It's quite something different—playing as a classical accordionist at pop concerts seven nights in a row at London's Royal Albert Hall. It's an experience in itself, performing classical and light popular works on accordion for a total of 35,000 spectators who came for heavy pop and rock, playing in such a vast hall for a screaming and cheering audience. Seven nights running, no less—at least a world record for the accordion since the instrument was invented.
It was Nihad Hrustanbegović, a Dutch accordionist of Bosnian descent, who literally and figuratively pulled it off, bringing widespread recognition to the accordion in general and the classical accordion in particular. Not only was the audience wild with enthusiasm, but the international press also wrote a series of glowing remarks. To be honest, the press wasn't exactly predisposed to accordion music. The real draw for press and audience alike was none other than pop artist Robert Smith, who through various connections and coincidences (and a few reviews published on Klassiek Centraal) made contact and was keen on featuring the classical accordion as the opening act for his annual benefit concert series supporting the Teenage Cancer Trust, a British organization dedicated to childhood cancer research and supporting young people and their families. It's always admirable and deeply appreciated when important supportive and encouraging initiatives exist for those who must fight cancer far too young.
From Vivaldi to The Cure
It must be said, Hrustanbegović also ventured somewhat outside classical boundaries, understandably so given an audience unfamiliar with both the instrument itself and the broader classical repertoire, whether adapted for accordion or not. When British critics specializing in pop music are moved and honestly convey that in their reviews, that means something! Here's this telling summary: "The tone of the evening was set by accordionist Nihad Hrustanbegović, whose floating tones were both eerie and beautiful, effortlessly moving from ghostly melancholy to intense lightness."
The musician's enthusiastic words are therefore logical, and we're happy to conclude this brief article with them: "And yes, I did it! Seven evenings in a row with the classical accordion, playing about an hour each evening on the main stage of the Royal Albert Hall! I'm delighted I could contribute to the world of young people, to their better future," said Hrustanbegović after the final concert.
