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PASO season
Tango
PASO season
Tango
PASO Ambassador
Mobile Tango in Raleigh

Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the Fletcher Opera Theater in Raleigh, North Carolina

Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the Fletcher Opera Theater
Raleigh, North Carolina

Tango in Raleigh May 13, 2023

Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 8:00 PM
Fletcher Opera Theater
Raleigh, North Carolina

Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 8:00 PM
Fletcher Opera Theater
Raleigh, North Carolina

Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 8:00 PM
Fletcher Opera Theater
Raleigh, North Carolina

Mobile Tango sin Fronteras
Tango Sin Fronteras May 20, 2023
Tango of the Americas CD

Buy the CD Now!
$15 includes shipping

Buy the CD Now!

MOBILE Tango of the Americas CD

Buy the CD Now!
$15 includes shipping

PASO Ambassador

Become a PASO Ambassador Today!

PASO means “step” in Spanish and we invite you to take the next step. If you love PASO’s concerts and its mission, and you enjoy connecting people, then become a PASO brand ambassador. Advocate for PASO within your own circle of friends and influence. Enlist others to follow PASO. Become a future PASO leader. Join our family and help PASO grow!

Mobile may102021 PASO Ambassador- Donate

Become a PASO Ambassador Today!

Advocate for PASO within your own circle of friends. Enlist others to follow PASO. Become a future PASO leader. Join our family and help PASO grow!

Advocate for PASO within your own circle of friends. Enlist others to follow PASO. Become a future PASO leader. Join our family and help PASO grow!

Advocate for PASO within your circle of friends. Enlist others to follow PASO. Become a future PASO leader. Join our family and help PASO grow!

keep in touch

Want the latest updates on concert dates? and special events?

Want the latest updates on concerts and special events?

MOBILE keep in touch

Want the latest updates on concert dates? and special events?

Want the latest updates on concert dates? and special events?

What People aAe Saying
What People Are Saying

Conductor Buslje was enthusiastic in conducting the performers and his discussion of each piece really helped put the music in context. Cellist Dorotea Racz played superbly, as did all the rest of the cellists. This was my first concert since the outbreak of COVID and it was a great way to re-enter the concert listening world

Conductor Buslje was enthusiastic in conducting the performers and his discussion of each piece really helped put the music in context. Cellist Dorotea Racz played superbly, as did all the rest of the cellists. This was my first concert since the outbreak of COVID and it was a great way to re-enter the concert listening world

*Conductor Buslje was enthusiastic in conducting the performers and his discussion of each piece really helped put the music in context. This was my first concert since the outbreak of COVID and it was a great way to re-enter the concert listening world. Melissa Fitzgerald
*Romantic Latin tango compositions light and playful yet deeply moving! Executed with vigor and grace in historic intimate setting. A complete cultural indulgence! Diane Nielson
*Really nice performance of tango music by both the orchestra and a smaller combo--excellent bandoneon and also a very good tango singer, do hope for more programs like this! Patrimart
*A wonderful performance at a wonderful venue. Pan American Symphony Orchestra is an outstanding orchestra. The musicianship was excellent and the programme was very well structured and well-paced. I would recommend this Orchestra to any music lover. Anonymous

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Mobile Tango in Raleigh
Tango in Raleigh May 13, 2023
Tango
Tango Sin Fronteras May 20, 2023
Tango of the Americas CD
MOBILE Tango of the Americas CD
PASO Ambassador
Mobile may102021  PASO Ambassador- Donate
keep in touch
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What People aAe Saying
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2023 DC Tango Festival

DC Tango Festival Announcement

DC Tango Festival

Washington, DC's popular tango festival starts this April and ends on May 20. See our lineup of tango talent and check back regularly as we add events.

Washington, DC's popular tango festival starts this April and ends on May 20. See our lineup of tango talent and check back regularly as we add events.

Washington, DC's popular tango festival starts this April and ends on May 20. See our lineup of tango talent and check back regularly as we add events.

tango festival
Tango Masters

Masters of Tango
Astor Piazzolla & Company

Terrace Theater of the Kennedy Center
7:30 P.M.

