Symphonia Concerts 8 March
The Bridge Between
CENTURIES
Meet the Artist
Daniel Verstappen Lecture Recital
Sunday 8 March 3:00pm
Symphonia Hall
As part of his extensive New Zealand Tour 2026, internationally acclaimed Belgian pianist and composer Daniel Verstappen presents a unique lecture recital exploring the bridge between classical tradition, improvisation, and original composition.
This lecture recital offers a more intimate encounter with his creative process, showing how imagination and ownership can transform technical mastery into authentic artistic expression.
About Daniel Verstappen
From a young age, Daniel Verstappen discovered a profound connection with the piano—one that would shape the course of his life and career. Born in Limburg, Belgium, Daniel began playing at the age of five, quickly developing a deep musical affinity that would lead him to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music at the Lemmens Institute in Leuven.
Throughout his childhood and conservatory years, he was inspired by the great masters of classical music. This influence echoes in his work today—pieces like “Toccata” offer a modern interpretation of Bach’s iconic Toccata & Fugue, blending classical dexterity with contemporary style.
In 2016, Daniel released his debut album, From The Heart, featuring original compositions for piano, accompanied by orchestra and electronic elements. The album’s cinematic sound and emotional depth received critical acclaim, marking the beginning of a promising international career.
His talent and vision quickly took him to renowned stages across Europe, performing at Night of the Proms and with the Brussels Philharmonic, among others. Over the years, Daniel has shared the stage with a wide array of iconic artists including Andrea Bocelli, Ennio Morricone, Hooverphonic, Gloria Estefan, Joss Stone, Melanie C, Chaka Khan, The Beach Boys, and many more.
Performance Highlight
The Programme
Original Compositions
Works that blend cinematic atmosphere with classical structure:
- Breathe
- Reflexion
- From the Heart
- Soulmate
Classical Re-imaginings
Demonstrating how iconic works are reshaped through rearrangement and personal voice:
- Bach: Toccata and Fugue
- Vivaldi: Summer
- Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake
Lecture Topics & Creative Exploration
During the recital, Daniel will explore:
- How composition can grow naturally out of classical training
- Ways to improvise from a written score
- Turning interpretation into artistic identity
- Making music-making sustainable and creatively fulfilling over a lifetime
Aiming to broaden creative horizons for young musicians, this event highlights how imagination can transform technical mastery into authentic artistic expression.
2026 Tour Highlights
The 2026 tour of Verstappen spans both the North and South Islands and includes performances at major festivals and venues such as the Hamilton Arts Festival, Cambridge Town Hall, Wellington collaborations with film composer Stephen Gallagher, a residency and recording at Sublime Studio in Otago, collaborations with youth orchestras, and concerts in Queenstown, Invercargill and Christchurch.
Auckland Arts Festival 2026
A highlight of the tour is Daniel’s participation in the Auckland Arts Festival where he performs with the Aotea Youth Symphony in celebration of the orchestra’s 40th anniversary:
- 21/02: UXBRIDGE Arts & Culture Howick
- 22/02: Selwyn Village Theatre Point Chevalier
These concerts form part of his international Bridge Between Cultures project — connecting classical, cinematic and contemporary influences through cross-cultural collaboration.
