André Rieu speaks ahead Birmingham gig

André's pre-Christmas show was called off due to a long-term member of the Johann Strauss Orchestra suffering a severe heart attack on the Saturday prior to his show.

André says: "My orchestra and I have been overwhelmed by the support and love that we have received from all our friends and fans around the world. We would like to thank you from the bottom of our heart for your understanding."

Dutch violinist André is best-known for creating the waltz-playing Johann Strauss Orchestra, turning classical and waltz music into a globally successful act.

He began studying violin at the age of five and has received numerous awards including the Order of the Netherlands Lion by the Netherlands, the Knight of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France, and the Honorary Medal by his native Province of Limburg.

He says: "It's my heart that tells me what to do. I started playing the violin when I was five years old and have never stopped since. I could not live without music in my life – music gives me so much energy and joy. And with my concerts I want to pass this energy and joy on to my audience and communicate with them. I think communication is one of the secrets.

"My concerts are not like the usual 'stiff' classical concerts. I wanted to make something totally different."

André has experienced so many highs and lows during his career that it's difficult to pick out a single event as his favourite.

"From my private life I would say the birth of our two sons. But from my career – that's really difficult to tell. Every night is special. The first time I performed in Vienna, our concerts in front of Schönbrunn castle and the Hofburg, the first tour in the UK – all very special and dear concerts to me.

"And, of course, the world Stadium Tour with a replica of Schönbrunn castle – I took that to Australia and we played in front of 43.000 people, it was absolutely amazing, and unbelievable. I also remember a special we did in Tuscany, in Cortona, which was simply one of the most romantic places I ever went."

His work has taken him around the world and he enjoys travelling. However, life on the road isn't quite as glamorous as some fans might think. So, like most people, he looks forward to having a little holiday time in between tours.

"Yes, I enjoy travelling but unfortunately while on tour I only get to see the airport, the hotel and the venue. For a holiday my wife and I go to Italy every year. Both of us adore the country and the Italian way of life. It's full of love and romance, and isn't Venice the most romantic city in the world?"

André's home town is Maastricht and it remains special to him. He enjoys its small town feel and wouldn't want to live in one of the world's biggest cities.

"I was born and raised in Maastricht, it's my hometown.

"I could never live in a big city like New York, Paris or Tokyo. I would not be able to relax. Here I have this beautiful little castle, my gardens and I can fully enjoy my free time in quiet. It's also the perfect place to visit, full of history and lovely houses and nice restaurants. If you have a chance you should definitely come here."

The musician's breakthrough came with his breakthrough record Strauss & Co, which kick-started his stratospheric rise in 1994. Since then, he has received more than 400 Platinum and 171 Gold Awards.

He has a huge following in the UK and made chart history in 2010 when his album Forever Vienna reached Number Two in the UK charts as well as going straight in at Number One in the Classical Charts. No other violinist – not even Nigel Kennedy – has made such an impact on the charts.

André's glad to be back on the road after calling off his Birmingham gig in December and fans can look forward to a passionate performance.

"I think it's a mix. Every night, we play with our hearts and I choose the program very carefully. A song has to touch my heart and then I know it will touch yours, too. When I am on stage I try to communicate with the audience and to involve them. I make jokes, I invite them to dance etc . . .

"I see myself not only as a violinist, but also as a conductor and entertainer. Classical music is so beautiful and can be so entertaining. And of course my orchestra is so joyful. We laugh a lot. They wear beautiful dresses. And it's true, yes, the atmosphere is completely different from a typical 'stiff' classical concert."

"The British audience is very special because they have their heart open right from the start. They are 'there'. It's fantastic for any artist to play in the UK. In Japan they sit very quiet and polite and listen and then during the encores they explode. But in the UK I can feel the energy from the audience the moment I step out on stage."