On June 16, Cortango Orquesta, will host an album release concert for the release of their first album, Tandas. Founded by Cally Banham, the six-member band Cortango describes itself as a “dance band performing tango music with a symphonic twist.”
“I started the group with the intent of creating an ideal experience for social dancing,” Banham said. “We started by playing more traditional, steady tangos. [Now], we like to present some pieces that are concert-like in nature and also play for dancers.”
Cortango’s pianist and vocalist Adam De Sorgo met Banham in 2000 when they were both members of the New World Symphony in Miami and have kept in touch ever since. De Sorgo became interested in joining Cortango because of the uniqueness of tango music. “What I found interesting was how classical the voices of the ensemble were,” he said. “If you listen to early tango from the 40s and 50s, I think it has this kind of orchestral feel that I found attractive.”
“Tandas,” the title of Cortango’s album, refers to a set of dances shared by a couple at Milongas, the social dance events for tangos. At Milongas, a man invites a woman for a tanda, which consists of dancing for about 10 minutes to three or four songs.
“I grouped the album into ready-made tandas in the hopes that our music will be played at Milongas around the world,” Banham said. “What [Cortango] is doing is something that’s a little grittier and has its roots in the real social dancing that happens in Argentina.”
Related Event
Cortango Orquesta Debut Album Release Concert
- When: Tuesday, June 16, 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Sheldon Ballroom, 3648 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
- More Information
“Cityscape” is produced by Mary Edwards and Alex Heuer and sponsored in part by the Missouri Arts Council, the Regional Arts Commission, and the Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis.