Palaver Strings to Showcase Tango’s Evolution at Tanglewood

Palaver Strings, a Grammy-nominated chamber ensemble, will perform “Port City” at Tanglewood’s Linde Center on September 28, 2023. The concert will delve into the history of tango music, featuring bandoneonist Heyni Solera as both soloist and composer. This performance aims to explore the genre’s evolution and its cultural significance.

Founded in 2014 and based in Portland, Maine, Palaver Strings is known for its innovative programming and commitment to social justice and education. The ensemble operates under a collaborative leadership model with 13 co-artistic directors. Its mission encompasses presenting a full concert season and providing music education to hundreds of students through the Palaver Music Center. The group has performed at esteemed venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.

Teagan Faran, a co-artistic director of Palaver Strings, discussed the inspiration behind “Port City” in an interview. The title reflects the concept of a port city as a place of exchange and refuge. Faran highlighted the connection between Portland and Buenos Aires, both of which are significant port cities shaped by waves of immigration. This theme resonates deeply with Palaver’s mission to foster connection and community through music, regardless of geographical location.

Faran, who has been immersed in tango since the age of 12, expressed her passion for this genre. She noted that tango music, primarily created by string players, holds a special place in her heart. “It’s a musical language that feels really good on the instrument,” she said, emphasizing the emotional depth and cultural richness of tango.

During the performance, audiences can expect a chronological exploration of tango, beginning with traditional danceable pieces often heard in milongas. The program will transition to modern compositions, including Osvaldo Golijov’s “Last Round” and Julián Peralta’s “Sofia y los Sueños.” The latter piece, inspired by a play about a servant woman facing profound struggles, will be a highlight of the evening.

Faran expressed her excitement about collaborating with Solera, one of the few female bandoneon players worldwide. Their partnership began in Buenos Aires in 2019, and since then, they have developed a close musical bond. Faran praised Solera for her innovative approach to the bandoneon, particularly her efforts to make the instrument more accessible to players of all sizes. Notably, Solera balances her music career with her role as a nurse anesthetist, showcasing her remarkable ability to manage multiple demanding professions.

The emotional journey of “Port City” will also celebrate the identity found through tango. Faran noted the genre’s origins as a means of connection among diverse communities and its evolution into a platform for identity reclamation. The ensemble will feature dancers from the queer tango community in New York City, enriching the performance with their expertise and engagement with the genre’s complex legacy.

In addition to the featured compositions, Faran has arranged several tango standards specifically for a string orchestra. These arrangements aim to make this music more accessible to audiences in the United States while retaining the authentic sounds of traditional tango. “I’m excited that we’re able to translate that Porteno accent into our main string ensemble,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of broadening the reach of tango music.

As audiences prepare to attend “Port City,” Faran hopes they will develop a deeper appreciation for tango, starting with familiar pieces by Astor Piazzolla. She encourages listeners to explore the genre further, perhaps by participating in a dance class or attending related events. Most importantly, she aspires for the concert to inspire reflection on the concept of a port city—creating spaces within communities that prioritize openness, welcome, and care.

“Port City” not only showcases Palaver Strings’ dedication to artistic excellence but also ties into broader themes of migration, identity, and social justice. Tango’s globalization reflects historical migration patterns and serves as a testament to the power of music in fostering connections among diverse communities.

Palaver Strings will perform with Heyni Solera on September 28 at 7 p.m. at Tanglewood’s Linde Center for Music and Learning. Tickets are available through the venue’s website.