"My father was a conductor, and as a child I went to his concerts. Sometimes, as an encore, he'd play a Strauss waltz and it struck me right in my heart. That love is still there."

André Rieu, the charismatic Dutch violinist and conductor, has become an international phenomenon, filling theatres across Europe, North America, Japan and now Australia. His success lies in his ability to bring to life the romance of classical music: recreating old Vienna with its palatial ballrooms, resplendent with ornate mirrors, crystal chandeliers and the swish of swirling skirts.

This is a delightful memoir of a musical childhood and the prelude to André Rieu's concert career. The story of his youth, the musical family he grew up in, his music studies and above all the early successes in his career, touring, recording and performing has been written with love and humour by his wife, Marjorie.

As a child, André Rieu dreamed of making people happy with his music. From his first violin lessons to the beginnings of his success with the Johann Strauss Orchestra, this is the story of how that dream came true.