LAID low last year with a viral infection, Andre Rieu did the unthinkable: he stopped performing.

But the Dutch fiddle maestro was never going to be off the podium for long. Rieu and his classical caravan waltz into Melbourne next week for a Celebration of Music Tour, with fans being promised "a night they will never forget".

Q. Have you fully recovered from your illness?

A: Ja. My doctor said to me, 'You know, Andre, there is only one remedy. Lie down and rest'. That's not my specialty -- I'm always on the road, I'm always jumping around on stage -- but I did. I rested. And I feel even better than before.

Q. How did you fill in the hours?

A. I actually composed a lot. The melodies came out of my head so easily.

Q. Anything else?

A. I made a list with (wife) Marjorie of all the things we were doing that were not necessary. Good for others but not good for me. I was simply doing too much.

Q. So, falling ill had its upside?

A. It was a good thing to happen. After three months lying down, I call this my new life.

Q. How did you get The Seekers involved in your latest Australian tour?

A. Last time I flew to Australia, I heard this song I Am, You Are, We Are Australian and liked it very much. I asked who sang this and was told The Seekers. So I phoned them and asked if they would like to join me (on stage). They said: 'This is not possible, we are not together for seven years'. 'Then you come together again,' I said. And they did.

Q. You're a persuasive man.

A. Ja. An incurable optimist.

Q. Are there any instruments you wish you could play?

A. Starting out, I learnt to play the violin, the trumpet, the piano ... but the violin won, you know. I had an 18-year-old blonde girl as my first teacher and I fell in love with her immediately. That was it.

Q. Do you ever listen to your own music?

A. Never. Once it's OK and recorded, that's it.

Q. What about other people's music?

A. For me there is only good music and bad music. So I listen to everything. Michael Jackson, I'm a great admirer of his. Bruce Springsteen, Madonna.

Q. Can we call you a showman?

A. Certainly I know how to make a great program -- perhaps that's showmanship -- but a show, to me, is Broadway where every night it's completely the same. My show is constantly changing.

Q. What is the best advice you've been given?

A. Try to have fun. Not just on stage but in general. We don't have enough.

Q. Have you had to sacrifice anything for your creative life?

A. No. Only saying goodbye to Marjorie when I have to leave again and go on tour.