LONDON / AMSTERDAM / SARAJEVO – The Dutch-Bosnian accordionist and composer Nihad Hrustanbegović has written a new chapter in music history by becoming the first accordionist to perform for seven consecutive nights at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London.
From March 23 to 29, 2026, Hrustanbegović participated in the prestigious concert series marking the 26th anniversary of the Teenage Cancer Trust. At the personal invitation of the festival curator and frontman of The Cure, Robert Smith, Hrustanbegović opened the program each evening for a sold-out audience and demonstrated the unprecedented possibilities of the classical accordion. Breaking boundaries and setting new standards
With this project, Hrustanbegović joined the elite of musicians such as Eric Clapton and Ludovic Einaudi, who hold the record for the number of consecutive performances in this venue. During the seven-day residency, the artist performed a rich repertoire, including compositions such as *Just like heaven* by Robert Smith and The Cure, *Yesterday* by The Beatles, *Amsterdam* by Jacques Brel, *Miss Sarajevo* by U2 and Luciano Pavarotti, *Oblivion* by Astor Piazzolla, *Libertango* by Astor Piazzolla, *Missouri* by Pulp Fiction and Tarantino, *Sevdah*, Vivaldi, Albéniz, Claude Debussy, contemporary music, jazz, pop, classical music, and original pieces from his tenth solo album *Mediterraneo* and his debut album *The Best of Concert Accordion*.
Critics and the public agree: « Accordionist with the soul of the orchestra »
British music critics described his performances as « revolutionary ». Hrustanbegović succeeded in « redefining the perception of the accordion and making it an instrument that sounds like a complete symphony orchestra under his fingers. » https://whenthehornblows.com/content/2026/3/25/live-review-elbow-x-teenage-ancer-trust-the-royal-albert-hall-23326 « The tone of the evening was set by accordionist Nihad Hrustanbegović, whose floating tones were both eerie and beautiful, moving effortlessly from ghostly melancholy to intense lightness. » From Vivaldi to The Cure
As the lights of one of the world’s most prestigious venues slowly dim after a seven-day music marathon, the name echoing through the corridors of the Royal Albert Hall in London is not that of a rock star with an electric guitar, but that of the Dutch, Bosnian, and Herzegovinian accordionist and composer Nihad Hrustanbegović. In the past week, from March 23 to 29, 2026, Hrustanbegović accomplished something that seems almost impossible: he became the first accordionist in history to perform for seven consecutive nights in this temple of music.
An invitation you cannot refuse! It all started with a personal invitation from rock legend and frontman of The Cure, Robert Smith. As curator of the traditional concert series for Teenage Cancer Trust, Smith was looking for an artist who could combine classical precision with unprecedented emotion. The choice fell on Hrustanbegović, who was tasked with introducing the audience to his solo performances every evening of the festival. Seven nights, seven triumphs. Over seven nights, Hrustanbegović demonstrated the full power of the accordion and his own talent to thousands of visitors.
From interpretations of classical works to original compositions, from subtle echoes of Balkan melodies to pop and jazz music: every night was a testament to technical perfection and profound musical experience. His performance was not merely a « prelude » to the big bands that followed; it became an integral part of the experience that brought visitors back again and again. « Playing in this hall is a dream, but playing for seven consecutive nights and feeling the accordion breathe within this architecture is something indescribable, » said a visibly emotional Nihad after the final performance. This achievement also holds a deeper significance. The entire concert series is dedicated to raising funds for young people with cancer. Hrustanbegović’s contribution to this noble cause places him alongside greats like Eric Clapton, who holds the absolute record for the venue, but in the world of the accordion, Nihad now stands alone at the top. With this historic series, Nihad Hrustanbegović not only promoted his instrument but also set a high standard for all future generations of musicians, proving that there are no impenetrable fortresses for true talent and the accordion. Over seven evenings, Hrustanbegović took the audience on a carefully curated musical journey. Each evening placed a different emphasis, avoiding monotony and showcasing the accordion’s incredible versatility: Author’s Stamp: A special moment each night was the performance of the composition « Stork Suite, » with which he paid tribute to his roots by blending classical forms with the deep emotion of sevdah. Rock Collaboration: Every evening, much to the delight of the audience, he added the melancholic sounds of the accordion to the cult songs of The Cure. An instrument that breathes! Music critics from leading British newspapers spared no words of praise: « What Hrustanbegović does with the accordion is not just playing; it is breathing. » He shattered all prejudices about the accordion as a folk instrument and placed it where it belongs: at the absolute top of world classics and avant-garde. Nihad’s seven-day performance at the Royal Albert Hall will go down in history as the moment the accordion finally achieved its ‘rock star’ status in London. Historical significance! With this achievement, Nihad Hrustanbegović inscribed himself in the hall’s ‘Golden Book’. Where the Royal Albert Hall was previously dominated by piano virtuosos such as Ludovic Einaudi, Nihad proved that the accordion has an equally great, if not greater, power to transform the space. His record of seven consecutive nights now stands as a beacon for all artists from the Balkans, as well as accordionists worldwide, confirming that authenticity and top-class skill open doors to the most closed stages in the world.
« And yes, I did it! Seven nights in a row with the classical accordion, playing for about an hour each night on the main stage of the Royal Albert Hall! » As a special guest at the Teenage Cancer Trust concerts from Monday, March 23 to Sunday, March 29, 2026, organized by Robert Smith. « I am happy that I was able to contribute to the world of young people, to their better future, » said Hrustanbegović after the closing concert. Humanitarian character: All proceeds from ticket sales during these seven evenings are dedicated to the Teenage Cancer Trust, a foundation that provides specialized care and support to young people with cancer in the United Kingdom. About the artist: Nihad Hrustanbegović is an internationally recognized artist whose work encompasses classical music, jazz, and world music. He has released several solo albums and performed in the world’s major concert halls. This recording in London solidified his position as one of the most important contemporary accordionists and composers. Nihad Hrustanbegović is recognized worldwide as one of the most important classical and contemporary accordionists and composers. He has performed in prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, the Ridderzaal in The Hague, and for the Dutch Royal Family, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix, in 1998, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Foundation for refugee students.
https://nihadhrustanbegovic.com/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002s02q
https://accordions.news/bosnian-dutch-accordionist-performs-in-royal-albert-hall-england-uk/
https://readdork.com/news/robert-smith-teenage-cancer-trust-comperes-livestreams-ann aangekondigd
https://bonjour.ba/kultura/muzika/nihad-hrustanbegovic-koncert-royal-albert-hall
https://thefestivals.uk/robert-smiths-comedy-gig-at-royal-albert-hall/
