Now, though, Rieu is sitting in the top 10 of the UK album chart with Forever Vienna, an impressive feat for a recording of traditional waltzes.
"There's a big audience out there who loves our music," Rieu told Sky News as he toasted his new success.
Rieu's attempts to put the showbiz back into classical may annoy some purists, but you can't deny the size of his ambitions.
Last year his huge stadium tour included two ice-skating rinks, a ballroom, flying angels, bagpipes and a horse-drawn carriage. The stage was even larger than U2's.
"It was the biggest touring set in the world" smiles Rieu proudly.
"We travelled with 500 people. That's madness, but it was fun to do, and it worked. Usually fun and classical music doesn't go together, I don't know why."
Thanks to his popularity in Australia, he even played his violin down Ramsay Street, during a cameo turn in Neighbours.
But it's his instinct for crowd-pleasing that has helped him sell more than 30 million albums, and earnt him the unlikely status as a classical sex symbol.
"Am I?" he laughs. "It's the way we play music, the way I make contact with the audience.
"That's what was always lacking in classical music. If you want to clap, then just do it."
Wow, thank you for this post. Our Andre is getting there!! He is bigger and better and the world is taking notice. Love the bit about being a "classical sex symbol". It is soooo true!!
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some years ago there was a film called dangerous moonlight in which the actor anton walbrook was playing on the pianoa piece of music called the warsar conncerto please would it be possible for you to revamp that piece of music with best wishes for a healthy new year lindamoxon[cinders]
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Was fortunate enough to attend the Dec. 3, 2010 concert in Los Angeles and loved it. Have been wanting to see one of his concerts for quite a while and my daughters surprised me with tickets this Dec, was thrilled. LoveVienese Waltzes.
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we have tickets for april cannot wait my wife has just had a major operation and this will be a fantastic tonic the music always brings tears to my eyes like no other orchestra can!!. Best wishes on your recovery Andre.
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