André Rieu has received the Grand Gold Decoration for Services to the Republic of Austria last saturday. The decoration was awarded by Marianna Klicka, president of the District of Vienna. Rieu received the decoration because of his efforts to promote Viennese music around the world.

Rieu, the world’s most popular classical artist who is renowned for his energetic and festive live concerts, thanked the Republic of Austria by performing the waltz “”Wiener Festwalzer”, which he composed himself.

[quote_right]”I’ve been a great admirer of André Rieu for several years. He’s a great musician. It’s a dream come true for me that André performed it with his orchestra. I’m totally knocked out by the result!”[/quote_right]
In the audience was Antony Hopkins, who came all the way from Los Angeles to attend the world premiere of “And the waltz goes on”, which was composed by Hopkins. Hopkins has written music for many years, but the ‘Thor’ co-star composed his latest piece, “And The Waltz Goes On,” with Rieu specifically in mind to perform it. Rieu was so enthusiastic about the work that he immediately set plans in motion to record it, reportedly moving Hopkins’ wife to tears during the initial performance of the tune.

“I’ve been a great admirer of André Rieu for several years. He’s a great musician. My wife and I had the same dream of meeting him one day, so I’ve send him some music that I wrote. It’s a dream come true for me that André performed it with his orchestra. I’m totally knocked out by the result. It’s even more than I expected!” says Anthony Hopkins about his cooperation with André Rieu.

The waltz will be on Rieu’s new album and will be performed by Rieu while on tour in the USA, Canada and Mexico, this fall.