Interview with composer Nader Adabnejad on Towards Affinity

Could you describe what your composition is about and what you hope to express through it?
Towards Affinity was composed for a special evening at the Holland Festival dedicated to contemporary Persian composers, and I was honoured to be invited to contribute the opening piece.
The work is inspired by a poem written by a close friend and explores the idea of affinity, the notion that people from different cultures, backgrounds and languages can still forge deep and meaningful connections. Even when we disagree, there is always the possibility to listen, to understand and to meet each other with empathy.
Musically, I set the Persian Ney, a traditional Eastern woodwind instrument, in dialogue with the Western flute. Around this exchange, the ensemble weaves together strings, Persian percussion and horn, creating a space where different musical voices can coexist. The piece is dedicated to my friends, and it carries the hope that one day we might all learn to see one another as potential friends, simply by listening with care and respect.

What does it mean to you to stand on this stage as a young composer, and what do you hope the audience will take away from your piece during the festival?
Standing on this stage as a young composer is incredibly meaningful to me. Let me share a short story. Five years ago, when I made the decision to leave Iran, I knew I was entering a difficult journey, full of challenges, uncertainty and obstacles. But I also carried one dream with me, to one day hear my music performed by a full orchestra in the Netherlands. At the time, that dream felt so far away. And now, it is happening even sooner than I expected. Having my work performed by musicians from Koninklijk Concertgebouw feels like a major step in that journey, a moment where a dream begins to feel real.
I hope the audience leaves the concert with a sense of curiosity and openness, and maybe even with questions, about life, about society, stirred by the different musical colours and voices within the piece.

What role does music play for you in expressing yourself?
It might sound a bit cliché, but for me, music isn’t something external. It’s like walking or breathing, something deeply embedded in who I am. It’s the most natural way I can express emotion and connect with the world around me.

Nader Adabnejad is currently developing Thanatos, a live, interactive performance combining animation and improvisational music. This work was previously presented at the AIM Award in Maastricht. He is also preparing to launch his new studio website, www.naderad.com, which will feature recordings and highlight work from other emerging artists. More information about Nader’s work can be found at www.naderadabnejad.com. For additional context on Forbiddden Echoes, here you can find a podcast with more information,  made by De Groene Amsterdammer, and here you can find an interview that forms part of the Holland Festival. Details and tickets for the concerts on 27 and 28 June at 8.30 pm can be found here at the Concertgebouw Orchestra’s website.

🎧 YouTube Podcast
📰 Interview – Holland Festival

🎫  More information about the concerts on 27 and 29 June, 20:30 and tickets:
https://www.concertgebouworkest.nl/nl/concertagenda?composer=Nader+Adabnejad&date=2025-3-26&utm_campaign=marketing-cloud&utm_medium=email&utm_source=250320_mcv_pr_persbericht+M%C3%A4kel%C3%A4