The founder of the Orchestra which debuted on January 1, 1988 is of Dutch ethnicity.
Andr Lon Marie Nicolas Rieu (born 1 October 1949) is a Dutch violinist and conductor best known for creating the waltz-playing Johann Strauss Orchestra. 
The Johann Strauss Orchestra was founded by Andr Rieu in 1987. 
 At the time of its first concert on January 1, 1988, the orchestra consisted of 12 musicians. 
