THE King of Waltz André Rieu returns to the Echo Arena in Liverpool as part of a new album tour later this year.

With album sales of more than 40 million worldwide, he is the most popular classical artist and often appears on the worldwide list of the biggest touring artists.

Since his Johann Strauss Orchestra, with up to 60 musicians, began in 1987 literally millions have swayed and smiled to his pied piper glory.

His new album, Love in Venice, is released on November 3.

André made chart history when his first three albums were released in the UK entered the Top 10 of the UK Pop Charts and totally dominated the Specialist Classical Charts.

No other violinist - not even Nigel Kennedy - has made such an impact and in 2013 he was the winner of ‘Album of the Year’ at the Classic Brits 2013, for the third consecutive year.

Looking ahead to the new tour, he said: "We are going to play a completely new program with new music.

"Preparing a new show, choosing a new program is a great joy for me. The tour is called Love in Venice like the new album and we will try to bring the beauty, passion and warmth of Italy to the UK.

"So we will play some well-known melodies from Italy but also waltzes, music from film, opera and operetta.

"The Berlin Comedian Harmonists will join us with English songs and we have lots of international soloists from all over the world!

"The evening will end again with a big party. I hope you will come, dance, sing and clap along with us.

"Every night, we play with our hearts and I choose the program very carefully. A song has to touch my heart and then I know it will touch yours, too.

"When I am on stage I try to communicate with the audience and to involve them. I make jokes, I invite them to dance etc.. I see myself not only as a violinist, but also as a conductor and entertainer.

"Classical music is so beautiful and can be so entertaining. And of course my orchestra is so joyful. We laugh a lot.

"They wear beautiful dresses. And it’s true, yes, the atmosphere is completely different from a typical “stiff” classical concert."

Tickets for his show at the Echo Arena are from the box office on 0844 8000 400.