We all know him from famous festivals and clubs: Armin van Buuren is one of the defining figures in the electronic music scene and has made a name for himself far beyond its boundaries. Now, we have the honour of seeing a completely new side of him on stage—not behind the DJ booth, but at a classical instrument: the piano, which he meanwhile masters just as impressively. Following the release of his debut classical album Piano on November 7, 2025, he now brings his new sound to the stage in a one-of-a-kind rooftop concert at the Depot Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam.
Tickets were sold out within just two days!
Armin van Buuren: From powerful beats to gentle notes
“I needed to do something different”. Just a few months ago, Armin van Buuren released a very different album, showing that he is a truly versatile musician. He surprised many by proving that his skills go beyond the DJ booth and extend to the piano. The Dutch artist approached the piano in a non-traditional way. Instead of focusing on reading sheet music or mastering classical pieces, he used the instrument to develop his own musical ideas. From the beginning, the piano became a tool for composing rather than just practicing.
Over time, his lessons evolved into composition sessions, where he shared his own chord ideas with his teacher instead of following a strict practice routine. Together, they developed these ideas into original pieces.
The end of an electronic era?
This creative process grew into a larger project, supported by his teacher and inspired by Concert Lab, ultimately leading to a broader classical album that goes beyond solo piano, including a full orchestra. Over the course of just 7 days, he recorded 15 pieces with an orchestra in a unique, noise-free venue—each in a single take, which made the process highly demanding and intense. Despite the pressure, he describes it as one of the most special and rewarding experiences of his life.
The project also pushed him out of his comfort zone, as he only started playing piano 7 years ago. At the same time, he emphasizes that he is not leaving electronic music but rather expanding his artistry by exploring new creative directions and blending styles.
One of the world’s best electronic music DJs live… in concert
Instead of spinning records and turning knobs behind the DJ booth to get the crowd dancing, Armin van Buuren now invites his audience into a different kind of experience—more intimate, more reflective, and centered around listening. Accompanied by a full orchestra, he experiments with classical, unexpected melodies in place of pulsating, repetitive beats, opening up a new musical dimension.
Yet one thing remains unchanged: his intention to move people, to connect emotionally, and to create moments that give you goosebumps. For him, it is about artistic experimentation—challenging himself, exploring new territory, and proving that life and freedom mean not being afraid to take risks. Above all, it’s about doing it with passion and heart.
Tickets for Armin van Buuren’s highly anticipated piano concert are already sold out, after just two days!
