Tango in the City

La Orquesta Tipica Fernandez Fierro will be playing as part of the Paradiso at the Town Hall concert series, which kicks off this Thursday.

Argentina is the home of the tango. Unlike most dance forms, which tended to evolve in upper-class circles and then trickle down and become modified by the lower classes, the tango originated in the bordellos, and had to work its way upwards to become respectable. In its oldest, most classic form, partners hold each other in a close embrace, and the emphasis is on moving together. In more recent years ‘Tango Nuevo’ has challenged the traditional style, with a more open embrace, allowing room for showier moves from both the man and woman.

People who dance tango tend to love not only the dancing, but the whole experience conjured by this exotic and passionate art form. They love to dress the part, and to be in beautiful surrounds. Sydney has long had an energetic and committed Argentine tango scene, and when they show up, they really show up. Expect a crowd who likes to move, embraces the kind of glamour most have forgotten how to pull off, and doesn’t mind being looked at.

Alas, in this city tango dancers usually have to make do with recorded music. Not so on this very special night. La Orquesta Tipica Fernandez Fierro is a huge, 12-piece ensemble, able to fill the high ceilings of the Town Hall with the smooth sounds of Tango Nuevo. Their panache and audacity has been credited with reviving the form. These are musicians who treat their art with equal parts seriousness and daring. To listen to them is to immerse yourself in the romance of the nineteenth century, unconstricted by its rules. As a first experience of tango music, or for the connoisseur, this will be an evening like no other.

‘Tango Nuevo’ allows for greater freedom of movement for the dancers

This concert is just one of a series of special events, as Sydney Town Hall opens up and transforms into Club Paradiso. Stay tuned to Eastside as some of the stellar line up will be interviewed live on air.

For those who burn the midnight oil unable to sleep why not burn up the dance floor at the Paradiso Terrace Bar free late night events across the festival at Sydney Town Hall? Visit sydneyfestival.org.au/paradisolates for up-to-date information of the late night schedule.

For all information for the Sydney festival check out https://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2014

What: La Orquesta Tipica Fernandez Fierro

When: 8pm Saturday 18 January

Where: Sydney Town Hall

Cost: $56