ORCHESTRA SEMINAR

FOUR DAYS. ONE ORCHESTRA. ONE SHARED SOUND.

THE LTFestival ORCHESTRA

At the Leipzig Tango Festival, tango is not only danced – it is created, shaped and brought to life through music.

The LTFestival Orchestra is a unique three-day project for tango musicians who want to experience the power, precision and energy of playing in a full traditional tango orchestra.

From Friday to Sunday, musicians come together under the direction of internationally renowned musicians Roger Helou, Juan Braceras & Maxime Point to explore the distinctive sound of Argentine Tango in its original orchestral form.

Working with historic arrangements inspired by the great orchestras of Buenos Aires’ Golden Age of the 1940s and 1950s, participants immerse themselves in the musical language of legendary ensembles such as Di Sarli, Pugliese, D’Arienzo, Troilo, Salgán and Piazzolla.

Through intensive rehearsals, the focus is not only on notes and technique, but on the elements that make tango truly come alive: rhythm, phrasing, articulation, dynamics, ensemble playing and the specific instrumental techniques that belong to the tango tradition – many of them rarely encountered in classical musical training.

Original recordings provide an essential source of inspiration. By listening closely to the masters and examining their musical influences, participants discover how these extraordinary orchestra leaders, musicians and composers developed unmistakable styles of their own – and how the tango orchestra became one of the most expressive and creative musical forms of its time.

But above all, the seminar is about the experience of playing together.

Breathing as one ensemble. Listening to one another. Building tension. Shaping dynamics. Creating the unmistakable energy that connects musicians and dancers on the floor.

Over the course of three days, a new ensemble takes shape: the LTFestival Orchestra, created especially for the Leipzig Tango Festival.

And what has been developed together during the festival belongs on stage:

On Sunday evening, 23rd May 2027, the LTFestival Orchestra will perform live at the Night Milonga.

A special project for musicians who do not simply want to play tango, but to understand its language, experience its tradition and bring its music to life for the dancers.

PARTICIPATION & REGISTRATION

This intensive course is open to musicians playing bandoneon, accordion, violin, viola, cello, double bass, bass clarinet, piano, as well as other orchestral instruments.

Established tango ensembles are also very welcome.

Note for pianists:

Participation on piano is reserved for tango pianists and professional pianists with relevant experience. The final decision regarding participation is made by the course instructors.

The participation fee for the LTFestival Orchestra Seminar is € 280,-.

The fee includes a Full Festival Pass for the Leipzig Festival 2027, giving participants access to the festival program included in the pass in addition to the orchestra seminar.

Advance registration in mandatory. Participation is only possible with prior registration via:

orchestra@leipzigtangofestival.com

Roger Helou - Juan Braceras - Maxime Point