He’s been performing sold-out shows across the world for decades while keeping close ties with his wife, two sons and grandchildren back at home.
But while Andre Rieu is a traditional family man at heart, he’s defied the norm when it comes to his life savings – choosing to live in the now rather than plan too far into the future.
Speaking in an exclusive chat with Starts at 60, the Dutch violinist and conductor revealed he and his beloved wife Marjorie have chosen to spend their savings now on their loved ones, rather than focusing on saving every penny to pass down to their children when they’re gone.
“My wife and I prefer to give as much as possible now, during our lives, to our children and grandchildren,” he said. “And of course one has to plan his inheritance, but we prefer not to think of that moment. I want to stay healthy and alive until I’m at least 120!”
He certainly appears to be on track to achieving that goal. Andre has always managed to juggle his busy work schedule – touring the world with his famous Johann Strauss Orchestra – with spending quality time with his whole family at home, all while maintaining his health and fitness.
“I pay extra attention to my health and I do a medical checkup every year, in order to control my body,” he explained. “I have been on stage now for 30 years, and only two times I had to postpone a few concerts because of my health.”
And despite having achieved such huge success already in his career, he doesn’t plan to back away from the spotlight any time soon.
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“As long as I am able to do this, I will keep on going,” he promised. “I can’t imagine a life without music; the words ‘retirement’ and ‘quitting my job’ don’t seem to be in my personal dictionary! And as long as my audience loves it too, why should I ever stop this wonderful life…?”
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 five grandchildren.
Andre Rieu is touring round Australia throughout November this year. You can see his full schedule and buy tickets on his official website here.