Young pianists invited to tango workshop

YOUNG pianists in Donegal have a chance to learn about tango music on Saturday when Argentinian pianist Ernesto Inouye hosts a workshop at the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny.

The workshop, which runs from 3pm to 4.30pm, is also open to musicians in general and to music lovers interested in what Ernesto calls “the vast and complex world of tango music”.

Ernesto Inouye is visiting Letterkenny as one half of the Argentinian tango duo Vito Sputnik, who are in concert in Conwal Church later on Saturday evening (8pm).

Both Ernesto and the other half of Vito Sputnik, bandoneon player Agustina Taborda, are from Rosario, home town of football superstar Lionel Messi.

The piano is one of the central instruments in tango music.

Ernesto will be showing how the piano can be used to accompany tango, and how it’s used for melody.

He said: “The young piano players will be able to use a simple sequence of chords to explore the three main types of accompaniment in tango – the mercato in 4, syncopation and bordoneo. It’s all good fun and helps their development, and hopefully it will stimulate their interest in this wonderful music.”

The piano workshop is being organised by the Donegal Music Education Partnership, part of Donegal Education and Training Board.

DMEP support means the cost of taking part is €10.

DMEP manager Martin McGinley said it will best suit pianists of grade four standard or above who can bring along their own keyboard.

Also on Saturday, Augustine Taborda will have a workshop with the Donegal Chamber Orchestra in the Regional Cultural Centre, featuring her instrument the bandoneon, making a rare appearance in Letterkenny.

It’s a type of concertina invented by German instrument maker

Heinrich Band (1821-1860) and popular in tango music.

For more information, email musiceducation@donegaletb.ie or call Martin on 087 1677 699.

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