On Tuesday 10 November 2009 the Governor of Limburg, Léon Frissen, presented André Rieu with the Provincial Medal and accompanying certificate. The Province of Limburg decided to award the Provincial Medal to André Rieu to show its appreciation for his very special services as a musical ambassador for Limburg.

[quote_right]The Province of Limburg decided to award the Provincial Medal to André Rieu to show its appreciation for his very special services as a musical ambassador for Limburg.[/quote_right]

It was in 1978 that André Rieu joined with a number of friends to form the Maastricht Salon Orchestra, a small group with which he performed regularly. In those years Rieu also had connections with the Limburg Symphony Orchestra. In 1987 the Maastricht Salon Orchestra changed its name to the Johan Strauss Orchestra and increased the number of musicians. The big break for Rieu and the Johan Strauss Orchestra came in 1994 when they had huge success with their recording of the ‘Second Waltz’.

2009 has seen Rieu celebrating 30 years on the stage. He is a gifted musician, violinist, orchestra leader, arranger and editor, but he is also a talented entrepreneur who has succeeded in making his own dreams come true. Together with his orchestra André Rieu has conquered the world, selling many millions of CDs and DVDs. His production company employs about 150 people, with a turnover running to many tens of millions of euros.

André Rieu is able to communicate his passion for music to his audience like no other. He is an excellent ambassador for Limburg both nationally and internationally. No other Limburger can equal his very special contribution. The presentation of the Provincial Medal took place in André Rieu’s Studio in Maastricht.