- Rieu was born in Maastricht, Netherlands, and studied violin at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels.
- He began performing in public at an early age and formed the Johann Strauss Orchestra in 1987, which he continues to conduct.
- The orchestra is known for its romantic style of playing and its lavish stage shows, which often feature waltzes, operatic arias, and popular songs.
- Rieu has performed in many of the world's most prestigious concert halls and has collaborated with a number of renowned musicians, including Placido Domingo, Sarah Brightman, and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
- He has also released several DVDs of his concerts and has written several books about his life and music.