Buy the CD Now!
$15 includes shipping
Buy the CD Now!
Buy the CD Now!
$15 includes shipping
2022 DC Tango Festival
The Festival is Back!
Washington, DC's popular tango festival starts this year on May 13th and ends June 17th and takes place at various venues throughout the city. See our lineup of tango talent and check back regularly as we add events.
An Enchanting Evening of Tango
Join the Ariel Pirotti Quartet for an evening of traditional and new tangos at the historic Embassy of Argentina. Enjoy a glass or two of Argentine wine-- included free with the price of admission! $45 per person.
For more information, call 240-242-8032
Join the Ariel Pirotti Quartet for an evening of traditional and new tangos at the historic Embassy of Argentina. Enjoy a glass or two of Argentine wine-- included free with the price of admission! $45 per person.
For more information, call 240-242-8032
Join PASO musicians for an evening of traditional and new tangos at the historic Embassy of Argentina with new compositions by Argentine composer, Ariel Pirotti. Enjoy a glass or two of Argentine wine-- included free with the price of admission! $45 per person.
For more information, call 240-242-8032
Tango at the Arts Club!
Join PASO' musicians, Diana LeGrand (violin), Dorotea Racz (cello) and Jason Salounias (piano) for an evening of nuevos tangos at the elegant Arts Club of Washington.
General Admission -$45 per person.
For more information, call 240-242-8032
A Tango Dance Party!
May 20
Put on your dancing shoes and join the Pan American Symphony Orchestra's Tango Ensemble for a fun evening of tango dancing. Joining PASO's Tango Ensemble are guest musicians from South America. Enjoy a glass or two of Argentine wine-- included free with the price of admission! $45 per person.
Celebrating PASO's Latin Grammy Nominated Recording!
The Pan American Symphony Orchestra performs selections from its 2021 Latin Grammy nominated recording with new tango compositions by young tango musicians from Argentina, Colombia and the United States. With Damian Fortic on bandoneon, Ariel Pirotti on piano, and six dancers from Colombia and Argentina, this is a show you will not want to miss! Buy your tickets now as this show sells out fast.
The Pan American Symphony Orchestra performs selections from its 2021 Latin Grammy nominated recording with new tango compositions by young tango musicians from Argentina, Colombia and the United States. With guest bandoneon player, and guest pianist, and six dancers from Colombia and Argentina, this is a show you will not want to miss! Buy your tickets now as this show sells out fast.
Mariana Quinteros Sings Tango
The 2022 DC Tango Festival kicks off with Argentine Mariana Quinteros singing traditional tangos and nuevo tango featured on her newly released album, Tango de Nuevos Ayres . With Argentine pianist, Anibal Berraute, and Argentine bandoneon player, Javier Sanchez, you are in for an evening of lively authentic Argentine tango. The show starts at 7:30 PM at the Embassy of Argentina, 1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
Admission $45, includes wine reception.
For more information, call 240-242-8032
The 2022 DC Tango Festival kicks off with Argentine Mariana Quinteros singing traditional tangos and nuevo tango featured on her newly released album, Tango de Nuevos Ayres . With Argentine pianist, Anibal Berraute, and Argentine bandoneon player, Javier Sanchez, you are in for an evening of lively authentic Argentine tango. The show starts at 7:30 PM at the Embassy of Argentina, 1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
Admission $45, includes wine reception.
For more information, call 240-242-8032
The 2022 DC Tango Festival kicks off with Argentine Mariana Quinteros singing traditional tangos and nuevo tango featured on her newly released album, Tango de Nuevos Ayres . With Argentine pianist, Anibal Berraute, and Argentine bandoneon player, Javier Sanchez, you are in for an evening of lively authentic Argentine tango. The show starts at 7:30 PM at the Embassy of Argentina, 1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
Admission $45, includes wine reception.
For more information, call 240-242-8032
2021-2022 Season
I have experienced PASO both from the stage and from the audience and have never been disappointed; in fact I have on every occasion been both impressed and inspired.
Scott Tucker
Artistic Director, The Choral Arts Society of Washington
Arthur Espinoza, Jr.
