André Rieu

André Rieu brings his Johann Strauss Orchestra to Co-op Live in Manchester on 11 September 2026. The Dutch violinist and conductor, raised in Maastricht and trained at the conservatories of Liège and Maastricht, has shaped a concert format rooted in the Viennese waltz and light orchestral music. His programmes weave together Strauss arrangements, operetta highlights, film themes, popular songs and approachable classical pieces, with melody and dance at the centre.

On stage, Rieu leads from the violin, moving between solo lines and conducting, keeping the ensemble nimble and the pulse clear. The evening typically welcomes guest singers and choir for arias and choruses, with moments of easy exchange between the musicians and the audience. Expect sweeping strings, brisk polkas and lyrical interludes in a warm, festive atmosphere; the waltz sets the tone while the setlist ranges widely. It’s a concert format that opens classical repertoire to a broad crowd without losing the colour and detail of a full orchestra.