Andre Rieu is used to bringing audiences to tears with his incredible performances, but his stirring rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ played alongside a band of bagpipes might just be his most incredible ever.
A clip of Andre playing with the Victoria Police Band at Rod Laver Arena in 2016 has recently resurfaced online – and it’s bringing tears to the eyes of many all over again.
Members of the Victoria Police Band left fans in absolute awe as they joined the talented musician on stage for the memorable performance wearing their full Scottish outfits complete with kilts and long white socks.
Standing front and centre Andre saluted the band as the filed onto the stage and took their position high above the crowd and down the staircase.
The violin player then began the beautiful tune from the beginning softly leading the band into the song with a single recorder player and another on the bagpipes.
Members of the audience were seen swaying and singing along to the music, while others were overcome with emotion, wiping away tears from their eyes.
Fixated on the performance the thousands of people held their gaze as Andre and the band of bagpipes reached the chorus.
Holding their head in their hands many struggled to hold back their emotions, clearly moved by the tear-jerking performance.
The song was shared on YouTube with hundreds more complimenting the violinist and the band for their beautiful rendition of the much-loved song.
“Nothing, I say absolutely nothing on the internet is as awesomely uplifting and inspiring as these Rieu concerts,” one person wrote.
“Amazing Grace – what an amazing song about love so freely given. No wonder it brings people to tears. Thank you God and thanks for this beautiful rendition,” another added.
While a third said: “Amazing Grace somehow touches everyone. It is especially poignant for us Scots played on the pipes”.
Andre is no stranger to performing, travelling across the globe with his band for months on end. But as a loving grandfather the violinist doesn’t let it impact the close bond he has with his tight-knit family.
Speaking in an exclusive chat with Starts at 60 recently, the 69-year-old revealed he loves to spoil his five grandchildren and has a very sweet way of ensuring he doesn’t miss any of their day-to-day lives.
“We take care that we’re not too long away, far from home,” he said, when asked how he handles being away with his orchestra so much. “They know that their grandfather hasn’t got a ‘normal job’. Thanks to internet and the social media, I receive, almost on a daily basis, a bunch of photos and little movies of them.”
The musician married language teacher Marjorie in 1975 and they have gone on to work together, with her writing many compositions over the years. They have two sons, Marc and Pierre, and their beloved grandchildren together.
“Primarily, I’m a spoiling grandfather!” Andre joked. “I don’t teach them music, they have to make their own decisions and be happy in everything they do. However, I do hope that they enjoy musical education and, above all, the love for music itself.
“It is quite important to let children get acquainted with music; their sense of harmony and beauty will be awakened, while listening to music or playing an instrument.”