Gustavo Dudamel conducts Tango Under the Stars at the Hollywood Bowl — With Ángel Romero

Iconic pieces by Piazzolla bookend the program, and his revolutionary tango evokes not only the dance rooms of his native country—as do the dancers do here on stage!—but also elements of various European traditions from the Paris school to Bach to black-and-white cinema. At the heart of the program are a pair of longer works by Schifrin and Ginastera (Piazzolla's first teacher!). Schifrin's Concerto No. 2 for Guitar and Orchestra (Concierto de la Amistad) is here performed by Ángel Romero, the soloist to whom the work was originally dedicated, in an impeccable interpretation that embodies Schifrin's effusive description of the guitarist: “I was mesmerized not only by his impeccable technique, but also by the passion he has invested in every single note.” A quartet of deeply moving and colorful scenes from Ginastera's ballet Estancia cement the link between music and dance and craft an immense soundscape evoking gauchos, the countryside and physical labor in rural Argentina.

Dudamel, the LA Phil, bandoneón and guitar as soloists, and wonderful dancers set this event on fire with volcanic energy at the outdoor stage of the Hollywood Bowl!