Strauss & Co, Tour 1994. The hit "The Second Waltz" is only a sneak peek and one of the most famous classical waltzes, which André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra recorded in a fantastic way on a CD. Johann Strauss (senior and junior) In 1825 Johann Strauss senior (1804-1849) left his friend's (Joseph Lanner 1801-1843) orchestra and became his rival as a conductor and composer. The Viennese people formed two parties: the Lanner fans and the Strauss fans. Johann Strauss senior did not only conquer Vienna, but during his many tours he had half of Europe dancing to his music. When Joseph Lanner passed away on April 14th 1843, Johann Strauss senior was left as the only Waltz-King. Eighteen months later, however, a new competitor appeared, that being his own, named after him son, who debuted as a conductor and a composer on the 15th of October 1844. Against the will of his father, but encouraged by his mother, Johann Strauss junior studied music. At the age of 18, he finished his studies with the composition of "Tu, qui regis totum orbem". One year later he presented his own orchestra to the Viennese audience. After his father's death in 1849, he took over his father's orchestra, with which he not only performed in Vienna, but also in Berlin, Paris, London, St. Petersburg, and even in the USA. At the same time he was successful in composing about 500 waltzes, polkas, mazurkas and so on. Johann Strauss junior composed two absolute highlights: "Die Fledermaus" (The Bat) and "Der Zigeunerbaron" (the Gypsy Baron). Track list tour "Strauss & Co" 1994 Frühlingsstimmen Waltz – Persian March – Roses from the South – Vilja Song – O mio Babbino Caro – Mia bella Fiorentina – G'schichten aus dem Wiener Wald – The Third Man – Hör ich Zimbalklängen – Light Cavalry. Intermission. My mother was from Vienna – Vienna, city of my dreams – Here come the angels – Im Krapfenwaldl – I'd love to kiss women – Petersburger Sleighride – Wolga Song – Emperor's Waltz – Meditation – White Horse Inn – Radetzky March. Johann Strauss Orchestra The Johann Strauss Orchestra, consists of young talented musicians, who greatly dedicate themselves to the music of this Viennese composer. Just like Johann Strauss' orchestra did in the 19th century in Vienna, this, in all aspect young ensemble, led by André Rieu, pursues a perfect representation of this impassioned Viennese music. Not only is perfection their goal, strikingly is the joy with which they play, under the inspiring leadership of their stand-alone violinist, a great variety of waltzes, polkas, gallops and marches. Perhaps it is no coincidence that the Johann Strauss Orchestra is composed of several nationalities. Besides the Netherlands, also Belgium, Germany, Hungary, and even the USA are present. Actually: Vienna too, was and is a melting pot of many peoples and precisely that international element is one of the factors that determines the authentic Viennese atmosphere. The Johann Strauss Orchestra is entirely dressed in Belle Epoque style and performs on a special designed stage in a wonderful Viennese atmosphere with golden seats, stands and matching decors. For many years The Johann Strauss Orchestra, under direction by André Rieu, tours with their Viennese concerts through the Netherlands and abroad. Stand-alone violinist André Rieu One hundred years ago Johann Strauss was adored by his fans, just like André Rieu is today. André also succeeded in capturing the younger audience with his Viennese waltzes to the slogan: "No House, but Strauss". There is waltzing in the discos and André is assailed by mostly young female fans who adore him and ask for an autograph on their T-shirts. His first concert on Dutch TV scored the highest appreciation figure since the world cup soccer! His CD "Strauss & Co" was number 1 in the charts for many weeks and obtained gold and double platinum. This is an extraordinary achievement for a classical violinist. André Rieu is one of six children hailing from a musical family; his father was conductor of the Limburg Symphony Orchestra and leading conductor of the Opera in Leipzig. Almost all of his siblings play instruments and they grew up with only classical music: symphonies, chamber music and opera. André studied with Jo Juda, Herman Krebbers, and later on with André Gertler at the Brussels Conservatory, where he achieved a First Price at his final exams. 'When I was asked to join a Salon Ensemble during my study time and we played the "Gold and Silver" waltz for the first time (by Franz Lehar), a new world opened up for me. What a compelling rhythm, at three- quarter time. I was immediately fascinated by this wonderful music and I decided to play more of this kind of music. From that time on I read biographies of Strauss and Lehar and I discovered that Johann Strauss did not compose his waltzes to only be played in concert halls, but primarily for pleasant events and parties, where young people were dancing and having fun. Strauss performed in parks and establishments for large happy audiences. It could be compared to today’s discos. From the beginning I regretted the huge distance between the performing musicians on stage and the audience in the concert hall. So I decided to do it differently: I like to have the people involved, let the spark of this beautiful music jump to the audience. Ton Hofman Lyric tenor Ton Hofman was born in Maastricht and studied vocals there at the Conservatory. For over 15 years now he has been performing and singing operettas, giving concerts in Germany, Belgium, Austria and Switzerland. Anne Marie Kremer Anne Marie Kremer (soprano) was born in Emmen, the Netherlands.  At the age of 12 she started studying the piano and at the age of 17 sang her first operetta parts. In 1987 she started her soloist studies at the Maastricht Conservatory. During her studies she regularly performed operetta productions of the Limburg Symphony Orchestra. Later on she traveled with a German opera group throughout Europe. Although she specializes in opera, she also sings musicals (e.g. Maria in Westside story).