Johann Strauss Orchestra

The Johann Strauss Orchestra is an orchestral ensemble founded in 1987 by Dutch violinist and conductor André Rieu in Maastricht, the Netherlands. Inspired by the great Viennese ensembles of the 19th century, and in particular by the Strauss dynasty, the orchestra was created with the aim of reviving the light, festive and romantic music of the Viennese repertoire, in particular the waltzes. When it was founded, the orchestra consisted of just twelve musicians, but it soon grew to a full symphonic formation, sometimes with as many as 50 or 60 musicians on stage, including many of Rieu's loyal collaborators. From the outset, the ensemble has attracted attention for its spectacular, accessible concerts, where the elegance of classical music meets the conviviality of popular entertainment. The Johann Strauss Orchestra gained worldwide recognition in the 1990s with international tours and successful recordings, including interpretations of works by Johann Strauss II such as The Blue Danube, The Radetzky March and Tales from the Vienna Woods. Under the charismatic direction of André Rieu, the ensemble offers theatrically staged concerts, with grandiose sets, ball gowns, humor and audience participation, in a deliberately festive approach to classical music. The orchestra performs in the world's greatest concert halls, from Europe to the United States, Asia and Australia, and every year gives a series of open-air concerts in Maastricht, which have become an international tradition. With a discography featuring dozens of best-selling albums and DVDs in several countries, the Johann Strauss Orchestra has established itself as an ambassador of Viennese waltz and popular classical music, combining musical rigor and accessible spectacle, faithfulness to the repertoire and a festive spirit. The Orchestra's best-selling albums include 100 Jahre Strauss (1999), Romantic Paradise (2003), Strauss & Co (2003), Forever Vienna (2010), Magic of the Movies (2012), Magic of the Violin (2015), Falling in Love (2016), Silver Bells (2022), Love Is All Around (2024) and The Sound of Heaven (2024).

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