It is quite something different to perform for seven consecutive days as a classical accordionist at pop concerts in the Royal Albert Hall in London. It is an experience in itself, for a total of 35,000 spectators who come for heavy pop and rock, to play classical and light popular works on accordion in such a vast hall for a screaming and cheering audience? Seven consecutive days at that, immediately a world record for at least the accordion since the instrument was invented.
It was the Dutch accordionist of Bosnian descent Nihad Hrustanbegović who literally and figuratively managed it and thereby gave the accordion in general and the classical accordion in particular very widespread recognition. Not only was the audience thrilled, but the international press also wrote a series of laudatory remarks. That press had certainly not come for that accordion, let's be honest. Their magnet for the press and the public was none other than pop artist Robert Smith who through connections and coincidences (and a few reviews published on Klassiek Centraal) made contact and was keen on the idea of having that classical accordion as a warm-up for his annual series of benefit concerts as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust, a British organization that is concerned with research into cancer in children and supporting young people and their families. Always noble and very commendable that there are important supportive and encouraging initiatives for those who have to fight cancer far too young.
From Vivaldi to The Cure
It must be said, Hrustanbegović also worked somewhat outside classical lines, with all understanding for the audience that is unfamiliar with both the instrument itself and the large classical repertoire, whether or not arranged for accordion. When British reviewers who specialize in pop music are moved and honestly reflect that in their reporting, that means something! Just read this revealing short 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 enthusiastic words of the musician are therefore logical and we are happy to close this short article with them: "And yes, I did it! Seven evenings in a row with the classical accordion, playing for about an hour each evening on the main stage of the Royal Albert Hall! I am glad that I could make a contribution to the world of young people, to their better future", said Hrustanbegović after the final concert.