Former Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
[PASO] is truly a gem and I commend you for your commitment and dedication to the art form.
Robert Pullen
Director of Special Programming, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Rita Moreno
The Orchestra accompanied Chita Rivera and me at the Latino Inaugural Celebration on January 20, 2013. In spite of such short notice, the Orchestra and its leadership rose to the occasion and because of its level of professionalism and musicality, the performance was quite a success.
PASO has demonstrated quality musicianship and brings a fresh appreciation and awareness to Latin American and Spanish contributions to the classical repertoire. PASO is an important cultural institution, successfully creating a public interest in the wealth of Latin American talent.
Rosanna Ruscetti
General Manager, The Lincoln Theater
Patricia A. McGuire
President, Trinity Washington University.
PASO is truly one of the great bright lights in our city. I can think of few other organizations that operate so consistently on the strength of volunteerism, a passion for beauty and culture, and a high degree of commitment to the idea that cultivation of the aesthetic senses can contribute to marked improvement in the community.
Marco Blandon Correa
Bandoneon
Bandoneon
From Medellin, Colombia, Blandon Correa is the bandoneon player in the popular Colombian tango quintet, F-31. He is also the bandoneón player on the Pan American Symphony Orchestra’s recording Tango of the Americas, which won a Latin Grammy nomination in 2021. Two of the songs on that recording were composed by Blandón Correa. In 2021 at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., Blandón Correa was the featured guest soloist for PASO's tribute concert to Astor Piazzolla. He has participated in DC Tango Festival with the F-31 on two occasions.
Javier Sanchez
Bandoneon
Bandoneon
Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Javier Sánchez has been playing the bandoneón for almost 30 years. He has been a member of Latin Grammy Award nominee Rodolfo Mederos Orquesta Típica; toured the world with tango companies such as Tango Pasión, Tanguera, and Tango Emotion. In 2016, he relocated to New York City and collaborated with Aces of Rhythm directed by Pablo Aslan , Pan American Symphony Orchestra, and the Astoria Tango Orchestra. He won First Prize at the renowned Che Bandoneon International Competition judged by bandoneón legend Victor Lavallén. In 2018 Mr. Sanchez became Music Director of Che Tangazo Orchestra based in Montreal, Canada, making its debut at Tango BA Festival and World Cup.
Heyni Solera
Bandoneon
Bandoneon
Heyni regularly performs with the Da Capo Tango Orchestra, which focuses on playing danceable tangos and is part of the cello-bandoneon duo, Arco & Aire, with cellist Maxfield Wollam-Fisher. She is also the bandoneon player with Solidaridad Tango Orquesta which focuses on female tango musicians in a typically male dominated genre. Solera’s current and future projects include “Today’s Tango with Heyni”, a mini-series that features today’s contemporary tango musicians throughout the world, the EP album Overture, an original contemporary tango recording project with Arco & Aire, and a bandoneón duo album, El Bandoneon en Bach, dedicated to J.S. Bach (released in March 2022).
Chris Hemingway
Saxophone
Saxophone
From Florence, South Carolina, Chris grew up listening to the sounds of gospel, soul, R&B, and blues. Chris would later pull from these early listening experiences to develop his overall approach to music today. Chris’ natural fluency in both classical and jazz styles separates him from most musicians.
Ahmed Alom Vega
Pianist
Pianist
Ahmed, a leading young pianist in New York City today, is originally from Cuba. He studied classical music under both Cuban and Russian teachers and made his orchestral debut at age 17 with the Mexican Philharmonic Orchestra, performing Rhapsody in Blue. Ahmed is also a jazz and Latin jazz pianist and an expert on Cuban popular piano music. He is currently a student at the Manhattan School of Music.
Ahmed, a leading young pianist in New York City today, is originally from Cuba. He studied classical music under both Cuban and Russian teachers and made his orchestral debut at age 17 with the Mexican Philharmonic Orchestra, performing Rhapsody in Blue. Ahmed is also a jazz and Latin jazz pianist and an expert on Cuban popular piano music. He is currently a student at the Manhattan School of Music.
