Skip to main content

Live Music

JUAN VILLARREAL

ARGENTINE

Born in Patagonia, Argentina, Juan Villarreal is a tango singer, guitarist, and composer whose distinctive, instantly recognizable voice has made him a celebrated performer in the international tango scene. With more than two decades of experience, he has performed at festivals and venues across Argentina and around the world, bringing his own interpretation and personality to the music of tango.

Juan is a member of the renowned Orquesta El Arranque, with which he received a Latin Grammy nomination in 2017 for the album En Vivo 20 Años. He also performs internationally with guitarist Patricio Crom as part of Dúo Villarreal Crom. Their albums, including D’Arienzo en Guitarras, Moderno Trovador, and Live in Zagreb, explore new ways of approaching tango while staying connected to its roots.

With his expressive voice and deep connection to tango tradition, Juan brings a special presence to every performance. His music is a meeting point between the timeless character of Argentine tango and a fresh, personal approach to its interpretation.

EMILIANO MESSIEZ AND HIS QUARTET

ARGENTINE

Led by Latin Grammy-nominated pianist, composer, and music director Emiliano Messiez, the Messiez Tango Quartet brings together four exceptional musicians for an evening of live tango music. Born in Buenos Aires and now based in New York City, Emiliano has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He is also the pianist for the internationally acclaimed show Forever Tango.

Joining him are Rodrigo Avalos on bandoneon, Fung Chern Hwei on violin, and Pedro Giraudo on double bass. Together, they bring the distinctive sounds of Argentine tango to life, combining its rich traditions with expressive arrangements and the individual artistry of each musician. With Emiliano’s wide-ranging musical background and the quartet’s remarkable talent, their performance promises an evening full of character, emotion, and beautiful music.

RODRIGO AVALOS
Bandoneonist | Composer

Argentine-born and based in New York City, Rodrigo Avalos is an accomplished bandoneonist and composer whose work bridges traditional tango, chamber music, and contemporary repertoire. He has performed internationally with renowned tango musicians and served as principal bandoneonist of Orquesta Típica Sans Souci. His recordings include La Carmen, Bach on Bandoneon, and Intersecciones, reflecting his versatility and creative approach to music. In 2023, he won First Prize in Bandoneon Performance at the Che Bandoneón Competition during the Stowe Tango Music Festival.

FUNG CHERN HWEI
Violinist | Violist | Composer | Arranger

Malaysian-born and based in New York City, Fung Chern Hwei is an acclaimed violinist, violist, composer, and arranger whose work spans classical, jazz, contemporary, and experimental music. A member of the Sirius Quartet and Seven)Suns, he has collaborated with internationally renowned artists and performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. His diverse career also includes Broadway productions such as Hadestown and composing music for film, reflecting his remarkable versatility and creative range.

PEDRO GIRAUDO
Bassist | Composer | Bandleader

Latin GRAMMY Award-winning bassist and composer Pedro Giraudo is a leading figure in contemporary tango and Latin jazz. Originally from Argentina and based in New York City, he has collaborated with renowned artists and performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. His album Vigor Tanguero won the 2018 Latin GRAMMY for Best Tango Album. Blending tango, Argentine folk traditions, classical music, and jazz, Pedro continues to bring an innovative voice to Argentine music through his work as a performer, composer, arranger, and bandleader.