ANDRE RIEU DOMINATES BILLBOARD CLASSICAL CHART
WITH TOP 5 DEBUT FOR “ANDRE RIEU LIVE IN VIENNA”

ALSO RECEIVES PLATINUM CERTIFICATION FROM CRIA

Unprecedented US Tour Begins Spring ‘09

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Denon Classics, the U.S.’s #1 independent Classical label is proud to announce the debut of “ANDRE RIEU LIVE IN VIENNA” at #4 on this week’s Billboard Classical Chart.  Already well established as a top-seller of the Classical music world,  Andre Rieu has consistently dominated the charts and with the #4 chart debut of  “ANDRE RIEU LIVE IN VIENNA,” he continues an unbroken string of Top 5 chart debuts which also included the #1 chart debuts of “Live at Radio City” and “The Flying Dutchman.” In addition, buoyed by national airings on PBS stations throughout September, the companion DVD “ANDRE LIVE IN VIENNA” debuted at #6 on the Billboard Music DVD Chart.  “ANDRE RIEU LIVE IN VIENNA” is an all new blockbuster production  featuring Andre Rieu that began airing  nationally on PBS September 6th featuring the beloved maestro performing with his Johann Strauss Orchestra and Choir on the square in front of the beautiful Imperial Hofburg Palace in the heart of Vienna.  Rieu’s return to Vienna reflects a sincere love of the city and it’s composers and it’s the kind of show that made viewers fall in love with him in the first place.  Denon Classics released “Andre Live In Vienna” on September 30th on CD, DVD and a Limited Edition CD/DVD set featuring 2 bonus tracks and a bonus DVD containing video clips from Live in Vienna, Tuscany, Radio City and a teaser of the forthcoming Schonbrunn Spectacular program. 

Andre Rieu has earned the distinction as the #1 pledge drive artist for PBS and the #3 Classical Artist according to Billboard Magazine.  Already established as one of the top performing and selling classical artists worldwide and a platinum selling artist in the US and Canada, Rieu’s worldwide appeal is as strong as ever having recently earned his 4th Platinum certification from Canada’s CRIA  for the DVD “CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD” marking his 7th video certification from Canada over the last four years.

Additionally, Andre recently announced upcoming tour dates in Europe marking his 30th anniversary celebration as a performer including repertoire considered to be his greatest hits.  On March 3rd, in conjunction with the 30th Anniversary tour, Denon Classics will release Andre Rieu’s Greatest Hits on CD and DVD with tracks chosen by fans and renditions that have proven to be all time best sellers.

Andre Rieu will return to the United States in the Spring of 2009 for an unprecedented tour with 30 dates in the United States spanning April, May and June.   Dates confirmed are:

The Savoy Label Group (SLG) features not only the historic Savoy Jazz label but also the Denon, Denon Classics, SLG and 429 Records labels.  Savoy Label Group is the North American unit of Columbia Music Entertainment (formerly Nippon Columbia), the oldest music company in Japan.  SLG is lead by Steve Vining and CME is headed by Chairman Strauss Zelnick, founder of Zelnick Media which owns interests in and manages an array of media companies.
                                                                       
Contact:
Kurt Nishimura
SILVERLAKE MEDIA
323/663-6303
kurtnishimura@earthlink.net