International pianist Daniel Verstappen returns to Otago, inspired by landscape, people and new creative work
Belgian international pianist and composer Daniel Verstappen returns in April. He will perform at Te Atamira and create music inspired by his travels, at Sublime Studio in the Waitaki Valley. Following a highly successful New Zealand and Australia tour in 2024, Verstappen’s 2026 run deepens his long-term artistic relationship with the country – and Otago in particular – with concerts, youth orchestra collaborations, an artist residency, community engagement through masterclasses and workshops, and recording a new album.
Verstappen is known for his cinematic, neoclassical musical language, blending original compositions with re-imagined film music and crossover repertoire. His work consistently connects international artistry with local collaboration, making his projects accessible to broad audiences while maintaining strong artistic integrity.
In honour of World Piano Day and inspired by the breathtaking nature of New Zealand, Daniel released his new music video Swan Lake on 30 March. A cinematic reinterpretation of this iconic work, the video blends classical tradition with a modern visual narrative, filmed on location during his 2026 New Zealand tour.
Daniel speaks enthusiastically about being inspired by nature, the people, and building on his 2024 tour experiences. "Returning to New Zealand feels very special to me. During my previous tour in 2024, I was deeply inspired by the landscapes, the warm welcome and the openness of the people. In the North Island, places like Hobbiton and Waiheke Island really stayed with me. In the South Island, experiencing the Remarkables, Lake Wānaka and Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown was overwhelming in the most positive way — the scale and beauty of nature there are incredible. It’s the perfect environment for creating new music, and this time I’m not only performing, but also composing here, allowing those impressions to directly shape my work."
In Queenstown, Verstappen undertakes an artist-in-residency at Te Atamira, delivering workshops, mentoring sessions and community programmes, with public performances on 10 April. Te Atamira's Director, Ruth Heath, is delighted to have Daniel back. “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Daniel back for an artist residency after his last stay in 2024 was such a success. We know our community will really enjoy the chance to experience his music again - from classical music lovers to students and kids taking part in our holiday programme.”
Head to teatamira.nz/events/daniel-verstappen-nz-tour-2026 for more information and to purchase tickets.