Ahmed, a leading young pianist in New York City today, is originally from Cuba. He studied classical music under both Cuban and Russian teachers and made his orchestral debut at age 17 with the Mexican Philharmonic Orchestra, performing Rhapsody in Blue. Ahmed is also a jazz and Latin jazz pianist and an expert on Cuban popular piano music. He is currently a student at the Manhattan School of Music.
F-31 Quinteto
Tango Ensemble
Tango Ensemble
Named after the model of airplane that in 1935 carried famous tango singer, Carlos Gardel, when it crashed in Medellin, Colombia killing him and all passengers, this talented group from Medellin is made up of piano, violin, guitar, double bass and bandoneon. They made their Washington, DC debut with the Pan American Symphony Orchestra in 2018.
Pedro Giraudo
Bass Player
Bass Player
Latin Grammy Award winner bassist and composer, Pedro Giraudo, is among the most compelling tango artists today. After two decades performing with the most important interpreters of tango, Giraudo debuted his own Tango Orchestra at Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing in July 2015 and since then has become an active cultural ambassador of this beautiful and passionate music of his native Argentina.
La Juan D'Arienzo
Tango Orchestra
Tango Orchestra
Formed in 2012 in Buenos Aires, this 11-piece orchestra plays in the original swinging style made famous by Juan D’Arienzo, who was known as the Rey del Compás, or the King of the Rhythm during his heyday between 1950 and 1976, when he passed away. The orchestra's bandoneón player, Facundo Lazzari, is the grandson of D’Arienzo’s original bandoneon player and arranger, Carlos Lazzari.
Formed in 2012 in Buenos Aires, this 11-piece orchestra plays in the original swinging style made famous by Juan D’Arienzo, who was known as the Rey del Compás, or the King of the Rhythm during his heyday between 1950 and 1976, when he passed away. The orchestra's bandoneón player, Facundo Lazzari, is the grandson of D’Arienzo’s original bandoneon player and arranger, Carlos Lazzari.
Magdalena Duhagon
Guitar
Guitar
Born in Uruguay, classical guitarist, Duhagon has performed across America, Europe, and the Middle East. Her playing is noted for its refined expressiveness as well as for the enchantment of her phrasing. She studied under Berta Rojas and was a part of the Rojas - Duhagon Guitar Duo and a member of the Del Sur Guitar Quartet with Berta Rojas, Nestor Ausqui and Marcelo Cornut.
Rosalia Gasso & Alejandro Barrientos
Tango Dancers
Tango Dancers
From Buenos Aires, Argentina, Rosalia and Alejandro are professional tango dancers, instructors, and choreographers. They have danced with the critically acclaimed shows Tanguera with the Mora Godoy dance company and Entre Borges y Piazzolla by the Juan Carlos Copes dance company.
Adriana Salgado and Orlando Reyes, natives of Colombia, have been professional dancers and teachers of Argentine tango for almost twenty years. With backgrounds in classical ballet, they both studied tango in Buenos Aires.. Based in New York City, their performances are noted for their romantic, elegant style with a focus on the subtleties of the embrace and connection.
Dani Cortaza specializes in Brazilian, Latin jazz, and South America folk music, in both nylon and electric jazz guitar. His most recent recording, Together/Oñondivé includes Cortaza's own compositions and arrangements of Paraguayan and South American folk music combined with elements of jazz.
Maria Juncal
Bailaora
Bailaora
María Juncal, born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is a bailaora with solid training in ballet and Spanish classical dance. She is the embodiment of the inherited talent and spirit that comes with being the living legacy of several generations of authentic Spanish flamenco dancers and guitarists.
María Juncal, born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is a bailaora with solid training in ballet and Spanish classical dance. She is the embodiment of the inherited talent and spirit that comes with being the living legacy of several generations of authentic Spanish flamenco dancers and guitarists.
Praised by the Washington Post as "the richest and most expressive voice...with a memorable mezzo-soprano – round and clear with a smoky finish…Castrello has a powerful and passionate voice...." A native of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Castrello stands out as one of the most impressive and versatile artists and singers in the Washington, DC area.
