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.
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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.
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. . . 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.
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[PASO] is truly a gem and I commend you for your commitment and dedication to the art form.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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History
(PASO) was founded over 25 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
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.
More Than Two Decades Later
More Than Two 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 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.
(PASO) was founded over 25 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.
Upcoming Concerts
UPCOMING CONCERTS
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.
Upcoming Concerts
UPCOMING CONCERTS
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.
Upcoming Concerts
UPCOMING CONCERTS
PASO has been selected to participate in the Washington, D.C. Sister City initiative with San Salvador. Starting in October 2020 through December 2020, PASO musicians will be providing master classes in violin, cello, and double bass for advanced students from El Salvador's various youth orchestras. Maestro Buslje and pianist Ariel Pirotti will also be giving master classes to Salvadoran orchestra conductors on composing and orchestral direction. This project is made possible in part by funding from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
Upcoming Concerts
UPCOMING CONCERTS
PASO LIVE!
Latin American Impressions!
Friday, August 28 at 8 PM
Upcoming Concerts
UPCOMING CONCERTS
PASO has been selected to participate in Washington's Sister City initiative with San Salvador. We are raising funds now to take 21 musicians to El Salvador to work with the Salvadoran Youth Orchestra and perform an exciting concert of American and Latin American music for the Salvadoran people. Will you help?
Upcoming Concerts
UPCOMING CONCERTS
Octavio Brunetti was PASO's tango pianist from 2006 until his untimely death. His addition brought a new level of musicianship to the orchestra. Perhaps the best tango pianist in the United States, Brunetti studied classical piano at the National School of Music in his home town of Rosario, Argentina. After being in the U.S. a short time, he won New York’s International Tango Competition twice: for Best Solo Pianist and Best Duo. Brunetti was composing his own tangos for a recording with PASO when he passed away in August 2014 from a sudden illness. He will always be admired and loved by PASO's conductor, musicians, and fans.
Diana LeGrand, from Assisi, Italy, started her music studies at age two and a half, learning from her mother, a violin and piano teacher. At age 15, she studied under the late Elaine Richey, formery the first violinist f the Razamousky Quartet at the North Carolina School of the Arts, where she eventually earned her bachelor and masters degrees in violin performance. She also studied at the Conservatory of Modena, Italy. Over the years she has studied with Vadim Brodsky, Paola Besutti from Florence, Italy and the late Emmanuel Hurwitz, first violinist of the Aeolian String Quartet.
Croatian cellist, Dorotea Racz, was awarded a merit scholarship at the age of 16 to study with Amit Peled at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, where she completed her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music. She recently earned her doctorate in cello performance from the Catholic University of America. She has performed extensively throughout Europe, Asia, as well as North and South America, in venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Mozarteum in Salzburg. An ardent chamber musician, Racz is a founding member of Racz-Samogray Duo and Ensemble Accendo.
From Mendoza, Argentina, Zanetti has achieved international acclaim for his virtuosity on the bandoneon, the quintessential instrument in tango ensembles. He is bandoneon player in Pedro Giraudo's Quartet, which won a 2018 Latin Grammy award for best tango recording. Zanetti has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, New York City Opera, and with PASO in Washington, DC at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, historic Lincoln Theater, the Organization of American States, and in Medellin, Colombia at the International Festival of Tango.
Pianist, arranger and composer from Argentina, Estigarribia has performed across Europe and the United States with various tango orchestras and as soloist. His 2015 recording, Tangos para Piano, won him the prestigious Gardel Prize for best tango recording by a new artist.
Madison Madison has been playing violin since the age of four. Throughout her life, she has enjoyed playing in various ensembles, including: solo performances, chamber music ensembles, orchestras, musical theater pit orchestras, and opera orchestras.
Alexandra Morrison is a violinist and educator in the greater Washington DC area. She currently serves as the Director of Orchestras at the Suitland Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Prince George's County, Maryland. She brings fifteen years of teaching and twenty years of performing experience to PASO. Alex studied violin with Edwin Johonnott and conducting with Anthony Maiello at the School for Performing Arts at George Mason University. She lives in Washington D.C. with her husband, son, and two dogs.
I love making music, but I love making music with great people even more! PASO brings to the arts a fiery musical style and a family-like atmosphere. I leave every performance with a full heart and soul. I feel fortunate to be welcomed as a part of the PASO family.
Carrie Esko Carlson began studying the violin at the age of 5 in New York City. She attended the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division as well as festivals including Interlochen and Tanglewood. She received her undergraduate degree in economics from Columbia University and a graduate degree in international affairs from the George Washington University. She currently works at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
I love playing in PASO because it offers me a unique opportunity to delve into Latin American music among great friends and accomplished musicians.
