André Rieu on Scottish shows, the joy of music and living to 140

We chatted to musical icon André Rieu about making happy music, kilt wearing and playing violin until he’s aged 140…

You’ve just turned 75, how did you celebrate the big birthday?

It was a big celebration, but I’m glad that it’s over. It’s only once in a lifetime, 75. Everybody thinks it’s a big milestone. But I’ll tell you, I’m going to live to be 140, so I’m a little bit over half-time!

You have a fairly hectic tour schedule; what keeps you going?

It’s so fantastic to make music. It’s not only that I want to make the people happy, I make myself happy. Music is the most beautiful treasure we have in life.

Are you looking forward to coming back to Scotland?

It’s always fantastic to play for the Scottish people. They are special. When we come in, I feel the applause that they’re really happy we’re back and so that’s a good beginning for the concert. Every note is sucked out of your violin and there’s a lot of humour. I love it there. I remember two years ago, as a surprise, I put on a kilt during the encore. They loved that!

How important is it that your concerts are an experience?

We don’t travel the world to show how good we are. Of course we are good. We are the best. But it’s not that. We have so much fun on stage making this music and we want to jump it over to the audience. Make them happy. Make them cry. Make them laugh. You can do all that with music.

How does it feel for you as a performer seeing people having such an emotional response?

That’s exactly why I travel the world. To see that our music goes really through the heart. People with dementia and Alzheimer’s might not move anymore, but music still goes in their hearts, and that’s what music does with people. It really brings memories back and touches you really deep. With my orchestra we have a lot of experience on how to build up the programme slowly and then at the end there’s the explosion of the encores and people don’t want to go home!

Do you still get the same feeling when you step out on stage?

Every morning when I wake up, I enjoy what we are going to do that day. When I think now I’m speaking with you about coming back to Glasgow and seeing the Scottish people I’m thrilled to able to say that. I say that with all sincerity. I hope I can do that until I’m 140!

You don’t just play classical music but include more contemporary songs?

My father was a classical musician and there was only classical music in our home when I was a child. The Beatles and The Rolling Stones didn’t exist for me. Now I’m opened up to all music – but the music must be good. It must touch my heart. Music has no borders, only it must be well done, well played, well composed.

How pleased are you with the cinema events?

When my son, Pierre, had this idea I didn’t know how it was going to work. Then I heard that people in the cinema were singing and dancing in the aisles. I was astonished. We can’t travel the world in a way that everybody can come to the concert so I’m glad that we can bring it to the cinemas.

Do you have a strong connection to Christmas music?

Very strong. I was in the church choir when I was a kid until I was 11, because then my voice broke. I was a high soprano! I remember we sang all these beautiful Christmas carols. I love Christmas time, there’s something about peace with all this music.

How important is it that young people still pick up instruments and learn how to play?

Governments all over the world are cutting money for musical education. It’s terrible and I don’t understand it, and I’m completely mad and angry they do that. Music helps us to be happy and to be better human beings.

André Rieu plays Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on April 5. His Christmas event is in cinemas from December 7.