André Rieu Shares Classic BRIT Award with Anthony Hopkins

LONDON, October 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Violinist and conductor André Rieu has been awarded the Classic FM Album Of The Year at the BRIT awards for his album "And the Waltz goes on". He shares the award with Silence Of The Lambs star Sir Antony Hopkins, who wrote the title track of the album especially for Rieu. Rieu attended the ceremony together with Hopkins. Other nominees for the prestigious prize were Andrea Bocelli, Hayley Westenra and Russell Watson among others.

At the ceremony that took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Rieu dedicated his award to  Hopkins: "He is the greatest actor we have now on this planet. Tony, thank you for this fantastic waltz and thank you for your friendship!" For the Dutch Maestro it's his second Brit award in a row. Last year he won the award for his Album Moonlight Serenade.

Breaking records

So far 2012 was a very successful year for the violinist. Rieu gave a record breaking series of 30 sold-out concerts in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He is nominated for a prestigious Mexican Luna award. And with his first tour in Brazil Rieu reached the #1 position in Pollstar's Box Office Chart of highest grossing tours in July. Leaving behind artist like Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, Coldplay, Celine Dion, The Black Keys and Pearl Jam.

UK/Ireland Tour 2012

André Rieu and his Johann Strauss orchestra new UK and Ireland tour will start on December 7 in Glasgow. Due to 7 sold-out concerts, he added an extra concert in Manchester on Thursday 13 December and a third show in Birmingham on Thursday 20 December. Tickets are on sale now.