THE biggest classical artist in the world, André Rieu, will be returning to South Africa in August for a third consecutive year. This time, the maestro and his Johann Strauss Orchestra will bring their special brand of music to his fans in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

Over 90 000 South African fans have attended his sold-out tours over the past two years and still, there is no slowing down for the King of Waltz.

Universal Music also handed over a Platinum award to Rieu during his Sun City concerts last year for My African Dream, which has already sold in excess of 25 000 units in South Africa.

“The André Rieu catalogue has sold over 400 000 units in South Africa and he has been our top-selling DVD artist for the past five years, generating 10 platinum and 14 Gold Awards. His most current album Roses of the South is fast approaching Gold status, and looks set to be one of his biggest sellers.

It is indeed a great honour to work with such a creative and prolific artist such as André Rieu, and experience the warmth and love the South African fans show at these sell-out shows,” says marketing director for Universal Records Steve Harris.

It is not just in South Africa that the chart-topping, Dutch violinist and conductor is making waves. Known as the King of Waltz, Rieu performs in sold-out venues all over the world, and was the number-one-selling male performer of 2009.

He has sold more than 30 million albums globally, and has broken all classical-concert records, packing stadiums and arenas with over 700 000 adoring fans each year. Rieu also performed for Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II in 2009, and for Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in 2010.

“André Rieu is one of the entertainment world’s truly unique performers, and we are constantly amazed at the local attraction this extraordinary artist is generating. We are already in discussion with a number of South Africa’s top artists to collaborate in the 2012 tour. Audiences who may have seen a previous tour will have good reason to book again,” says Sam Hendrikse, chief executive officer of Hunta Live, which will be staging the South African concert.


Tickets can be booked through Computicket for the concert at Durban’s ICC on August 21 at 8 pm (tickets are R400 to R950).


For more information and tour updates, visit
www.andrerieu.com

Thanks to Moderater Bill for this article!