Terrace Theater of the Kennedy Center
7:30 P.M.

Terrace Theater of the Kennedy Center
7:30 P.M.

The Pan American Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of nuevo tango by the famous tango composer and bandoneon player, Astor Piazzolla, and new tangos by young talented, composers of today, some never performed before. With the Latin Grammy winning Pedro Giraudo on double bass, Argentine Javier Sanchez on bandoneon, Cuban Ahmed Alom on piano, and Argentine, Sami Merdinian on violin, Maestro Sergio Buslje brings you an evening of tango at its finest, with virtuosic musicianship, beautiful melodies, and exciting rhythms. This is new tango with old tango authenticity.

The Pan American Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of nuevo tango by the famous tango composer and bandoneon player, Astor Piazzolla, and new tangos by young talented, composers of today, some never performed before. With the Latin Grammy winning Pedro Giraudo on double bass, Argentine Javier Sanchez on bandoneon, Cuban Ahmed Alom on piano, and Argentine Sami Merdinian on violin, Maestro Sergio Buslje brings you an evening of tango at its finest, with virtuosic musicianship, beautiful melodies, and exciting rhythms. This is new tango with old tango authenticity.

The Pan American Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of nuevo tango by the famous tango composer and bandoneon player, Astor Piazzolla, and new tangos by young talented, composers of today, some never performed before. With the Latin Grammy winning Pedro Giraudo on double bass, Argentine Javier Sanchez on bandoneon, Cuban Ahmed Alom on piano, and Argentine Sami Merdinian on violin, Maestro Sergio Buslje brings you an evening of tango at its finest, with virtuosic musicianship, beautiful melodies, and exciting rhythms. This is new tango with old tango authenticity.

Learn to Dance Tango

Learn to Dance Tango!

Minimal registration fee of $20 for all four classes!!
Open to the Public! Wednesdays 6:30 PM-7:30 PM
Dance tango in four lessons! Classes are for beginners and should be taken in order as each class builds progressively on the class before it. Do not wear tennis shoes or shoes with rubber soles. Must attend with a partner; no singles. Embassy of Argentina, 1600 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC.
Call 202-590-4317 for more information
Capacity limited so buy your tickets now!

Minimal registration fee of $20 for all 4 classes!!!
Open to the Public! Wednesdays 6:30 PM-7:30 PM
Dance tango in four lessons! Classes are for beginners and should be taken in order as each class builds progressively on the class before it. Do not wear tennis shoes or shoes with rubber soles. Must attend with a partner; no singles. Embassy of Argentina, 1600 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC.
Call 202-590-4317 for more information
Capacity limited so buy your tickets now!

Minimal registration fee of $20 for all 4 classes !!!
Open to the Public! Wednesdays 6:30 PM-7:30 PM
Dance tango in four lessons! Classes are for beginners and should be taken in order as each class builds progressively on the class before it. Do not wear tennis shoes or shoes with rubber soles. Must attend with a partner; no singles. Embassy of Argentina, 1600 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC.
Call 202-590-4317 for more information
Capacity limited so buy your tickets now!

Milonga del 2023 Festival

Milonga del Festival

Celebrate the 2023 DC Tango Festival with an evening of tango dancing and live music! Argentines Ariel Pirotti on piano and Javier Sanchez on bandoneón join PASO Tango Ensemble for an evening of tango fun at the Embassy of Uruguay. Uruguayan wine reception included. Admission - $45

Celebrate the 2023 DC Tango Festival with a lively evening of tango dancing and live music! Argentines Ariel Pirotti on piano and Javier Sanchez on bandoneón join PASO Tango Ensemble for a fun time of dancing and socializing at the Embassy of Uruguay. Uruguayan wine reception included. Admission - $45

Celebrate the 2023 DC Tango Festival with a lively evening of tango dancing and live music! Argentines Ariel Pirotti on piano and Javier Sanchez on bandoneón join PASO Tango Ensemble for a fun time of dancing and socializing at the Embassy of Uruguay. Uruguayan wine reception included. Admission - $45

tango festival
Cafetin de Buenos Aires
tango festival
Price Reduced! $35 per person

