INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR ANDRÉ RIEU TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM ‘WALTZING FOREVER’ ON OCT. 14
“KING OF THE WALTZ” CELEBRATES US TRADITIONS ON NEW ALBUM AND
INTRODUCES NEW AMERICAN INSPIRED COMPOSITION
Los Angeles, CA – July 11, 2016 – International superstar André Rieu will release his brand new album “Waltzing Forever” on October 14 via Universal Music Group’s UMe label. “Waltzing Forever” is a special collection of some of the most beautiful and enchanting waltzes ever written, including Strauss’ The Blue Danube, Roses From the South, Shostakovich’s Second Waltz, Moon River, Tennessee Waltz and two exciting new works – a hit-packed all-american medley, and a specially composed waltz, to commemorate this special made-for-america album. Rieu will launch a major U.S. tour in 2017 bringing his spectacular concert experience to American audiences. Preorder the album here.
“My love-affair with America began over 20 years ago,” said Rieu. “I am thrilled to return and bring my music, once again, to the American people. On my brand new album, I’ll play the most famous and fantastic waltzes in the world, beginning with, of course, the beautiful Blue Danube.”
A musical phenomenon around the globe, Rieu has been wildly successful in his lifelong mission to broaden the appeal of classical music and share it with the masses. The Dutch-born violinist and orchestra leader, known as “The King of the Waltz,” is one of the best-selling classical musicians of all time, and one of the most popular musicians in Europe, period. He has sold over 40 million albums and DVDs and notched 30 No. 1 chart positions worldwide. As leader of his own Johann Strauss Orchestra, the largest private orchestra in the world with 60 members, Rieu has played for more than 15 million people. In the first half of 2009, he was the world’s most successful male touring artist, and the sixth top-grossing live act just below U2, Madonna, and Bruce Springsteen, and above Britney Spears and Coldplay. That same year, Rieu played to his biggest audience ever, over 43,000 people in Melbourne.
“André Rieu is a phenomenal artist and classical musician who has had unprecedented success around the globe both with his beautiful recordings and incredible concert experiences,” says Bruce Resnikoff, President/CEO, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe). “We are very excited and privileged to bring his vision and music to North American audiences.”
Like his idol Johann Strauss, Rieu thumbs his nose at the conventions of classical music. During his concerts, he tells stories and indulges in his own very special brand of comedy, in between performing some of the most beautiful waltzes in the world, along with hits from musicals and films, and beloved popular and romantic songs from across the decades. His audiences remain wildly enthusiastic about the repertoire and his unique performance and entertainment style – from Australia to Austria, and South Africa to San Paolo. Last July, Rieu captured the magic of his concert experience by filming his annual summer performance in his hometown of Maastricht and broadcasting it live to cinemas throughout Europe. It became the first concert film ever to earn more than £1 million at the box office in a single day, beating a previous record set by One Direction.
Rieu will launch a major U.S. tour in 2017 bringing his spectacular concert experience to American audiences. Tour dates to be announced a later date.