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Interview with composer Nader Adabnejad on Towards Affinity

16 June 2025

As part of this year’s Holland Festival, composer Nader Adabnejad presents Towards Affinity, a new orchestral work that opens an evening dedicated to contemporary Persian composers. The concerts, performed in collaboration with the Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest, take place at Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 June 2025.

Originally from Iran and now based in Maastricht, Nader graduated from the Classical Composition programme, class of Vykintas Baltakas at Conservatorium Maastricht in 2024 and is currently continuing his artistic development there as a contract student. In this interview, he shares the story behind his piece, the role music plays in his life, and the journey that led to these special performances.

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The conversation about the future of culture in Maastricht has cautiously begun. During the event ‘After Rieu – what’s next for culture in Maastricht?’, organized by Sphinx Debatcentrum, a clear message emerged from the cultural sector: there is a need for more space to experiment, for new makers and initiatives that energize the city.

The energy is there, everyone wants to contribute. Creators, institutions, and stakeholders see opportunities to strengthen Maastricht’s cultural profile. Not only within the familiar walls of theaters and museums but especially in neighborhoods and on the streets. “Going into the neighborhood” should not be the exception, but the norm.

A notable contribution came from Arjen Hosper, Director of Performing Arts at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences (Toneelacademie Maastricht and Conservatorium Maastricht). He stressed the importance of the city developing a clear cultural vision that allows young makers to experiment and grow. Hosper advocated for a cultural policy that serves not only established institutions in the city center but also connects with neighborhoods and diverse communities in Maastricht. Culture, according to him, should be a unifying force, with collaboration and visibility as key principles.

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The conversation has started... now it’s time to move forward together.

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