Soon To Be André Rieu The Actor?

After Winning Melbourne's Heart, André Rieu Violinist Lands Role on Neighbours an Australian Television Soap That's Filmed in Melbourne

Colin Vickery, Luke Dennehy Herald Sun
November 17, 2008

ANDRE Rieu is heading to Ramsay St.The superstar violinist will film a guest appearance on Aussie soapie Neighbours in the near future. Rieu has accepted an invitation to appear on the popular series, filmed in Melbourne, after featuring the theme to Neighbours in his Australian concerts.

Word of the new starring role came as he bade farewell to Melbourne after a record 38,605 people saw him perform at Docklands stadium on Saturday night after concerts on Thursday and Friday. Almost 90,000 people saw him perform over the three nights.

"I had to catch myself on Friday night as my emotions took over and tears streamed down my face as we performed Waltzing Matilda," Rieu told the Herald Sun. "Saturday's concert was also a world record for me. "We played to 38,605 people, simply the biggest audience I have played to in my life. "It was an overwhelming experience and my spine tingles at the thought of it."

A keen Neighbours fan, Rieu is in Australia until December 5 and is keen to appear on the show as soon as possible.
"In Europe we've loved to watch it (Neighbours)," Rieu said.
"It's helped us fall in love with what we would consider to be an Australian way of life - laid back, happy and warm-hearted."

Rieu was invited to be on the show by Neighbours executive producer Susan Bower and she received an immediate "yes" from him.

Rieu's Melbourne concert on Saturday night was only second in popularity on pay-per-view Foxtel channel Main Event to the May 2006 Anthony Mundine-Danny Green boxing match.

At times Rieu stopped to take it all in.
"To have been so embraced has been humbling," he said.
"I truly feel as if I am an Australian citizen."

The Dutch superstar last night was on his way to Adelaide to continue his record-breaking Australian tour. The success of his concerts is sure to translate into even more sales on the classical and DVD music charts. Yesterday he had a record 11 DVDs in the top 40 in Australia. (Photo by Peggy)