[blockquote]Short interview Sally Bennett, Herald Sun.[/blockquote]

Twenty-five years after Andre Rieu left the orchestra pit to make his own music magic, he admits to being rather pleased with how things turned out.

The Dutch violinist, conductor and household name is celebrating all that transpired with an “extravaganza” to be beamed to fans around the world.
[quote_right]”We are showing the audience all the highlights of the past 25 years. Of course, the whole program is my personal favourites, because I only play music that I like.”[/quote_right]
Victoria gets its turn on Sunday when Rieu’s famous annual concerts – performed in his hometown of Maastricht with his self-created Johann Strauss Orchestra – is screened at noon and 3.30pm.

“We just finished rehearsals and it’s going to be a fantastic night,” Rieu says from home. “We are showing the audience all the highlights of the past 25 years. Of course, the whole program is my personal favourites, because I only play music that I like.”

Rieu, the son of a conductor, was feeling stifled in a classical music orchestra when he decided to jump ship and forge a solo career. He says he doesn’t distinguish between classical and contemporary music, preferring to perform a mix of old and new that “touches my heart”. His energetic and festive performances have made him one of the world’s most successful touring artists with album sales of more than 30 million.

“I know that when I like music, when it touches my heart, that it will touch your heart, too,” Rieu says. “That, I think, is the secret to my success. We should make decisions in life with our hearts, not our brains, not only in music but in daily life.”

When Rieu’s Johann Strauss Orchestra began in 1988 it had little more than 20 members. That has swelled to 150 and, for the anniversary concerts, they will be joined by a 150-member choir. Rieu will not reveal details of the concerts before opening night, but promises an unforgettable experience.

“People don’t come to my concerts because they know the program. They come because they love the atmosphere and because they know that when I offer them a program it will be a night they never forget.”

Source: Herald Sun