Rieu and his orchestra have turned classical and waltz music into a worldwide concert touring act.

[citation needed] From 1974 to 1977, he attended the Music Academy in Brussels, studying with André Gertler.

[6] Rieu created the Johann Strauss Orchestra in 1987 and began with 12 members, giving its first concert on 1 January 1988.

[3] Rieu and his orchestra have appeared throughout Europe, North and South America, Japan, and Australia, and New Zealand.

[21][self-published source] Eamon Kelly wrote in The Australian newspaper: "It is disappointing to see professional journalists indulging in cheap, inaccurate stereotypes to dismiss criticism of Rieu.

The fact that Rieu's focus is on highly accessible, enjoyable repertoire is not an argument against his musical credentials.