From Bach To The Cure

From Bach to The Cure

Nihad Hrustanbegović and Maryna Krylova

A double concert about remarkable musical quests for knowledge, experience, passion, freedom

Nihad Hrustanbegović - symphonic accordion

Maryna Krylova – grand piano, church organ

"From Bach to The Cure" perfectly describes the musical versatility of the Dutch classical accordionist and composer Nihad Hrustanbegović, who originates from Bosnia and Herzegovina. His artistic path connects seemingly incompatible worlds: complex transcriptions of Johann Sebastian Bach, Vivaldi, Debussy and Albéniz, Mediterranean, Amsterdam and Bosnian sevdah sounds, and the dark gothic rock melodies of the legendary British new wave band The Cure.

Nihad approaches the accordion as an instrument that 'breathes, just like a human being'. 'What Pablo Casals did for the emancipation of the cello, Hrustanbegović does for the accordion.' (Trouw) Nihad is world-renowned for his own work, but also for collaborations with, among others, Al Di Meola and Grace Jones. In 2026, at the invitation of Robert Smith of The Cure, he performed for seven consecutive days in the Royal Albert Hall in London for the Teenage Cancer Trust event. This caused a stir in the accordion world — never before had an accordion player performed for so long in this legendary concert hall.

This description applies just as well to the Dutch composer and pianist with Russian roots, Maryna Krylova. Her earliest musical memory is her fascination with the fugues of J.S. Bach. She thought she was playing the fugues, but they were her own creations. She became a composer at the age of three — the piano is still her favourite instrument. Maryna's music is based on diverse musical experiences and collaborations. She brings together Western and Eastern approaches: among others, French impressionism (Debussy, Satie), the post-tonal mysticism of Scriabin, and the healing, free sounds of Indian ragas. Maryna's unique compositional technique is inseparably connected to playing.

The concert takes place in an iconic church on the Keizersgracht, in the old centre of Amsterdam. The church was designed by architect G.B. Salm, who also designed the building that now houses the pop temple Paradiso. The Keizersgrachtkerk has a particularly beautiful acoustic, which allows the concert to take place unamplified. This makes the musical experience even more authentic.

The concert consists of two parts of approximately 45 minutes each. As a finale, the musicians perform a surprise composition together.

Two artists present two different but connecting approaches. Nihad brings virtuosic and crisply articulated performances of arrangements of famous masterpieces by, among others, Bach, Vivaldi and The Cure. Maryna brings interpretations of her own tonal compositions that emerge on the spot — driven by inspiration, freedom and surrender to the moment.

As a finale, the musicians together present a surprise composition, with Maryna on the church organ and Nihad on accordion.