Eliot Circular

Tango Masters Tear It Up with Reed Orchestra

Photo by Alex Krafcik ’15.

By Brittney Corrigan-McElroy ’94

When the soundcheck wrapped up and the doors swung open, hundreds of music lovers swarmed inside, packing Kaul Auditorium for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Astillero, an influential band on the cutting edge of Argentina’s tango vanguard, spent a week at Reed visiting classes and rehearsing with the student orchestra, culminating in a performance of Soundtrack Buenos Aires on February 20. Led by pianist Julián Peralta, the band delivered their revolutionary original music—urgent, aggressive, and bursting with rhythmic energy. By the end of the concert, the crowd was on their feet, cheering for more.

The event was presented by Tango for Musicians, North America’s leading tango workshop for musicians. Led by Prof. Morgan Luker [music 2010–], the workshop takes place at Reed each June and attracts musicians from across the globe.

This year’s workshop (June 21–28) features several public events, including a concert with Chamber Music Northwest on Saturday, June 27.

Go Further

Find out more about Tango for Musicians at Reed College.