Romina Bianco returns to the DC Tango Fest with her energetic and passionate tango interpretations accompanied by Ariel Pirotti on piano, Javier Sanchez on bandoneón and PASO musicians. At the elegant and historic Embassy of Argentina. A wine reception included in the price of admission.
Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 8:00 PM
The Embassy of Argentina

Romina Bianco returns to the DC Tango Fest with her energetic and passionate tango interpretations accompanied by Ariel Pirotti on piano, Javier Sanchez on bandoneón and PASO musicians. At the elegant and historic Embassy of Argentina. A wine reception included in the price of admission.
Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 8:00 PM
The Embassy of Argentina

Romina Bianco returns to the DC Tango Fest with her energetic and passionate tango interpretations accompanied by Ariel Pirotti on piano, Javier Sanchez on bandoneón and PASO musicians. At the elegant and historic Embassy of Argentina. A wine reception included in the price of admission.
Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 8:00 PM
The Embassy of Argentina

tango festival
Tango sin Fronteras

The Latin Grammy-nominated Pan American Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Sergio Alessandro Buslje, presents Tango without Borders (Tango sin Fronteras), an exciting show of traditional Argentine tangos and new tango music from Colombia, Argentina, and the United States that marks the release of the orchestra's new recording by the same name. With 30 musicians, including Javier Sanchez and Heyni Solera on bandoneons, Ariel Pirotti on piano, and international tango dancers, this thrilling show celebrates the diversity and virtuosity of tango music across the Americas.
Thursday, May 20, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center

The Latin Grammy-nominated Pan American Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Sergio Alessandro Buslje, presents Tango without Borders (Tango sin Fronteras), an exciting show of traditional Argentine tangos and new tango music from Colombia, Argentina, and the United States that marks the release of the orchestra's new recording by the same name. With 30 musicians, including Javier Sanchez and Heyni Solera on bandoneons, Ariel Pirotti on piano, and international tango dancers, this thrilling show celebrates the diversity and virtuosity of tango music across the Americas.
Thursday, May 20, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center

The Latin Grammy-nominated Pan American Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Sergio Alessandro Buslje, presents Tango without Borders (Tango sin Fronteras), an exciting show of traditional Argentine tangos and new tango music from Colombia, Argentina, and the United States that marks the release of the orchestra's new recording by the same name. With 30 musicians, including Javier Sanchez and Heyni Solera on bandoneons, Ariel Pirotti on piano, and international tango dancers, this thrilling show celebrates the diversity and virtuosity of tango music across the Americas.
Thursday, May 20, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center

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DC tango festival
Tango Masters
Dance Tango
DC tango festival
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DC tango festival
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2022-2023 Season

March 25, 2023
Leyendas, Heroes, y Sueños

Legends, Heroes, and Dreams

Legends, Heroes, and Dreams

Legends, Heroes, and Dreams

Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 7:00 PM
Lisner Auditorium
of the George Washington University

Celebrate the lively folkloric traditions of Latin America with music inspired by typical dances from Mexico, El Salvador and Argentina. With two new compositions by Salvadoran composers, El Juco, by Audiel Bejamin Avalos, based on a Salvadoran rhythm called Xuc, and Munamikitia, based on the Salvadoran dance, Los Chapetones de Panchimalco by Juan Guerra Gonzalez. Music by Mexican composer, Arturo Marquez pays tribute to the Mexican revolutionary hero, Emiliano Zapata, and to the Pakistani youth activist Malala Yousefzai with influences from the cumbia and danzon dances. Argentine composer, Ariel Pirotti, premiers Tifon, a work based on the Vidala, a folk dance from the northern region of Argentina. With the participation of the Arlington Children’s Chorus, PASO showcases the rich musical heritage of our neighbors in El Salvador, Mexico and Argentina.

