Tango superstar to return to HK

World tango champion Germán Cornejo will return to Hong Kong with his top-tier dance company, staging two performances at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre on October 31 and November 1.

Invited by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the international tango superstar will present "Tango After Dark," a production that blends Argentina's iconic dance with the music of legendary composer Astor Piazzolla.

The show is inspired by the works of Piazzolla, the "Father of Nuevo Tango," who artfully infused jazz and classical elements into the genre.

The production elevates tango from an intimate cabaret setting to a grand theatrical experience, featuring world-class dancers, two vocalists and a seven-piece live band.

Since its 2018 London premiere, "Tango After Dark" has toured globally, including stops in New York and Toronto.

Cornejo, a World Champion of Tango in 2005, is regarded as one of the best tango choreographers and dancers today. He is the director of choreography and lead dancer for the Tango Fire Company of Buenos Aires.

The performances will be held at the Grand Theatre at 7.30pm on October 31 and November 1. Tickets, priced from HK$220 to HK$580, are available at Urbtix or by phone at 3166 1288. Discount schemes are available as part of the third Asia+ Festival.

A series of fringe events will further enrich the program.

A pre-show concert, "Echoes of Tango: From Gardel to Piazzolla,”  will be held at the Hong Kong Space Museum Lecture Hall at 8pm on October 30. Featuring the company's music director and pianist Diego Ramos, bandoneon player Matías Rubino, and singers Jesús Hidalgo and Antonela Cirillo, the concert will guide the audience through the evolution of tango music.

Tickets are HK$260, and a special package discount is available for those purchasing tickets to both the concert and the main performance.

Additionally, tango dance workshops for beginners and advanced participants will be held on November 1 and 2 at the Cultural Centre. Workshop tickets are US$220 each.