INTERVIEW: André Rieu waltzes into movie theaters

Photo: André Rieu, a virtuoso violinist, will bring his celebration of love songs to movie theaters Aug. 28. Photo courtesy of Think Jam / Provided with permission.

On a regular basis, André Rieu earns his title as the “King of Waltz.” The musical impresario, who has sales of more than 40 million albums under his belt, heads the 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra and has added much to the musical world throughout his illustrious career.

Case in point: Last year’s album Amore features Rieu’s unique renditions of love songs from both the classical music canon and the popular realm. With his violin, he brought to life such timeless tunes as “What a Wonderful World,” “Ballade pour Adeline,” “Jerusalem of Gold,” “The Impossible Dream” and “Torna a Surriento.”

This week he’s taking those love songs to an even wider audience with a special one-night-only event in movie theaters. On Tuesday, Aug. 28, Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra present Amore, My Tribute to Love across the United States, including theaters in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington. The event, which will be broadcast from Rieu’s hometown of Maastricht, the Netherlands, may amass Rieu’s largest audience ever, and that’s saying something about a violinist and conductor who has reached so many career highlights.

Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Rieu about the special event. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.

What can audiences expect at the worldwide screening of Amore, My Tribute to Love?

People can expect a concert filled with beautiful music on the most romantic and oldest square in the Netherlands, the magnificent Vrijthof in Maastricht: wonderful waltzes, well known arias from musicals and operas, famous melodies, international soloists, fireworks, surprise guest stars and so much more. And don’t forget that all emotions are allowed: When you feel joyful, don’t hesitate to laugh. When you feel sad, don’t be ashamed of crying, and when you can’t sit still anymore, feel free to dance in the aisles of the cinema!

What inspired you to interpret these love songs?

Love, of course, the most beautiful thing in the whole world! It is the love I feel for my hometown Maastricht, where I was born and where I will spend my entire life. But it is also the love to both of my families: the big family, which is my orchestra — I give concerts with them for about 30 years now, and I sincerely hope many years will follow. My small family, which is my wife, children and, last but not least, my five grandchildren. I am so happy to be a father and grandfather, too!

Was there any hesitation to play both popular and classical love songs on the album?

No, I didn’t have any doubts at all. All the music I play is chosen by the heart: If I am touched by a composition, I try to arrange it for my orchestra. And when I am touched, I am sure the audience will be touched, too, because the violin is the ‘translator’ of my inner feelings. Painters do that with their paintings; I do it with my violin.

When did you first fall in love with waltzes and the music of Johann Strauss?

That is quite a long time ago. My father was a symphony orchestra conductor. When he gave a concert with works from, for example, [Gustav] Mahler or [Ludwig van] Beethoven, he used to play a Strauss waltz as an encore. As a young boy, I went to his concerts now and then, and I witnessed something magical in the audience during this encore. The men and women in the audience suddenly began to move their bodies. I was amazed: Could it be the music my father performed? Was their something mysterious going on? When I played this 3/4 rhythm on my own violin, I discovered the magical and enchanting power of the waltz.

How important is the rehearsal process when playing classical music with the Johann Strauss Orchestra?

Quite important: We rehearse every piece several times until it has reached perfection. I also arrange the compositions. My orchestra members sometimes suggest pieces to play as well, and after a couple of weeks, a new repertoire for concert or CD is born. Everybody’s involved in the making process so to say! After the cinema broadcast on 28th August, we go on tour in the U.S. in September. When we arrive at the venue, we always have a soundcheck, then dinner, and then we are looking forward to spending many wonderful hours with our fans in the U.S.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

André Rieu’s Amore, My Tribute to Love will be presented in movie theaters Tuesday, Aug. 28. Click here for more information and tickets.