André Rieu To Waltz Through March

André Rieu returns to North America in 2013 as The Waltz King announces dates in the U.S. and Canada as part of his global “And The Waltz Goes On Tour,” which boasts of having a connection to Hannibal Lecter. Yes, you read that right, Lecter, as in fava beans and fine chianti.

Photo: AP Photo / NBC
NBC "Today" show, New York City

The connection is actually to the man who portrayed the always-hungry Lecter in three films – actor Anthony Hopkins. Turns out Hopkins wrote the waltz that would become the album’s title track.

Although Hopkins won’t be joining the violinist/waltz master on the tour, Rieu will be accompanied by his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra. Of course, Rieu will be bringing something very special to the tour – his famous 1732 Stradivarius violin.

Rieu’s North American plans are currently composed of 12 cities spread throughout March. Playing arenas, the journey begins in Orlando March 7 and concludes in Vancouver, British Columbia, March 20. Stops in between include Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, Phoenix and Seattle.

March 7 – Orlando, Fla., Amway Center
March 8 – Tampa, Fla., Tampa Bay Times Forum
March 9 – Sunrise, Fla., BB&T Center
March 11 – Phoenix, Ariz., Comerica Theatre
March 12 – San Diego, Calif., Valley View Casino Center
March 13 – Ontario, Calif., Citizens Business Bank Arena
March 14 – Los Angeles, Calif., Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE
March 15 – Sacramento, Calif., Sleep Train Arena
March 16 – San Jose, Calif., HP Pavilion At San Jose
March 18 – Portland, Ore. Rose Garden Arena
March 19 – Seattle, Wash., KeyArena At Seattle Center
March 20 – Vancouver, British Columbia, Rogers Arena

Rieu has a new CD/DVD/Blu-ray release scheduled to drop Oct. 30. Home For The Holidays features two hours of Christmas-themed music. Filmed and recorded in Rieu’s hometown of Maastricht, Holland, Home For The Holidays comes with all the warmth, good cheer and tinsel that you’ve come to expect from holiday specials.

Photo: Govert de Roos
O2 Arena, London, UK

Tickets for Rieu’s “And The Waltz Goes On Tour” go on sale Oct. 26. Click here for more information.