André Rieu Does Not Need To Be Successful in Russia Yet

André Rieu Does Not Need To Be Successful in Russia Yet

Wednesday April 16, 2014: André Rieu does not need to be on the fast road to success in Russia yet. The violinist, who is still a rather unknown there, is trying to very quietly waltz into this country. "Since I am going to live to 120, there is still plenty of time for that" says the 64 year old Rieu.

The musician has already been performing in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and South America. "A year only has 365 days, and this year I will turn 65. Currently we perform about 120 concert in a year," Rieu explains. "Many more concerts is just not possible. If we do not make it this year, than there is always next year."

Last week Rieu tried to bring China to their feet. Tuesday and Saturday the violinist was on stage in that country and hopes that these shows will be the beginning of a successful career in Asia. "I would enjoy being able to perform here more frequently. When I am here, we try to promote us as much as possible." The king of the waltz also hopes that his concerts will be televised in Asia. "That is the most important that needs to happen."

Very Exciting

The first performances in China were very exciting for Rieu. "You never know how the people are going to react, and whether they like what we do or not," he further explains. According to the violinist, the Chinese fans seemed to enjoy themselves. "I did not know what to expect from the public, especially not in China. But the worries were in vain."

Rieu finds the public's energy very important when he is on stage. "I stand in contrast to a regular director, not with my back to the public, but face them. I see the public the entire evening and they see me," he explains."The interaction with them is crucial in the success of the evening. And every evening it is again exciting when we are able to achieve that."

Although the violinist was excited to perform in China, the preparations for the concerts were nothing more than normal. "Just to ensure that I was one hundred percent in charge."

And the nerves are always present with Rieu. "I always ask myself before I go on stage why I never learned a trade. Still even before the home concerts on the Vrijthof." 

©Translation by John, and thanks to Ineke for sending us this article.