as being extremely talented musicians many of them are good actors as well, playing comedic roles during some of the pieces. Ludwig Biegel on the zither was eyeing up a violinist when not playing during Strauss’ Tales from the Vienna Woods for example. He was hilarious during the piece, looking fed up when his part did not start until some way into the tune, and then using his hanky to pay his sweaty brow after finally playing for a short time.
André Rieu himself is amazing, playing violin, conducting the orchestra, introducing the soloists and telling stories between the music and explaining the history of his impressive concerts. One of his singers is Ukrainian and sings a beautiful Ukrainian song, later a soprano called Anna sings an aria about the fear of the man she loves not returning from the war and Rieu says he wishes all the silly people starting wars would listen and stop the fighting immediately. He talks about the healing power of music and the fact it’s always there for us, seeing us through the hardest times. We also get the fairy tale story of Michel Tirabosco and how he became a famous, and simply amazing, pan pipe player.
Rieu explains he is often asked what his secret is, how he chooses songs and musicians and he tells us he follows his heart. If someone or something touches his heart he knows it will touch the hearts of his audience. He is not wrong, there was a lot of joy and love spread through the giant arena. The audience are pulled into the show from the beginning when the orchestra enter the room down the aisles from the back to the stage, waving happily on the way past. Later there is a snowy backdrop and white confetti falls from the ceiling like real snowfall. During Strauss’ Blue Danube various couples get up for a waltz. At the end people leave the arena with “snow” in their hair, some clutching balloons, all with a smile from the music that touched their hearts. A show not to be missed, even if it is “not your cup of tea”, the set list includes pieces to touch the hearts of us all.
Reviewed on 9th September 2026 | Image: Dod Morrison Photography
