Behind André Rieu’s Magical Concerts Lies a Woman the World Rarely Sees. For Over 45 Years, Marjorie Rieu Has Been the Silent Force Powering His Global Waltz Empire. Their Love Story, Family Secrets, and Quiet Castle Life Reveal a Side of the Maestro Fans Never Knew.
Beyond the Stage: The Private Life of André Rieu and the Woman Behind His Waltz Empire
To the world, André Rieu is the charismatic “King of the Waltz,” captivating millions with his sweeping concerts, elegant stage presence, and unforgettable renditions of classical masterpieces. But behind the glittering violins and thunderous applause lies a quieter, more intimate world — one he rarely shows to the public.
At the heart of that world is his wife, Marjorie Rieu, a woman as mysterious as she is influential. While fans know André as the smiling maestro in tails, few realize that much of his empire — including the creative direction and business decisions — has been shaped in the background by Marjorie, who has been both his partner in life and in music for over 45 years.
A Love Story Built on Music and Intellect
The couple met as students in the Netherlands and married in 1975. Unlike many in the music industry, Marjorie has always avoided the spotlight. A former language teacher and accomplished author, she quietly became the co-architect of André’s success. She never tours with the Johann Strauss Orchestra, never gives interviews, and rarely appears in public — by choice.
“I don’t need the spotlight,” she once said in a rare quote. “I see what happens to people when they get lost in it.”
Marjorie is credited with managing many of the orchestra’s early logistics, writing scripts, and helping with artistic planning — all while raising their two sons, Marc and Pierre. She even helped produce some of the famous television specials that made André Rieu a household name in over 100 countries.
The Rieu Sons: A Quiet Legacy
André and Marjorie’s two sons have both carved out their own paths, but in very different ways. Pierre Rieu has worked closely with his father, taking on responsibilities in production and tour management. Fans may have caught glimpses of Pierre behind the scenes, ensuring that each concert — from Maastricht to Melbourne — runs like clockwork.
Their other son, Marc Rieu, took a different route entirely. A talented painter, Marc chose the world of visual arts over music, and now exhibits his works across Europe. He has said in interviews that growing up in a famous musical family inspired him to find his own unique voice.
The Rieu Home: A Castle Full of Music
The Rieus live in a majestic 15th-century castle in Maastricht, the city of André’s birth. Despite the grandeur of their home, friends describe the Rieu family as surprisingly down-to-earth. When not on tour, André spends time gardening, walking his dog, or enjoying a simple dinner with Marjorie — often listening to new arrangements on the piano together.
For all the spectacle of his global performances, it’s this private, grounded family life that keeps André Rieu balanced.
“Everything I am on stage,” Rieu has said, “is only possible because of the peace I have at home.”