Gustavo Ahualli
Baritone
Baritone
Born in San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina a, Ahualli received a Master’s degree in vocal performance from the Instituto Superior de Arte, Teatro Colón, in Buenos Aires. An avid recitalist, Ahualli champions the Argentine, Latin American, French and Italian Art song. He is a member of the voice faculty of the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at The Catholic University of America and the Director of the Latin American Music Center at The Catholic University of America.
Born in San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina a, Ahualli received a Master’s degree in vocal performance from the Instituto Superior de Arte, Teatro Colón, in Buenos Aires. An avid recitalist, Ahualli champions the Argentine, Latin American, French and Italian Art song. He is a member of the voice faculty of the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at The Catholic University of America and the Director of the Latin American Music Center at The Catholic University of America.
Jaimee Paul
Vocalist
Vocalist
Raised inSouthern Illinois, steeped in the church choir, Ms. Paul was influenced by gospel and blues, cultivating a special place in her heart for jazz. She left her home town for Nashville to study music where she also worked at various record labels and as a studio session singer. She soon began touring as background vocalist with country superstar Wynonna, The Judd's and most recently, pop sensation, Kelly Clarkson.
Chaise Lounge performs a blend of music that sounds like it was recorded at Capitol Recording Studios in 1962 and somehow found its way to today’s pop charts. You might call it “Early Stereo.” It is the combination of five of the Washington, DC area’s top jazz musicians playing sparkling arrangements of standards and original tunes, and featuring the soft, luminous vocals of Marilyn Older.
Romina Bianco
Tango Singer
Tango Singer
Originally from Argentina, Romina lives in Barcelona, Spain. She has released 3 albums to date "Disfrazada de mi" (Dressed up as myself), “Sin Lagrimas” (Without Tears) and “Raices de Pasion (Roots of Passion)”. A regular performer in Finland, Romina has toured that country 15 times.
Rei has carried diverse Latin American traditions from her native Buenos Aires to the multi-cultural mecca of New York City, where she’s fused those sounds with jazz, classical, pop, and electronic music influences to forge a singular and ever-evolving sound.
Mauricio Miranda
Tenor
Tenor
Chilean tenor Miranda was a Washington National Opera Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist. He has performed with the Virginia Chamber Orchestra, as soloist in Mozart's Requiem at the Washington National Cathedral and in other performances at the Kennedy Center and Georgetown University. He sang for a number of years with the Opera de Lima in Peru. He regularly performs with the Maryland Lyric Opera.
History
Pan American Symphony Orchestra
(PASO) was founded 30 years ago by dynamic Argentine conductor and musician, Sergio Alessandro Bušlje, with the objective of bringing Latin American symphonic music to Washington, DC concert halls. Maestro Bušlje had studied and performed standard classical repertoire for many years but noticed a gap in the area’s cultural offerings—Latin American music was not fully represented in area performances, even though our Latin American neighbors possess a treasure trove of symphonic works that beg to be played.
(PASO) was founded 30 years ago by dynamic Argentine conductor and musician, Sergio Alessandro Bušlje, with the objective of bringing Latin American symphonic music to Washington, DC concert halls. Maestro Bušlje had studied and performed standard classical repertoire for many years but noticed a gap in the area’s cultural offerings—Latin American music was not fully represented in area performances, even though our Latin American neighbors possess a treasure trove of symphonic works that beg to be played.
(PASO) was founded 30 years ago by dynamic Argentine conductor and musician, Sergio Alessandro Bušlje, with the objective of bringing Latin American symphonic music to Washington, DC concert halls. Maestro Bušlje had studied and performed standard classical repertoire for many years but noticed a gap in the area’s cultural offerings—Latin American music was not fully represented in area performances, even though our Latin American neighbors possess a treasure trove of symphonic works that beg to be played.
