^{The Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet is the first performance of the 2023 Origins Cafe Concert Series. (Photo provided)}

Grammy Award-winning Pedro Giraudo
Tango Quartet Returns to Coop

By IAN KENYON
COOPERSTOWN

In another indisputable sign that spring is upon us, noted Latin Grammy award-winning artist Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet will return to perform at Cooperstown’s Origins Cafe on Sunday, May 7 to open the venue’s seasonal concert series. Giraudo, a native Argentine bassist and composer, frequently noted as one of the most compelling tango artists of our time, has been hailed by critics as one of the most creative and daring bandleaders on the scene today.

“We are very excited to return to Cooperstown and share our music with the wonderful community built around Origins,” Giraudo noted.

The May 7 performance, as part of a full evening experience including tapas cuisine, will present Giraudo’s compelling tango ensemble, recognized for its unique adaptation of Argentine tango, European classical music and American jazz elements. Evan Jagels, Origins Cafe’s music director, added further detail behind the music to be presented on Sunday.

“Many people hear ‘tango’ and move to assume that it will require some dancing—the quartet will perform rather what we call a ‘listening’ tango, suited for traditional performances and, in this case, our evening at Origins.”

Performing for more than 20 years, Giraudo debuted his own Tango Orchestra in 2015 at the Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing. In 2018, Giraudo’s album, “Vigor Tanguero,” won the Latin Grammy award for Best Tango Album. Giraudo’s many collaborations have included Pablo Ziegler, Paquito D’Rivera and Dizzy Gillespie’s protégé William Cepeda, in addition to leading institutions in New York including the New York Philharmonic and the New York City Ballet Orchestra.

As a composer, Giraudo’s works couple his passion for classical forms, Argentine tango and folk music, energized with the spontaneity of jazz improvisation. Around the New York metropolitan area, Giraudo has taken the stage at well-known venues including the Jazz Standard, Joe’s Pub, Blue Note, The Jazz Gallery and Birland, among others.

Cooperstown’s Origins Cafe has become a favorite seasonal venue outside of the city. Similarly, Giraudo has been well embraced by the local music scene. Ana Laura Gonzalez, assistant professor of music at Hartwick College and local flutist that will sit in with the quartet, shared her first experience with the group last June.

“When I listened to this group, every drop of Argentine blood that I have woke up and danced along,” Gonzalez recalled. “As a musician, it is a dream come true to take the stage on this one for a little bit. The tunes Pedro and his musicians are bringing are a wonderful mix of Guardia Vieja classics, newly composed avant-garde, and how could we not have some Piazzolla!”

Giraudo expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome in the region.

“[The quartet] is very enthusiastic about sharing the stage with Ana Laura and the opportunity to further collaborate the week after with the Little Delaware Youth Orchestra,” he said.

The quartet will host a concert and jam session on May 15 at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta.
The Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet is the first performance of the 2023 Origins Cafe Concert Series, with additional concerts to be hosted on May 27, July 15, August 5 and September 15.

Jagels explained that Origins will continue to host a diverse curation of renowned musicians from around the world.
“The 2023 concert series brings something different each month—music from Cuba, Brazilian jazz, a touch of Broadway jazz, and the music of Ghana in West Africa. Tickets for the concerts are available online through the Origins Cafe website, Eventbrite and at the door,” Jagels said.

Of course, there is one element of the show that no one could go without commenting on—the food.

Giraudo remarked, “We cannot wait to get a taste of what’s coming this time. Origins did a truly extraordinary job creating an Argentine menu last year.”

Gonzalez concurred, adding, “Absolutely exquisite food and ambience, and who knows—one might think we are already in Buenos Aires!”