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Book Sumi Lee for a groupmuse

Contemporary tango by Bandoneón & Piano


Details

Sumi Lee full profile / Bandoneó & Piano / 2 musicians

Other players: Ramiro Boero


Full program notes

This concert features selections from Sumi Lee’s newly released EP, El Gaucho Perdido, as well as a preview of the upcoming LP, San Francisco Buenos Aires, a deeply personal project featuring original works by Argentine composers who have profoundly shaped her musical path. These powerful new compositions blend classical depth, tango’s soulful roots, jazzy freedom, and rich storytelling.

Joining Sumi on stage is the extraordinary musician, teacher, and mentor Ramiro Boero. Together, as the Lee-Boero Tango Duo, the artists will bring to life works by iconic composers such as Maestro Victor Lavallén and Ramiro himself, both multiple Latin Grammy nominees, as well as Pablo Estigarribia, winner of the 2023 Latin Grammy. These artists and other celebrated voices are shaping the vibrant and evolving landscape of contemporary Argentine tango.

The new EP, El Gaucho Perdido, is a daring collection of modern tango works that fuse tradition with fresh, innovative ideas. The title track captivates with its haunting, slow milonga rhythm and the uncommon pulse of 5/4 meter. With intricate arrangements, passionate melodies, and a dynamic interplay between piano and bandoneón, this concert promises an exhilarating journey through rhythm, emotion, and musical storytelling like never before.


Historical context

Tango: A Living Tradition

Tango is more than just music—it is a cultural force that has shaped and been shaped by generations of musicians and dancers. Emerging from the immigrant neighborhoods of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century, tango was born from a fusion of African, European, and Indigenous influences. It quickly became the voice of the people, a way to express longing, resilience, and passion.

Astor Piazzolla revolutionized tango in the mid-20th century, blending it with jazz and classical music to create what we now call tango nuevo. His innovations were met with resistance at first, but they ultimately expanded tango’s expressive potential and global reach. Today, tango continues to evolve, with contemporary composers pushing its boundaries while remaining rooted in its deep emotional and communal tradition.

Tonight’s program celebrates this evolution. We will perform works by Ramiro Boero, Victor Lavallen, Piazzolla, etc whose music redefined tango for the modern era, alongside new compositions by living composers, including Latin Grammy winner Pablo Estigarribia. These pieces honor tango’s rich history while embracing fresh perspectives, ensuring this vibrant tradition continues connecting and inspiring audiences worldwide.


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