TangOpera Review by Peter Fagerlind

Many thanks to Peter Fagerlind from Classical Sheffield who posted some lovely words about our recent TangOpera concert in Sheffield:

'Malcolm Holmes and I attended a most beautiful concert last night.

Presented by local pianist Helen Glaisher-Hernandez, whose two great loves are music and hispanicity, the concert starred Argentinian tenor Leonardo Pastore.

Leonardo Pastore is regarded as a national treasure in Argentina and is very well known both for his bel canto operatic roles in operas such as Rigoletto, Tosca, etc as well as being a very fine and highly regarded tango singer.

His singing of various tango songs was just so beautiful and he brought them to life with great passion, love and musicianship. Though he doesn't speak a word of English Helen introduced the songs and translated some of his own spoken introductions to the songs. I had tears in my eyes during some of the songs.

He was accompanied very well and with great sensitivity by Helen on the piano and occasionally joined by Spanish-Swiss violinist Violeta Barrena.

Violeta also played the wonderful virtuosic Bizet/Sarasate Carmen Fantasy here arranged for violin and piano and also a piece for violin and piano by the late Andre Previn.

Leonardo also played the guitar during one song and also was accompanied on the piano by his usual pianist Hernan Malagoli for one song.

Leonardo and Hernan with special guests are on a UK and European tour.

The concert ended with Nessun Dorma and a fantastic encore and there was a well-deserved standing ovation.

After the concert there was complimentary Argentinian wine with nibbles and a chance to meet the artists.

I think the whole audience felt very privileged to hear and see Leonardo Pastore perform live and he is obviously a very gifted artist.

I will always remember that beautiful concert with great affection. It was one of the most emotional and passionate concerts that we have ever attended.'