André Rieu Maastricht 2025
Join André Rieu and his Orchestra for a magical night of musical entertainment in the enchanting setting of Virjthof Square in Maastricht.
As Ireland's official André Rieu Travel Partner, we have exclusive packages to see the artist who has captivated the musical hearts of so many people.
We have designed a number of different trips to Maastricht to showcase this beautiful city and wonderful musical experience. Maastricht, a city of rich cultural heritage and musical charm, is the perfect destination for a classical music getaway.
Stroll through its historic streets, enjoy performances in iconic venues like Vrijthof Square, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local arts scene. With world-class concerts, fine dining, and stunning architecture, Maastricht offers an unforgettable musical experience.
Garner Hotel Maastricht (formally Select Apple Park Hotel)
The Garner Hotel Maastricht provides the perfect blend of comfort and elegance for classical music lovers. Located just outside of the historic city centre, the hotel features 165 soundproofed, air-conditioned rooms with extra-long beds, flat-screen TVs and desks. Guests can enjoy a rich breakfast buffet, dine at the Dreamz Restaurant and unwind at the stylish hotel bar. With scenic surroundings and easy access to transport links, it has proven to be an ideal stay for our clients for many years. Our Stein Travel escort will stay here for the full duration of your trip and will be on hand to help with any issues or queries you might have. To view the hotel click here.
Superior Crowne Plaza Hotel Maastricht
Nestled along the banks of the River Meuse, the Crowne Plaza Maastricht offers a luxurious experience in the heart of the historic city center. The hotel boasts spacious and comfortable rooms featuring superior bedding for a restful stay. Just around the corner, you’ll find high-end boutiques on Hoogbrugstraat and Rechtstraat. The historic sights of Maastricht’s old town, including charming squares lined with cafés, are only a short walk away, as is the Bonnefanten Museum, showcasing art from medieval times to the present. Guests can savor regional dishes while enjoying scenic river views at de Mangerie restaurant or indulge in Japanese cuisine at Kobe. To view the hotel click here
Early Life and Studies
André Rieu was born into a musical family on October 1, 1949 in Maastricht in the Netherlands. He began studying violin at the age of five. His father was a conductor. From a very young age he developed a fascination with orchestra. He studied violin at the Conservatoire Royal in Liège and in the Conservatorium Maastricht, (1968–1973). His teachers included Jo Juda and Herman Krebbers. From 1974 to 1977, he attended the Music Academy in Brussels, studying with André Gertler, winning the Premier Prix at the academy.
Career
At University he performed the Gold And Silver Waltz by Franz Lehár. Encouraged by the audience reaction he decided to pursue the waltz form. Rieu formed the Maastricht Salon Orchestra and performed as a violinist with the Limburg Symphony Orchestra. In 1987, he created the Johann Strauss Orchestra and his own production company. Since then, his melodramatic stage performances and rock-star demeanor have for some been associated with a revival of the waltz music category. André Rieu plays a 1667 Stradivarius violin.
Johann Strauss Orchestra
The Orchestra began in 1987 with 12 members but now performs with between 40 and 50 musicians. At the time the Orchestra first toured Europe, there emerged a renewed interest in waltz music. The revival began in the Netherlands and was ignited by their recording of the Second Waltz from Shostakovich’s Jazz Suites. As a result, Rieu became known as the waltz King.
Rieu and his orchestra have performed throughout Europe, in North America, and Japan. Winning a number of awards including two World Music Awards, their recordings have gone gold and platinum in many countries, including 8-times Platinum in the Netherlands. In September 2007 Rieu performed in Australia for the first time solo, without his Orchestra at the Eastland shopping centre in the Melbourne suburb of Ringwood playing “My Way” and “Waltzing Matilda”—and the next day appeared at Sydney’s Arena Cove, Warringah Mall shopping complex with the same set. Rieu and orchestra returned to Australia in November as part of his world tour. Rieu and his orchestra played 3 concerts at Melbourne’s Telstra Dome from 13-15 November and continued their tour throughout Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, through to December 2008. The concert theme is ‘A Romantic Vienna Night’ and the set comprises a replica of part of a Viennese castle, complete with 2 ice-skating rinks 2 Fountains, and a ballroom dance floor situated above and behind the Orchestra
His lively orchestral presentations, in tandem with incessant marketing, have attracted worldwide audiences to this subgenre of classical music.
