André Rieu, the world’s most popular classical artist who is renowned for his energetic and festive live concerts, announces his UK tour “An unforgettable evening with André Rieu”. Violist/conductor Rieu will kick off his tour in Belfast, followed by 5 concerts in Glasgow, Manchester, New Castle, London and Birmingham in December 2012.

DANCING IN THE AISLES  "An unforgettable evening with André Rieu" will give fans what they’ve come to expect from Rieu's DVD's and TV-specials: the maestro conducting his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra and playing his world-famous Stradivarius violin to create a celebratory atmosphere, where fans are encouraged to get out of their seats and waltz in the aisles.

UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT  "My main goal, every concert, is for people to have an unforgettable night. I like to talk to my audience, interact with them and look them in the eyes. People can expect a colourful concert, with beautiful melodies, waltzes, surprises, balloons, the tenors and our lovely sopranos from South Africa, Australia and Brazil! I am really looking forward to visiting my fans in the UK again." said André Rieu.

BEST-SELLING LIVE ACT  Known as "The King of Waltz", André Rieu is one of the best-selling live acts in the world. Rieu has sold more than 30 million albums globally, and has broken all classical concert records, packing stadiums and arenas with more than 700,000 adoring fans each year.  André Rieu has currently 7 albums listed in the British music DVD top 40. Rieu's latest release "Fiesta Mexicana!" reached the number one position, leaving behind artists like Justin Bieber, Nirvana and Michael Jackson.

NEW ALBUM  Obviously more is required to keep his legions of new fans satisfied throughout the year – the new album, by André Rieu & The Johann Strauss Orchestra, entitled, ‘And The Waltz Goes On’, will be released in the UK on 7th November.

SIR ANTHONY HOPKINS  The CD, and DVD containing bonus behind-the-scenes material, is the title of a new waltz composed by the Oscar-winning actor Sir Anthony Hopkins. Surprisingly, the actor has written music for many years, but this waltz was written especially for André.  At the world-premier, which took place in Austria this summer, Sir Anthony said, “I’ve been a great admirer of André Rieu for several years... It’s a dream come true for me that Andre performed it with his orchestra”. André Rieu fans all over the world can enjoy Sir Anthony’s waltz time and time again, now that it has been immortalised on disc. Again, André Rieu displays both wit and his mastery as an arranger throughout the rest of the album. Not only are we treated to world-famous waltzes but also timeless classics such as Singing In The Rain and We’ll Meet Again.

IRRESISTIBLE LIVE SHOW  Fans across the country can see for themselves just why André Rieu is the biggest solo male touring artist in the world.  Conducting the Johann Strauss Orchestra with his violin bow – just like the composer himself – Rieu’s onstage charisma and rock-star demeanor make his live shows simply irresistible.  Tickets go on sale on Friday October 14th at 9am. Information available at: www.andrerieu.com

"An evening with André Rieu" featuring his Johann Strauss Orchestra

TOUR DATES:

December 10th 2012 8pm BELFAST Odyssey Arena

December 12th 2012 8pm GLASGOW SECC

December 14th 2012 8pm MANCHESTER MEN Arena

December 15th 2012 8pm NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Metro Radio Arena

December 16th 2012 7.30pm LONDON The O2

December 18th 2012 8pm BIRMINGHAM LG Arena

Our thanks to Deirdre for the article