For ten years, the Piazzolla da Camera Trio has dedicated itself to the performance of the works of late Argentine modern tango master Astor Piazzolla. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, this ensemble will bring the sounds of the Buenos Aires cityscape to the New Mexico State University Atkinson Recital Hall.
“It’s breathtaking music – sometimes weaving baroque style counterpoint, other times spinning beautifully lyric melodies – and always passionate,” said Laura Spitzer, associate professor of piano in the NMSU College of Arts and Sciences. “It will make you relive your most cherished memories.”
The program consists of music by Piazzolla, who revolutionized the traditional tango into a new style called “nuevo tango,” incorporating elements from jazz and classical music. He died in 1992.
The Piazzolla da Camera Trio is a collaboration of celebrated musicians who have previously performed in London and South America, with a tour of Thailand scheduled for this November. The ensemble includes violinist George Blum, cellist Oscar Nickles, and pianist and University of Texas at El Paso piano professor Oscar Macchioni.
Blum earned a performance degree from the University of Arizona, and then attended the prestigious Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City, Utah. There, he learned the fine art of string instrument making and repair, and, for the Oct. 19 concert, will perform using one of his own handcrafted instruments.
Nickles, who was born to an Argentine mother and an American father, was awarded a Rotary scholarship at the age of 18, allowing him to study cello in Belgium. His achievements include Broadway productions, symphonic debuts, a private concert for Lady Margaret Thatcher and touring with pianist Ian Hobson.
Macchioni, a native of Argentina, is a Steinway Artist, an accomplished pianist, professor, lecturer, author and adjudicator. Macchioni has been sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution, and has performed extensively in Argentina, England, Italy, Poland, Turkey, Serbia, the U.S. and Mexico.
The program will feature the following works: Oblivion, Ave María, Milonga del Angel, Libertango, Le Grand Tango, Las Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas and La Muerte del Angel.
This concert is free and open to the public. For more information on the performance, contact the NMSU Department of Music at 575-646-2421. For more information on the Piazzolla da Camera Trio, visit facebook.com/piazzolladacamera
Information from NMSU