Palaver Strings and Heyni Solera to Showcase Tango at Tanglewood

Palaver Strings, a Grammy-nominated chamber ensemble based in Portland, Maine, will perform “Port City” at Tanglewood’s Linde Center for Music and Learning on September 28, 2023. This concert will explore the rich history of tango music and feature acclaimed bandoneonist Heyni Solera as a soloist and composer.

Founded in 2014, Palaver Strings is known for its innovative programming and commitment to social justice through music. The ensemble operates with a collaborative leadership model, sharing artistic and administrative duties among its 13 co-artistic directors. With a focus on education, the group teaches hundreds of students at its Palaver Music Center in Portland. Their performances have graced prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, and they frequently collaborate with institutions like Ithaca College and the Longy School of Music.

Teagan Faran, a co-artistic director of Palaver Strings, has a special connection to tango, having performed the genre since she was 12 years old. Faran, a violinist and educator, studied at the University of Michigan and the Manhattan School of Music, and she also spent time in Argentina as a Fulbright scholar. Her deep roots in tango and commitment to social change through music make her an ideal representative of the ensemble’s mission.

Exploring the Connection to Tango

The title “Port City” reflects the ensemble’s focus on the concept of cultural exchange, drawing parallels between their home city of Portland and Buenos Aires, a historic port city. Faran explains, “The idea of a port city as a place of exchange and refuge is part of what inspired the title. We strive to be a welcoming community, much like Buenos Aires, which has been shaped by waves of immigration.”

Faran highlights the importance of tango in this context, noting that it serves as a bridge for communication across cultural boundaries. The ensemble aims to create a space where diverse voices can engage through music, turning the concert stage into a metaphorical port where ideas can be exchanged.

Working alongside Solera promises to enhance the performance’s emotional depth. Faran describes Solera as a “powerhouse” and one of the few female bandoneon players globally. Solera’s commitment to making the instrument more accessible is notable, as she seeks to break down barriers associated with its physical demands.

A Diverse Musical Experience

Audiences can expect a dynamic performance that traces the evolution of tango. The concert will start with traditional danceable tangos and transition to contemporary pieces, including Osvaldo Golijov’s “Last Round” and Julián Peralta’s “Sofia y los Sueños.”

Faran shares that “Sofia y los Sueños” is particularly moving, as it is based on a play about a servant woman facing tragic circumstances. The piece unfolds over six movements and features both the string ensemble and Solera on the bandoneon, creating a rich auditory experience.

The emotional journey of the concert will celebrate identity through tango, showcasing how the genre has evolved as a means of connection and self-expression. Two dancers from New York City’s queer tango community will also perform, adding another layer of depth to the event.

Faran emphasizes the significance of the original compositions and arrangements featured in “Port City.” She has collaborated with composers to create new arrangements specifically tailored for their instrumentation, including pieces like Piazzolla’s “Libertango.”

This effort not only brings tango to a broader audience but also makes the genre more accessible to listeners in the United States. Faran reflects, “It’s important to find ways for more people to engage authentically with the musical genre.”

The concert aims to inspire curiosity about tango, encouraging attendees to explore its many facets and perhaps even participate in dance classes.

Faran concludes with a hopeful message: “I hope audiences will reflect on what it means to be a port city and how we can create small ports within our own communities that prioritize openness, welcome, and care.”

Palaver Strings, along with Heyni Solera, will present “Port City” on September 28 at 7 p.m. at Tanglewood’s Linde Center for Music and Learning. Tickets are available through official channels.