Over the years
Over the years
Over the years
Paso has featured
rarely performed works by composers from Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Venezuela, Cuba, and Brazil. PASO has performed zarzuelas (Spanish opera) from Spain and Cuba and Spanish operas, such as La Vida Breve and Goyescas. The orchestra has dedicated a concert series to Latin American women composers and was the first orchestra in the Washington, DC area to perform the unusual, but beautifully melodic, tango-opera Maria de Buenos Aires, by Astor Piazzolla.
rarely performed works by composers from Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Venezuela, Cuba, and Brazil. PASO has performed zarzuelas (Spanish opera) from Spain and Cuba and Spanish operas, such as La Vida Breve and Goyescas. The orchestra has dedicated a concert series to Latin American women composers and was the first orchestra in the Washington, DC area to perform the unusual, but beautifully melodic, tango-opera Maria de Buenos Aires, by Astor Piazzolla.
rarely performed works by composers from Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Venezuela, Cuba, and Brazil. PASO has performed zarzuelas (Spanish opera) from Spain and Cuba and Spanish operas, such as La Vida Breve and Goyescas. The orchestra has dedicated a concert series to Latin American women composers and was the first orchestra in the Washington, DC area to perform the unusual, but beautifully melodic, tango-opera Maria de Buenos Aires, by Astor Piazzolla.
Three decades later
Three Decades Later
Three Decades Later
PASO continues to thrill
PASO continues to thrill
audiences with high quality shows of music originating from Latin America. With an on-going concert series that showcases gifted Latin American musicians and soloists, critical acclaim from the media, and a loyal following from the public, PASO remains on the cutting edge of symphonic performances with newly commissioned works, such as Danzon no. 7, by eminent contemporary Mexican composer, Arturo Marquez, who dedicated this beautiful piece to Maestro Bušlje.
audiences with high quality shows of music originating from Latin America. With an on-going concert series that showcases gifted Latino musicians and soloists, critical acclaim from the media, and a loyal following from the public, PASO remains on the cutting edge of symphonic performances with newly commissioned works, such as Danzon no. 7, by eminent contemporary Mexican composer, Arturo Marquez, who dedicated this beautiful piece to Maestro Bušlje.
audiences with high quality shows of music originating from Latin America. With an on-going concert series that showcases gifted Latino musicians and soloists, critical acclaim from the media, and a loyal following from the public, PASO remains on the cutting edge of symphonic performances with newly commissioned works, such as Danzon no. 7, by eminent contemporary Mexican composer, Arturo Marquez, who dedicated this beautiful piece to Maestro Bušlje.
Pan American Symphony Orchestra
(PASO) was founded 30 years ago by dynamic Argentine conductor and musician, Sergio Alessandro Bušlje, to bring Latin American symphonic music to Washington, DC concert halls. Maestro Bušlje had performed standard classical repertoire for many years but noticed a gap in the area’s cultural offerings—Latin American music was not fully represented in area performances, even though our Latin American neighbors possess a treasure trove of symphonic works that beg to be played.
Upcoming Concerts
Paso has featured
rarely performed works by composers from Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Venezuela, Cuba, and Brazil. PASO has performed zarzuelas (light opera) from Spain and Cuba and Spanish operas, such as La Vida Breve and Goyescas. The orchestra has dedicated a concert series to Latin American women composers and was the first orchestra in the Washington, DC area to perform the unusual, but beautifully melodic, tango-opera Maria de Buenos Aires, by Astor Piazzolla.
PASO continues to thrill
audiences with high quality shows of music originating from Latin America. With an on-going concert series that showcases gifted Latino musicians and soloists, critical acclaim from the press, and a loyal following from the public, PASO remains on the cutting edge of symphonic performances with newly commissioned works, such as Danzon no. 7, by eminent contemporary Mexican composer, Arturo Marquez, who dedicated this beautiful piece to Maestro Bušlje.
Upcoming Concerts
UPCOMING CONCERTS
01 / 05
Scott Tucker
Artistic Director,
The Choral Arts Society of Washington
The Choral Arts Society of Washington
I have experienced PASO both from the stage and from the audience and have never been disappointed; in fact I have on every occasion been both impressed and inspired.
“I get to work with an extremely accomplished designers all with a unique mix of talent and we get to tackle some fantastic projects together.”
Testimonials- click arrow for next
01 / 05
Arthur Espinoza, Jr.
