Tango concert proves to be fiery affair

-- Roughly translated, "Sinfonia del Fuego" -- the title for the Richmond Symphony Pops program at the Landmark Theater on Saturday night -- means "symphony on fire."

And amigos, it was blazing.

Fueled by world-renowned bandoneon player Raul Jaurena, concertmaster Karen Johnson, with dancers from the Latin Ballet of Virginia and under the direction of conductor candidate Marc Taddei, if you were there and didn't feel a rush of varied emotions, check your pulse.

The roots of the tango can be traced to Argentina and Uruguay in the late 19th century. Because it came from a combination of European musical styles and grew through lower-class societies, the creation date is up for discussion.

Its popularity, however, is unquestioned -- especially when presented in a format as put forth by the excellent performers on stage Saturday night.

Jaurena, from Uruguay, is among a handful of virtuoso bandoneon players worldwide. A bandoneon is basically a concertina on steroids, but in the hands of an artist like Jaurena it is truly an amazing instrument -- at home with itself or being joined by a full orchestra.

Jaurena played with the musicians on most of the pieces, adding that South American flavor which fit in perfectly. On his solo parts he was mesmerizing.

Johnson, who has shown on more than one occasion that she can handle just about anything tossed her way, did not fall short in a four-movement mini-concerto entitled "Las Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas" by Astor Piazzolla.

The Piazzolla concerto makes incredible demands of the soloist, and Johnson fulfilled them all. When you think "tango" you don't necessarily think "difficult," but she brought forth sounds that made the Shostakovich and Stravinsky concertos she performed over the past few seasons sound easy in comparison.

Piazzolla reportedly was an epic composer of tango and bandoneon music, immersing himself in many flavors and styles of the musical form and the instrument. He also recognized Jaurena as one of the greatest bandoneon players ever.

But what would a tango be without dancers? The Latin Ballet of Virginia, founded by Bogotá, Colombia, native -- and Richmond resident -- Ana Ines King, performed to a number of the pieces played, adding a style and elegance that drew the crowd with its regal movement.

King set the tone for the evening with partner Adam LaVier as they moved to the familiar "El Choclo" by Alfredo Villoldo. Twelve members of the company danced during various pieces, and the combination of orchestra, bandoneon and dancers seemed a perfect fit.

Taddei held together all the elements with flair and ease. These were not easy pieces, and with him being in town for but a few rehearsals it could have been a difficult concert.

It was, in fact, truly a difficult concert. But not if you were listening or watching.

It was fiery.
Contact Walt Amacker at (804) 649-6247 or .