WHAT would you have fancied doing on a winter’s night that saw torrential rain whipping along the Liverpool waterfront and reaching in to every nook and cranny of the Albert dock?

Would it have crossed your mind to grab extra clothes, pick up your umbrella and venture into the night?

For the thousands who made the choice to tread the waterfront on Friday the question is a no brainer. In fact, they might get a little upset if anyone had the temerity to suggest doing anything else.

For them, there was nowhere else to be. Not when renowned Andre Rieu and his 60-strong Johann Strauss Orchestra was in town. Come what may, there was just no chance they were going to miss his first visit to Liverpool.

I went along too and it was very easy to see why the hordes braved the elements. What a night!

Born in Holland, music maestro Rieu has spent more than 25 years building a populist approach to classical music.

In that time he has won the hearts of audiences around the world selling more than 40 million albums worldwide.

The multi-lingual conductor and self-styled ‘King of Waltz’, who boasts a mischievous smile and flowing locks of hair, hopes to ‘convert’ those who think that classical music is the preserve of the enlightened few.

Every audience is made to feel special by him as Rieu, tenderly cradling his 300-year-old Stradivarius violin, encourages them to sing, dance and join in the fun.

And so it was at the Echo Arena. The concert was a feast for the eyes as well as the ears as the female musicians and singers dazzled in brightly-coloured ball gowns. 

Then there was the drama. The digital stage backdrop constantly changed to coincide with the music. For a traditional Spanish bullfight tune the wraparound screen showed a bullring bursting with bright red and gold colours.

An Italian aria brought views across rolling hills and fields and a galaxy of stars accompanied the Christmas melodies.

But it’s the music that really mattered. Ranging from classical arias and waltzes to musical scores from films and operas, there was something to please everyone. And didn’t they just love it.

I can’t recall seeing so many people from different age groups, young and old, clapping, cheering, waving their arms in the air, and finally dancing in the aisles. It was a sight to behold.

I lost count of the orchestral encores but it may have totalled ten, and it still didn’t satisfy the fans who hollered for more.

A barrage of balloons released from the ceiling on to the audience, quickly followed by deluge of artificial snow, brought the show to a boisterous finale.

By then the weather had changed for the better and, as the fans drifted reluctantly back into the night, I was left pondering the fact that the concert will live long in the memories of all those lucky enough to have been there.

Previously, I hadn’t really appreciated the world’s great affection for Andre Rieu and his magical orchestra. Now I’m glad to admit that I’m a believer too.

The ‘Love In Venice’ Arena Tour visits UK venues from December 5-22. For a full list of dates visit www.andrerieu.com

The new album, ‘Love In Venice’, is available now.