Andre Rieu Live in Dublin, filmed in Dublin, Ireland, and 2005’s André Rieu Live in Tuscany filmed in the Piazza Della Repubblica in the village of Cortona in Tuscany.
And the Waltz Goes On
A studio album by Dutch violinist André Rieu which features Christchurch soprano Hayley Westenra on the last track, "Dreaming of New Zealand".
The album was released worldwide on October 31 2011. It presents waltzes from around the world, including a “Valse Triste” (sad waltz) from Finland, a miniature waltz “La petite Valse” from France, a popular waltz tune that began life in Germany.
Anthony Hopkins composed a waltz called "And the waltz goes on" for the album.
Inspired by New Zealand's stunning landscape and the ‘life must go on’ attitude of its people in the face of the recent natural disasters, André penned a dreamy waltz entitled "Dreaming of New Zealand". The album includes both an instrumental version and one with English and Maori lyrics.
Personal life
He is married to Marjorie, who works with him full-time as production manager, and has two sons, Marc and Pierre. He speaks (in order of fluency) Dutch (including his home/city dialect Maastrichtian), English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. Rieu has worked with his brother, Jean Philippe for several years, but Jean Philippe has now started his own production company
Vrijthof Square Andre Rieu Maastricht 2025 Seating Plan
Please note that we have Rank 4, Rank 3 and Rank 2 Concert Tickets available
Rank 4 Tickets are included with each package (unless specified)
The concert –what to expect
Most concert goers will descend into the city an hour before the show begins.
Our shuttle bus leaves at 7.30pm from the Garner Hotel Maastricht and drops the group at the town hall which is only a 5 minute walk (10 in heels) from the concert. The bus remains at the same location for pick up back to the hotel after the concert.
If you are staying in the city centre hotels, you can simply walk straight to the concert location.
Once inside the grounds of the concert there are several stalls and vendor’s. A majority of these will only accept cash so please remember this if you wish to purchase refreshments or programmes before the concert.
The concert is fully seated, with large viewing screens either side of the main stage.
The concert begins at 9pm sharp! and ends at approx. 11.45pm.
It really is an experience of a lifetime, all the songs tell a story and lift your spirt right up into the skies above in Maastricht. Prepare to be astounded!
About Maastricht
Maastricht, in the south of Holland boasts beautiful historic little districts, welcoming and exceptionally good restaurants and eateries, and plenty of art and attractions. And the best thing is that you can see the entire city centre on foot. If you want to enjoy the beautiful nature and castles outside the city boundaries, a bicycle can be easily hired.
Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in Holland, as you will quickly discover when strolling through the historic inner city. Churches, city walls, monumental merchant houses and big squares merge seamlessly with a comprehensive and varied range of shops. Maastricht is also a city of indulgence and culinary highlights. There are pleasant lunchrooms, Michelin-starred restaurants, vineyard farms and an extensive range of excellent regional products and dishes. In short, ‘bons vivants’ should not miss out on Maastricht!
Maastricht highlights
Maastricht is a great city with many historical structures and squares. But there’s one place in particular that you cannot miss visiting and that’s ‘het Vrijthof’. This square has attracted people since Medieval times when pilgrims came to see the grave of Saint Servatius. These days, Vrijthof is known for its outdoor cafés and events.
Around Vrijthof Square
Het Vrijthof is a beautiful square in the center of old town Maastricht, paved with old cobblestones and surrounded by trees. Many very nice restaurants and cafes encircle the square. Adjacent to the Vrijthof is the St. Servatius Basilica, a Romanesque cathedral with crypts and treasures.
Outdoor cafés of Maastricht
Maastricht is renowned the world over for it's great terraces and cafes. During the summer you can enjoy the outdoor cafés of Vrijthof Square. Enjoy one of the many different kinds of beers that are served in Maastricht or try a piece of Limburgse Vlaai, a fruit pie famous among the Dutch.
