Armin van Buuren has announced his first-ever acoustic album, ‘Piano’, set for release on October 31 via Armada Music. The 15-track self-composed project marks a new creative chapter for the Dutch artist, showcasing the classical influences that have quietly shaped his career over the past two decades.
The album will be available exclusively on Apple Music and Apple Music Classical for one week before reaching all major streaming platforms on November 7. Its first track, ‘Sonic Samba’, is out now, offering a glimpse into Armin’s stripped-back, emotive direction. The announcement followed a surprise in-store performance at Apple’s Leidseplein store in Amsterdam and a Dolby Atmos playback session held earlier today during Amsterdam Dance Event.
While a significant departure from his trademark trance sound, ‘Piano’ highlights the melodic and harmonic foundations that underpin Armin van Buuren music. The album reflects his lifelong connection to classical tradition—one inspired by his piano-playing father and early exposure to composers who shaped his musical understanding. Over the past decade, he has studied piano under Geronimo Snijtsheuvel, transforming his practice into a full creative pursuit.
Recorded at ConcertLab in Utrecht and mixed in Dolby Atmos®, the album captures every piece in a single take. Collaborations include a cellist, a chamber orchestra, and violinist Lisa Jacobs, enriching the album’s emotional depth.
Alongside original compositions, Armin also reinterprets Robert Miles’ ‘Children’ as a piano-led homage to his electronic roots. Moreover, he described the project’s emotional depth, saying, “This album is my most personal work—just fingers on keys.” After decades of trance and festivals, he explained that he longed for music without pressure.
‘Piano’ releases worldwide on November 7, following its exclusive Apple Music debut on October 31. You can pre-save here.
