Music maestro Andre Rieu has delivered a very heartfelt message to his dedicated fans this Valentine’s Day, expressing the importance of love and music in the world.
As people relished in the romance of February 14 with bunches of red roses and candlelit dinners, Rieu shared his own thoughts on the special day and how it has impacted his life.
Setting the scene for a very romantic day of love, the Dutch violinist spoke of the joy in seeing his music, which is performed to millions around the world, bring people together.
“My dear friends all over the world, may I wish you a very happy Valentine’s Day filled with love,” he began. “Love is the most precious thing in life, especially if it’s in combination with beautiful music.”
The 69-year-old went on to describe the beauty he witnesses on stage while performing to massive crowds across the globe.
“You know I see it every night during our concert,” he explained. “When the concert starts people sit like this [still and upright], after a few pieces played they move to each other.
“During the encores they start to hug and kiss each other. And after the concert, well, I’m not responsible for that.”
The self-confessed romantic also took the opportunity to share details of his new DVD Love in Maastricht which is set for release in a matter of weeks.
Making the perfect gift for a loved one, the incredible DVD features the most memorable moments from Rieu’s concerts in his home town of Maastricht in the Netherlands last year.
This includes some of his most loved tracks such as covers of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ and an interpretation of ‘You Raise Me Up’.
While the talented musician relishes in the opportunity to perform across the world, he’ll no doubt be spending some quality time with his beloved wife of 43 years, Marjorie, this Valentine’s Day.
Speaking in an exclusive chat with Starts at 60 last year, Rieu revealed it’s his and his wife’s “100 per cent mutual trust” that helps them remain so content together, as well as “sharing the same sense of humour and giving your partner every freedom he or she desires”.
He added: “When you know and realise that you’re able to trust your partner, then you can be confident everything is okay. We have been working together also now for more than 40 years and we love the same things.
“Most people tend to forget it, but it is so important to enjoy life and to laugh. In Holland, we have a nice saying: ‘Not having laughed one day, is not having lived that same day.’ I completely agree!”