Extasis showcases popular Argentine tango music in Springdale, Kayenta
By Joyce Hamilton
The Center for the Arts at Kayenta and Z-Arts and have teamed up to bring an exceptional trio of musicians to our region to play Argentine tango, some of the most heartfelt, nostalgic music ever made. Extasis, which means “ecstasy” in Spanish, will showcase the music of ecstasy-inducing Argentine tango composers including Astor Piazolla, Rosa Melo di Piuma, and Armondo Pontier. Z-Arts will host Extasis March 21 at 7 p.m. at the Canyon Community Center in Springdale. The next night, Extasis will perform at the Lorraine Boccardo Black Box Theater at Kayenta March 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Extasis will also give an insightful and encouraging demonstration to the students of Springdale Elementary School March 21 at 2:30 p.m.
Ubiquitous in TV and film, Argentine tango is beloved for its unique, evocative sound. Astonishingly complex, it requires real virtuosity from the performers. Argentine tango originated in the 1880s along the border between Argentina and Uruguay. The music is rich with African, Native American, and European influences.
The group’s founder, Evan Orman, plays the bandoneon, the historic instrument resembling an accordion that gives Argentine tango its distinctive sound. Violinist Claude Sims, pianist Michael Tilley, and Orman have been enchanting audiences with their unique music for over 20 years.
Orman studied under the very best musicians, and his unrivaled technical virtuosity has earned him invitations to deliver solo performances with renowned orchestras and bands across the country. His other craft, making and restoring bows, keeps him busy at his shop in Denver. Claude has been the principal violinist with the Baltimore Symphony as well as guest concertmaster with the Kansas City Symphony. He is currently associate concertmaster of the Colorado Symphony. Michael is an assistant professor and musical administrator for the Lyric Theater Department at the University of Illinois. A prolific and sought-after performer, Tilley is also assistant professor and musical administrator for the Lyric Theater at the University of Illinois.
The Canyon Community Center is located at 126 Lion Blvd. in Springdale. Additional information and $15 tickets can be found at zarts.org. The Center for the Arts at Kayenta is located at 881 Coyote Gulch Court in Ivins. Get tickets ($30) and information at kayentaarts.com, or call the box office at (435) 674-2787.
Joyce Hamilton is administrative director for Z-Arts.
