Whakatāne audiences are set for a passionate and richly textured musical experience when the Aotango Quintet presents A Century of Tango next month.

Brought to town by Music Whakatāne in association with Chamber Music New Zealand, the concert will be held at the Church of St George & St John at 7.30pm on Tuesday, May 5.

Performed in the original quintet format made famous by Argentinian composer Ástor Piazzolla, the programme traces tango’s evolution from its traditional roots to its modern reinvention.

The name “Aotango” reflects that journey, blending the global spirit of tango with Aotearoa identity – “ao” meaning “world” in te reo Māori.

Audiences can expect a vibrant mix of styles, from well-known classics such as El Choclo, Por una Cabeza and La Cumparsita, through to Piazzolla’s ground-breaking “nuevo tango” works, which fuse classical, jazz and contemporary influences.

The programme also branches beyond tango, incorporating waltzes, Balkan folk music and even a touch of French and Spanish repertoire, making for an eclectic and engaging evening.

Leading the ensemble is acclaimed violinist Andrew Beer, Concertmaster of the Auckland Philharmonia since 2014.

An internationally recognised performer, Beer has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician across North America, Europe, Asia and Australasia, earning praise for his virtuosity and expressive playing.

He is joined by pianist Lorelle McNaughton, a specialist in Spanish music who has performed throughout New Zealand, Australia and Europe, and double bassist Gordon Hill, Principal Bass of the Auckland Philharmonia with decades of international orchestral experience.

Completing the quintet are Auckland-based guitarist Kathleen Tomacruz, known for her versatility across multiple instruments, and accordionist Grayson Masefield, a world champion performer who has taken the instrument to stages across the globe.

Together, the five musicians create the distinctive sound world of the tango quintet – intimate, rhythmic and full of emotional contrast.

The concert will run for approximately 90 minutes, with a 20-minute interval.

Tickets are $35 for adults and $5 for under-18s, with bookings recommended as strong interest is expected.

Tickets are available online via TryBooking, from The Good Life on The Strand (cash only), or at the door, subject to availability. A three-admission Flexiticket is also available for $90.