Former Executive Director
of the DC Commission on the
Arts and Humanities
of the DC Commission on the
Arts and Humanities
Thank you for an incredible performance at our Labor Day Weekend Music Festival at the Historic Lincoln Theater on September 2, 2016. PASO's artistry and professionalism showed in the quality of the performance and it enriched the evening's experience for our guests.
“I get to work with an extremely accomplished designers all with a unique mix of talent and we get to tackle some fantastic projects together.”
Testimonials- click arrow for next
01 / 05
Placido Domingo
Spanish opera singer, conductor
and arts administrator
and arts administrator
. . . Sergio Buslje, with whom I sang at a benefit concert at the Organization of American States in Washington, DC. Given the daunting task of preparing a highly gifted but nevertheless youth orchestra with minimal rehearsals, Mr. Buslje gave a dynamic reading of zarzuelas and popular Spanish music. It was a pleasure working with him.
“I get to work with an extremely accomplished designers all with a unique mix of talent and we get to tackle some fantastic projects together.”
Testimonials- click arrow for next
01 / 05
Robert Pullen
Director of Special Programming,
The John F. Kennedy Center for
the Performing Arts.
The John F. Kennedy Center for
the Performing Arts.
[PASO] is truly a gem and I commend you for your commitment and dedication to the art form.
“I get to work with an extremely accomplished designers all with a unique mix of talent and we get to tackle some fantastic projects together.”
Testimonials- click arrow for next
01 / 05
Rita Moreno
actress, dancer and singer
The Orchestra accompanied Chita Rivera and me at the Latino Inaugural Celebration on January 20, 2013. In spite of such short notice, the Orchestra and its leadership rose to the occasion and because of its level of professionalism and musicality, the performance was quite a success.
“I get to work with an extremely accomplished designers all with a unique mix of talent and we get to tackle some fantastic projects together.”
Testimonials- click arrow for next
01 / 05
Rosanna Ruscetti
General Manager, The Lincoln Theater
PASO has demonstrated quality musicianship and brings a fresh appreciation and awareness to Latin American and Spanish contributions to the classical repertoire. PASO is an important cultural institution, successfully creating a public interest in the wealth of Latin American talent.
“I get to work with an extremely accomplished designers all with a unique mix of talent and we get to tackle some fantastic projects together.”
Testimonials- click arrow for next
01 / 05
Patricia A. McGuire
President, Trinity Washington University.
PASO is truly one of the great bright lights in our city. I can think of few other organizations that operate so consistently on the strength of volunteerism, a passion for beauty and culture, and a high degree of commitment to the idea that cultivation of the aesthetic senses can contribute to marked improvement in the community.
“I get to work with an extremely accomplished designers all with a unique mix of talent and we get to tackle some fantastic projects together.”
Testimonials- click arrow for next
Marco Blandon Correa
From Medellin, Colombia, Blandon Correa is the bandoneon player in the popular Colombian tango quintet, F-31. He is also the bandoneón player on the Pan American Symphony Orchestra’s recording Tango of the Americas, which won a Latin Grammy nomination in 2021. Two of the songs on that recording were composed by Blandón Correa. In 2021 at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., Blandón Correa was the featured guest soloist for PASO's tribute concert to Astor Piazzolla. He has participated in DC Tango Festival with the F-31 on two occasions.
Javier Sanchez
Bandoneon
Bandoneon
Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Javier Sánchez has been playing the bandoneón for almost 30 years. He has been a member of Latin Grammy Award nominee Rodolfo Mederos Orquesta Típica; toured the world with tango companies such as Tango Pasión, Tanguera, and Tango Emotion. In 2016, he relocated to New York City and collaborated with Aces of Rhythm directed by Pablo Aslan , Pan American Symphony Orchestra, and the Astoria Tango Orchestra. He won First Prize at the renowned Che Bandoneon International Competition judged by bandoneón legend Victor Lavallén. In 2018 Mr. Sanchez became Music Director of Che Tangazo Orchestra based in Montreal, Canada, making its debut at Tango BA Festival and World Cup.