Tonight: We Tango!

with David, Christy, and Marjorie

   No, we didn't actually have to tango ourselves (thank heavens! dance = my nightmare). We were treated to a night of tango music performed by the Bach Aria Soloists, and special guest Héctor del Curto, playing his magnificent Bandoneón. I would have guessed accordion, so that shows you what I know. Apparently this is in the concertina family, distinguished from accordions from the direction in which the buttons are pushed. (Oh, of course... silly me!)

   They played tangos by Argentinian Ástor Pantaleón Piazzolla, which were surprisingly varied (though they all reminded me of Paris—the bandoneon sounds like a French film score). Among the songs: Verano Porteno, Invierno Porteno, Bordel, Cafe 1930, Nightclub 1960, Libertango, Escualo, Soledad, Adios Nonino, and Michelangelo. 

   Elizabeth Suh Lane is the founder, Executive-Artistic Director, and violinist of the BAS. Watching and listening to her play quickly explained why she is considered one of the finest chamber musicians in America. I love seeing live performances to study the way the instruments are played, and Elizabeth masterfully commanded the violin, evoking a truly amazing range of sound through her technique. She makes me wish I were a musician for sure!
   I had seen Jeff Harshbarger, who played the stand up bass, a few weeks ago when he played Blue Room alongside Bobby Watson. Beau Bledsoe played classical guitar, and Alon Yavnai played piano. They were an interesting contrast: where Beau seemed steady and reserved, Alon played out all the notes in his expressions as he pounded them out on the piano. He was really animated and fun to watch.

   

   I knew little about tangos before this show, but I am hooked. It was really a showstopper. The performers' energy and enthusiasm, and the dramatic end to each song were addictive. I can't wait to go again. Amazingly, this concert was free for me; Christy had an extra ticket when a friend cancelled unexpectedly. And coincidentally, our seats were next to friends David, and Marjorie. (In case you're counting, yes, this was my third time at Kauffman this week, following the tour and The Mikado). Lucky me!
   And, I finally got up the nerve to wear my redder-than-red, form-hugging Michael Kors dress. And I had complete strangers stopping me to tell me how great I looked. Can't say I minded that.
   After the show, Christy and David and I walked across the street for a late-late dinner of guacamole,  tacos, and margaritas at Los Tules. Que bueno!