Well-known violinist and composer Andre Rieu, dubbed the "Modern King of Waltz" by the media.

André Rieu, a Dutch violinist virtuoso and conductor of the Johann Strauss Orchestra, was born in Holland in 1949 into a very musical family. His father was a conductor, and most of his brothers and sisters are professional musicians. To overcome shyness onstage during his early career, and to remove the emotional distance between himself and the audience, Rieu adopted the example of Johann Strauss, who would create a festive atmosphere at his performances and encourage his audiences to enjoy the music by getting out of their seats and waltz in the aisles. This was well received, and Rieu assembled a group of local Dutch musicians, creating the Johann Strauss Orchestra.