Celebrate the lively folkloric traditions of Latin America with music inspired by typical dances from Mexico, El Salvador and Argentina. With two new compositions by Salvadoran composers, El Juco, by Audiel Bejamin Avalos, based on a Salvadoran rhythm called Xuc, and Munamikitia, based on the Salvadoran dance, Los Chapetones de Panchimalco by Juan Guerra Gonzalez. Music by Mexican composer, Arturo Marquez pays tribute to the Mexican revolutionary hero, Emiliano Zapata, and to the Pakistani youth activist Malala Yousefzai with influences from the cumbia and danzon dances. Argentine composer, Ariel Pirotti, premiers Tifon, a work based on the Vidala, a folk dance from the northern region of Argentina. With the participation of the Arlington Children’s Chorus, PASO showcases the rich musical heritage of our neighbors in El Salvador, Mexico and Argentina.

Celebrate the lively folkloric traditions of Latin America with music inspired by typical dances from Mexico, El Salvador and Argentina. With two new compositions by Salvadoran composers, El Juco, by Audiel Bejamin Avalos, based on a Salvadoran rhythm called Xuc, and Munamikitia, based on the Salvadoran dance, Los Chapetones de Panchimalco by Juan Guerra Gonzalez. Music by Mexican composer, Arturo Marquez pays tribute to the Mexican revolutionary hero, Emiliano Zapata, and to the Pakistani youth activist Malala Yousefzai with influences from the cumbia and danzon dances. Argentine composer, Ariel Pirotti, premiers Tifon, a work based on the Vidala, a folk dance from the northern region of Argentina. With the participation of the Arlington Children’s Chorus, PASO showcases the rich musical heritage of our neighbors in El Salvador, Mexico and Argentina.

General admission, no reserved seating - $45.
Youth under age 16 are admitted free!
For more info, call 202-590-4317

General admission, no reserved seating - $45. Youth under age 16 are admitted free! For more info, call 202-590-4317

General admission, no reserved seating - $45
Youth under age 16 are admitted free!
For more info, call 202-590-4317

Masters of Tango
2023 DC Tango Festival

Masters of Tango
Astor Piazzolla & Company

Masters of Tango
Astor Piazzolla & Company

Masters of Tango
Astor Piazzolla & Company

April 22, 2023
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

April 22, 2023
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

April 22, 2023
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

PASO's popular annual tango festival starts this year with a Kennedy Center concert of nuevo tango by Astor Piazzolla and his contemporaries. With Piazzolla's beautiful melodies and a few new compositions by young composers, this concert sets the stage for the exciting events of the 2023 DC Tango Festival. Featuring Argentine Javier Sanchez on bandoneon, Argentine Ariel Pirotti on piano, and special guest artists, Latin Grammy winners, Pedro Giraudo Tango Ensemble, this is an evening of tango at its finest, with virtuosic musicianship, beautiful melodies, and exciting rhythms. Tickets on sale now! For more information, call 202-590-4317

PASO's popular annual tango festival starts this year with a Kennedy Center concert of nuevo tango by Astor Piazzolla and his contemporaries. With Piazzolla's beautiful melodies and a few new compositions by young composers, this concert sets the stage for the exciting events of the 2023 DC Tango Festival. Featuring Argentine Javier Sanchez on bandoneon, Argentine Ariel Pirotti on piano, and special guest artists, Latin Grammy winners, Pedro Giraudo Tango Ensemble, this is an evening of tango at its finest, with virtuosic musicianship, beautiful melodies, and exciting rhythms. Tickets on sale now! For more information, call 202-590-4317

PASO's popular annual tango festival starts this year with a Kennedy Center concert of nuevo tango by Astor Piazzolla and his contemporaries. With Piazzolla's beautiful melodies and a few new compositions by young composers, this concert sets the stage for the exciting events of the 2023 DC Tango Festival. Featuring Argentine Javier Sanchez on bandoneon, Argentine Ariel Pirotti on piano, and special guest artists, Latin Grammy winners, Pedro Giraudo Tango Ensemble, this is an evening of tango at its finest, with virtuosic musicianship, beautiful melodies, and exciting rhythms. Tickets on sale now! For more information, call 202-590-4317

