He may be best known as the world’s top-selling classical musician, with over 40 million albums sold and more than 15 million fans attending his concerts, but André Rieu has his eyes on something even bigger. After conquering the grandest stages on Earth, the celebrated Dutch conductor and violinist now dreams of performing on the Moon.
Rieu, who leads the largest privately owned orchestra in the world, isn’t joking about this cosmic ambition. In fact, he’s already been in touch with entrepreneur Richard Branson about the possibility. “I’m thinking big and Richard’s thinking big too,” Rieu said with a smile. “He told me he’s planning to build a hotel on the Moon, and I promised I’d be the first to perform there. I’m ready, but he’s taking his time. I want to play The Blue Danube up there.”
At 70, Rieu looks and feels younger than ever, a change he attributes to giving up alcohol nearly two years ago. “I was halfway through a glass of wine and realized I wasn’t enjoying it. That was it—I stopped, and I haven’t looked back. I feel clearer, more energized, even happier,” he shared. Though he jokes about the six high-end wine coolers now left unused, he’s content with the decision.
Though Rieu once faced financial strain—including a failed castle renovation that nearly bankrupted him—he now enjoys financial peace. His Johann Strauss Orchestra, which costs around a million pounds a month to operate, is one of the most successful touring acts globally. Yet his success hasn’t made him detached. He remains grounded, devoted to his family, especially his wife of 44 years, Marjorie, who manages much of the behind-the-scenes operations from their home in Maastricht.
Still passionate about his music, Rieu performs with a rare 1667 Stradivarius violin, which he describes not as a possession, but as a treasure he’s honored to play and protect. His latest album, Happy Days, reflects his enduring optimism and his belief that music, much like leadership, should bring people joy.
As for the future? “I always used to say the sky’s the limit,” Rieu says. “But now, it’s the Moon. I’m not done dreaming yet.”