Palaver Strings and Heyni Solera to Present ‘Port City’ Concert

Palaver Strings, a Grammy-nominated chamber ensemble based in Portland, Maine, will perform “Port City” at Tanglewood’s Linde Center for Music and Learning on September 28, 2023. This concert program will delve into the rich history of tango music, featuring bandoneonist and composer Heyni Solera as a soloist. The program promises a cross-genre exploration that celebrates the evolution of tango while highlighting its cultural significance.

Founded in 2014, Palaver Strings is recognized for its innovative approach to music through collaborative leadership and a commitment to education and social justice. The ensemble shares artistic and administrative responsibilities among its 13 co-artistic directors, allowing for a diverse range of performances. Since its inception, Palaver has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, and regularly collaborates with institutions like Ithaca College and the Longy School of Music.

Accompanying Solera is Teagan Faran, a co-artistic director and skilled violinist and violist. Faran, who has pursued tango music since childhood, emphasizes the genre’s ability to foster connection and identity. She aims for performances to embody the spirit of a port city, drawing parallels between Portland and Buenos Aires, both of which have rich histories influenced by immigration and cultural exchange.

Exploring the Themes of ‘Port City’

The title “Port City” reflects the idea of a place of exchange and refuge, a theme that resonates deeply with Faran and her colleagues. She notes, “The concert stage can become a port where people are welcomed and ideas can be exchanged.” Tango music is central to this narrative, having originated in environments shaped by diverse cultural influences.

Faran describes her collaboration with Solera: “Heyni is a powerhouse and one of the few female bandoneon players in the world.” Their partnership began in Buenos Aires in 2019, where they discovered a shared vision for the genre. Solera’s artistry extends beyond performance; she is also a nurse anesthetist, exemplifying her ability to balance diverse passions. Faran highlights Solera’s dedication to making the bandoneon accessible to a broader range of musicians.

Audiences can anticipate a rich tapestry of musical experiences during the concert. The program will trace the chronology of tango, starting with traditional dance pieces and progressing to contemporary works like Gustavo Dudamel’s “Last Round” and Julián Peralta’s “Sofía y los Sueños.” Faran states that the concert will encapsulate how tango serves as both a means of connection and a tool for identity reclamation.

Anticipating Audience Engagement

Faran expresses excitement about showcasing original compositions and arrangements, including her own work. The ensemble will present four new arrangements of tango standards for string orchestra, making the genre more accessible to audiences in the United States. “This program has produced new arrangements that are a huge benefit to all the tango players in the States,” she notes.

The performance will also feature dancers from the queer tango community in New York City, adding another layer to the exploration of tango’s cultural heritage. Faran hopes that “Port City” will inspire audiences to engage with tango beyond the concert hall, whether through attending dance classes or simply enjoying the music.

Ultimately, Faran envisions the concert as a celebration of the connections fostered through music. “I hope it gives us all space to reflect on what it means to be a port city—how we might create small ports within our own communities that prioritize openness, welcome, and care in all that we do.”

Palaver Strings will perform “Port City” featuring Heyni Solera on September 28 at 7 p.m. at Tanglewood’s Linde Center for Music and Learning. Tickets are available for those eager to experience this unique intersection of music, culture, and community.