From months of planning to intense rehearsals and final sound checks, André Rieu puts extraordinary effort into making each of his concert feel special.
Fans see the glittering lights, the stunning orchestra, and the beautiful music, but very few know how much work takes place behind the scenes.
In this article, we take a deep behind-the-scenes look at how he prepares for his performances.
The Planning Stage
Even though André Rieu is constantly touring, each concert is carefully planned and designed long before the audience arrives.
Some concerts have specific themes, summer evenings, Christmas shows, classical celebrations, or tours inspired by Vienna.
Rieu and his team choose:
- The overall mood of the concert
- The musical direction
- Which famous pieces will be included
- Whether there will be guest performers, choirs, or soloists
A theme helps shape the entire experience from the setlist to the staging.
Also, his orchestra includes dozens of musicians from different countries, and their schedules must be aligned. Planning includes:
- Organizing rehearsal blocks
- Confirming travel arrangements
- Preparing new musical pieces or arrangements
The orchestra has been together for many years, so their chemistry plays a big part in the concert preparation.
Months or weeks before the show, the production team handles:
- Stage design
- Lighting arrangements
- Speaker placement
- Seating layout
- Logistics for outdoor venues
For huge outdoor concerts like Maastricht, preparation is on an even bigger scale, involving local authorities, vendors, and international crews.
Rehearsals With the Orchestra
Rehearsals are one of the most important parts of André Rieu’s preparation.
The orchestra practices in sections first: strings, brass, woodwinds, and later comes together for full rehearsals to perfect timing, balance, and emotion.
The team carefully plans the order of the songs to create a perfect emotional journey:
- Uplifting opening pieces
- Romantic and slower sections
- Moments of humor or storytelling
- Big climaxes
- Joyful encores
This flow is what makes André Rieu concerts feel like a complete experience.
Costumes, Wardrobe, and Presentation
André Rieu’s look is iconic, his elegant tailcoat, bow tie, and polished violin. This style reflects the classical era he celebrates while maintaining a bright, modern presence on stage.
His concerts are known for their beauty. The stage often includes:
- Colorful lighting
- Flower arrangements
- Themed decorations
- Large screens for visual effects
Everything is designed to support the emotional mood of the music.
Behind-the-Scenes on Concert Day
The day of the show is full of activity and excitement.
Before the orchestra arrives, the technical team completes:
- Sound checks
- Microphone tests
- Lighting adjustments
- Camera setup (for recorded concerts)
This ensures the audience hears every instrument clearly.
Both André Rieu and the orchestra warm up backstage.
They:
- Tune their instruments
- Do short practice runs
- Check final details with the conductor and sound engineers
This creates harmony and confidence before stepping onstage.
André Rieu himself is known for staying relaxed and cheerful before a show. He takes time to focus, breathe, and keep his energy positive, something the audience can always feel.
The Secret to André Rieu’s Concert Atmosphere
A big part of his preparation is planning how to connect with the audience. Rieu loves:
- Talking to the crowd
- Smiling and making eye contact
- Encouraging people to dance
- Adding humor to lighten the mood
This connection makes his concerts feel warm and personal.
Rieu’s goal is always the same:
To make people happy through music.
He says that if the audience feels joy, the concert is a success, and his preparation is all about creating those emotional moments.
What Happens After the Show
Meeting Fans
After some concerts, Rieu participates in scheduled meet-and-greets, signing autographs and taking photos.
Post-Show Routine
Behind the scenes:
- Equipment is packed up
- The orchestra discusses the performance
- The team prepares for the next show
Because his tours are long and frequent, efficiency is essential.
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