Sky Arts 2 to rebrand in tribute to André Rieu

Sky Arts 2 will change its name to Sky Arts Rieu in honour of the Classical Brit Award-winning violinist André Rieu. From Saturday 30th March until Sunday 14th April, Sky Arts 2 will become a 24 hour Sky Arts Rieu channel, broadcasting back-to-back concerts by the acclaimed Dutch violinist.

André Rieu has sold more than 35 million albums globally and has been awarded more than 330 platinum and 100 gold awards for his phenomenal success. The flamboyant violinist burst onto the UK scene in 2010, selling more than 400,000 copies of his first UK release, and is now one of the best-selling live acts in the world. More than 700, 000 fans attend his concerts and stadium tours every year.

“André Rieu is one of the best-selling live acts in the world and one of the most successful violinists ever, which is why Sky Arts customers adore his music,” comments James Hunt, Channel Director of Sky Arts. “Sky Arts Rieu will be a celebration of classical popular music which now has thousands of adoring fans thanks to the magic of the King of Waltz and the Johann Strauss Orchestra. We are thrilled to be working with the maestro on his very own channel.”

The channel rebrand comes off the back of André Rieu’s most successful year ever. He won a Classic Brit Award for his album And The Waltz Goes On and performed a record-breaking 30 sold-out concerts in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He reached the number one position in Pollstar’s Box Office Chart of highest-grossing tours, outselling the likes of Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, Coldplay, Celine Dion and Pearl Jam.

For two weeks, Sky Arts Rieu will feature several UK premiere concerts including And the Waltz Goes On in which the dancers of the Johann Strauss Orchestra perform on skates at the Vienna Town Hall in an enthralling performance which includes a golden coach and six white horses. 25 years of the JSO Live In Maastricht VI sees Maastricht’s famous Vrijthof Square transformed into a fabulous open-air temple to music as The Johann Strauss Orchestra, 100 children from the music school, the Platinum Tenors, Mirusia, Carmen and Suzan and 13-year-old musical protégée Melissa Venema join André on stage for a musical spectacular.

There will also be a special documentary presented by Charlotte Hawkins of Sky News featuring new interviews with André and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage filmed at his home in Maastricht.

[Reported by Neil Lang]