May 20, 2023 Tango Sin Fronteras
2023 DC Tango Festival
2023 DC Tango Festival
Tango sin Fronteras

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Kenned Center, Terrace Theater
Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 7:30 PM

PASO ends its 2023 DC Tango Festival with this grand finale show to feature music from its newly-recorded album, Tango Sin Fronteras, which offers original tangos by composers from Argentina, Colombia, and the United States. With international tango dancers and other guest artists (to be announced), this annual concert is a popular sold-out event. At the Terrace Theater of the Kennedy Center at 7:30 PM.
Tickets on sale now!

PASO ends its 2023 DC Tango Festival with this grand finale show to feature music from its newly-recorded album, Tango Sin Fronteras, which offers original tangos by composers from Argentina, Colombia, and the United States. With international tango dancers and other guest artists (to be announced), this annual concert is a popular sold-out event. At the Terrace Theater of the Kennedy Center at 7:30 PM.
Tickets on sale now!

PASO ends its 2023 DC Tango Festival with this grand finale show to feature music from its newly-recorded album, Tango Sin Fronteras, which offers original tangos by composers from Argentina, Colombia, and the United States. With international tango dancers and other guest artists (to be announced), this annual concert is a popular sold-out event. At the Terrace Theater of the Kennedy Center at 7:30 PM.
Tickets on sale now!

December 9, 2022 National Tango Day
National Tango Day
Friday, December 9, 2022 at 8 PM
Embassy of Argentina
1600 New Hampshire Ave. NW

Celebrate Argentina's National Tango Day with the Pan American Symphony Orchestra's tango ensemble. With Javier Sanchez and Heyni Solera on bandoneons. A variety of traditional tangos through the decades, all arranged by Maestro Sergio Buslje.
General Admission - $45, includes Argentine wine reception after the concert.
For more information, call 202-590-4317

Celebrate Argentina's National Tango Day with the Pan American Symphony Orchestra's tango ensemble. With Javier Sanchez and Heyni Solera on bandoneons. A variety of traditional tangos through the decades, all arranged by Maestro Sergio Buslje.
General Admission - $45, includes Argentine wine reception after the concert.
For more information, call 202-590-4317

Celebrate Argentina's National Tango Day with the Pan American Symphony Orchestra's tango ensemble. With Javier Sanchez and Heyni Solera on bandoneons. A variety of traditional tangos through the decades, all arranged by Maestro Sergio Buslje.
General Admission - $45, includes Argentine wine reception after the concert.
For more information, call 202-590-4317

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Scott Tucker
Arthur Espinoza, Jr.
Placido Domingo
Robert Pullen
Rita Moreno
Rosanna Ruscetti
Patricia A. McGuire
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Scott Tucker
Artistic Director, 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.

Scott Tucker
Artistic Director, The Choral Arts Society of Washington

Robert Pullen
Artistic Director, The Choral Arts Society of Washington

[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
Artistic Director, The Choral Arts Society of Washington

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.

Rosanna Ruscetti
Artistic Director, The Choral Arts Society of Washington

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
Artistic Director, The Choral Arts Society of Washington

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.

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History
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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
Image is not available

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.

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History of PASO

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.

Image is not available

Upcoming Concerts

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 (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.

Image is not available
Three decades later

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.

Image is not available

Upcoming Concerts

UPCOMING CONCERTS

Scott Tucker
01 / 05
Scott Tucker
Artistic Director,
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

Arthur Espinoza, Jr.
01 / 05
Arthur Espinoza, Jr.
Former Executive Director
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

Placido Domingo
01 / 05
Placido Domingo
Spanish opera singer, conductor
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

Robert Pullen
01 / 05
Robert Pullen
Director of Special Programming,
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

Rita Moreno
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

Rosanna Ruscetti
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

Patricia A. McGuire
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

Scott Tucker
Arthur Espinoza, Jr.
Placido Domingo
Robert Pullen
Rita Moreno
Rosanna Ruscetti
Patricia A. McGuire
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