Concertagenda

From Bach to The Cure in Amsterdam

A double concert with Nihad Hrustanbegović – Symphonic accordion and Maryna Krylova – Grand piano, pipe organ.

“From Bach to The Cure” perfectly encapsulates the musical versatility of Bosnian-born Dutch classical accordionist and composer Nihad Hrustanbegović. His artistic journey bridges seemingly incompatible worlds: complex transcriptions of Johann Sebastian Bach, Vivaldi, Debussy, and Albéniz; Mediterranean, Amsterdam, and Bosnian sevdah melodies; and the dark gothic rock themes of the legendary British new-wave band The Cure.

Nihad approaches the accordion as an instrument that “breathes, just like a human being”. As Dutch newspaper Trouw wrote: “What Pablo Casals did for the emancipation of the cello, Hrustanbegović does for the accordion.” Nihad is internationally renowned for his original compositions as well as collaborations with artists such as Al Di Meola and Grace Jones. Invited by Robert Smith of The Cure, he performed seven consecutive nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall for the Teenage Cancer Trust event—causing a sensation in the accordion world, as no accordionist had ever performed for such an extended engagement in this legendary concert hall.

This description fits Dutch composer and pianist with Russian roots, Maryna Krylova, just as seamlessly. Her earliest musical memory is a fascination with the fugues of J.S. Bach. Thinking she was playing Bach’s fugues, she was actually improvising her own creations, becoming a composer at just three years old—with the piano remaining her favorite instrument to this day. Maryna’s music draws from a diverse tapestry of musical experiences and collaborations. She merges Western and Eastern traditions: French Impressionism (Debussy, Satie), the post-tonal mysticism of Scriabin, and the healing, open sounds of Indian ragas. Maryna’s unique compositional approach is intrinsically tied to live performance.

The concert takes place in an iconic church on the Keizersgracht, located in the historic center of Amsterdam. The church was designed by architect G.B. Salm, who also designed the building that today houses the famous music venue Paradiso. The Keizersgrachtkerk boasts remarkably fine acoustics, allowing the performance to take place entirely unamplified. This renders the musical experience all the more authentic.

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

Keizersgrachtkerk – Sunday, November 22, 2026, 7:30 PM

Keizersgracht 566, 1017 EM Amsterdam

https://www.keizersgrachtkerk.nl/events/van-bach-tot-the-cure/

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/van-bach-tot-the-cure-nihad-hrustanbegovic-en-maryna-krylova-tickets-2002552260719?aff=ebdssbcategorybrowse

Nihad Hrustanbegovic at Royal Albert Hall

Maryna Krylova at Keizersgrachtkerk

Organisation: St. Window to Europe

When the horn blows – Nihad Hrustanbegovic – Accordion – Royal Albert Hall – Teenage Cancer Trust

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tTgVOAuzY8

Stork suite Nihad Hrustanbegovic World promenade Sevdah Jazz Ballade Flamenco wals Balkan soul

World premiere of the composition A’dam & Eve – City of Forbidden Fruit dedicated to the 750th anniversary of Amsterdam 25 October 2025

Autumn – The Four Seasons – Antonio Vivaldi – Nihad Hrustanbegovic – Classical accordion

Autumn – The Four Seasons – Antonio Vivaldi – Nihad Hrustanbegovic – Classical accordion