Bio
Daniel Verstappen, pianist, composer, building bridges
To become a musical ambassador around the world. It's a childhood dream coming true for this young Belgian maestro. With (re)connection as a keyword and music as a borderbreaking language, Daniel Verstappen constantly helps to build bridges between cultures, generations and genres. Through the strings of his beloved instrument, he manages to win the hearts of his audience, with a unique blend of modern and classical elements.
Through the impact of this mix and dynamics in performances, he reaches a wide audience from young to older. Daniel's "musical ambassadorship" also caught some royal attention. In 2022, he performed at the World Expo in Dubai in the presence of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde.
Meanwhile, the Reconnection Tour, a total experience of live music, visuals and guest artists, continues its journey through Europe (Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary, Sweden,..) and far beyond. In the pipeline are also Australia and the U.S.A., where Daniel will perform at the mythical Carnegie Hall in New York.
Under the heading "Bridge between Cultures", he connects with the local culture in each country where he plays, by inviting a local choir
and/or guest artist(s). This way he combines his own work with traditional music and local artists.
Watch the trailer here: https://www.danielverstappen.com/BridgeBetweenCultures
The start of the tour, at the Congress Festival Centre in Varna, Bulgaria, on July 22th. 2021, was an instant hit. A compilation of live footage and interviews on major TV and radio stations locally, is featured in a documentary. Released at the turn of the year, with highlights from 2022, such as the 100 year celebration of diplomacy between Hungary and Belgium, including an interview with Daniel himself and the story behind his mission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMeqK-DKLQ8
Daniel's concerts on diplomatic occasions will be continued in 2024. Next Spring he will perform for embassies in honor of the Belgian European presidency.
Once upon a time...
A youngster from Limburg, Belgium, found a soulmate. In more ways then one, the piano will become exactly that for Daniel. Barely five years old, Daniel is already playing his favorite instrument. He later earns his bachelor's and master's degrees in music at the Lemmens Institute in Leuven.
As a child and during his studies at the conservatory, he gets inspired by epic masterpieces by classical composers.
For example, the song "Toccata" appears on one of his albums, referring to Bach's Toccata & Fugue, in a modern version,
in which dexterity and classical techniques are the basis.
In the fall of 2016, he releases his first album, featuring compositions for piano, accompanied by orchestra and/or electronic music.
The soundtrack to his album titled "From The Heart" written for piano and orchestra, marks the start of his career.
With promising reviews and appreciation from music critics worldwide.
At an early age, Daniel is already touring Europe, playing at The Night Of The Proms and performing with Brussels Philharmonic. Even more notable names cross his path: Hooverphonic, Andrea Bocelli, Ennio Morricone, Anastacia, Angie Stone, Blue, Melanie C, Vogue, John Miles, Gloria Estefan, Wyclef Jean, Ceelo Green, Andrea Boccelli, Zucchero, Simple Minds, Joss Stone, Chaka Khan, Natalie Imbruglia, Roger Hodgson (Supertramp), Peter Cetera (Chicago), Natasha Bedingfield, Marlon Roudette, Mark King, Gabriel Rios, Jane Birkin, Keane, Ronan Keating, Joe Jackson, Basement Jaxx, Gavin DeGraw, Maria Mena, The Beach Boys, Katie Melua, Sam Sparro and Amy MacDonald... An impressive list.
In his own country, Daniel also builds musical bridges. With Loredana (de Amicis) and Dimi (Dimitri Vantomme), for example.
And his solo performance for “People of Tomorrow” on their way to Tomorrowland 2022 at the Antwerp Handelsbeurs did not go
unnoticed either. To be continued…
"I want to tell my story, my music straight from the heart. A passion I want to share with the world."
In 2017, at the Midem Festival in Cannes, Daniel's music gets well received by international producers and publishers.
In 2020, he releases his new album and launches his live show "Reconnection", referring to "reconnecting" with ourselves in a new world.
On stage, all compositions come to life in a "live immersive experience" of 3D visuals, light show, live musicians and special acts.
Daniel's international debut by the Black Sea in Varna, Bulgaria, proved a great success, with interviews on major TV & Radio stations. The concept "Bridge between Cultures" is catching on.
Daniel's mission has since become his trademark: to give the classical piano a modern twist and connect different generations.
At the same time, he strives to create a harmonious symbiosis between classical piano and modern music.
On February 5, 2022, he's invited to perform at the World Expo in Dubai as part of the "Belgian Day." In the presence of the Belgian royal couple and statesmen including the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, he plays an unforgettable concert. On March 19, he performed at the outdoor stage of the Belgian pavilion and the following day in front of the Romanian pavilion. There he plays on a grand piano of the leading German piano manufacturer Blüthner.
