Signature Series Presents Pablo Ziegler Meets Berklee

Pablo Ziegler Meets Berklee features the Latin Grammy-winning Argentinian pianist, composer, and arranger—one of the most important figures in Argentine new tango—performing his inspired compositions and arrangements with a large student orchestra.

October 12, 2016

The Signature Series at Berklee continues on November 10 with Pablo Ziegler Meets Berklee, featuring the Latin Grammy-winning Argentinian pianist, composer, and arranger. Ziegler is one of the most important figures in Argentine new tango, the vibrant musical hybrid of classic tango and American jazz. The concert will feature 60 students—including a large orchestra, vocalists, and arrangers—performing Ziegler’s inspired compositions and arrangements. 

The first half of the concert will feature Berklee students performing new arrangements of tangos in contemporary styles. A 10-piece a cappella group will also perform Astor Piazzolla’s “Adios Nonino” and a new arrangement of the famous tango “La Cumparsita” by Lee Abe, assistant professor of contemporary writing and production. The second half will feature Ziegler performing with students, faculty guitarist Claudio Ragazzi, and guest bandoneon player Hector del Curto.

The concert is produced by Oscar Stagnaro, professor of bass; with Nando Michelin, associate professor of piano, as musical director, and Abe as vocal coordinator.

Pablo Ziegler studied piano and composition at Buenos Aires Music Conservatory, where he graduated as a piano professor. In 1978, he joined tango grand-maestro Piazzolla’s legendary quintet, and performed with the group for more than a decade, touring Europe, the U.S., and Japan playing with artists including Gary Burton. Ziegler’s quartet made its debut in 1990 and he has since led his own groups, refining and reimagining the boundaries of the tango tradition. Ziegler has released 10 albums on labels including Sony Classics and BMG Classics, and composed music for Argentinian feature films, documentaries, and theater. He is nominated for a Latin Grammy Award—his fifth nomination—for his 2016 release, Sax to Tango by Julio Botti, Pablo Ziegler, and Saul Zaks conducting the University of Southern Denmark Symphony Orchestra.

Pablo Ziegler Meets Berklee takes place Thursday, November 10, at 8:00 p.m., at the Berklee Performance Center (BPC). Reserved seating tickets are available for $8-$18 at the BPC box office or at berklee.edu/bpc. The venue is wheelchair accessible. For more information, call 617-747-2261.

Watch Ziegler's performance of "Milonga en el Viento" from this show: