By Carstens Smith
Finnish Tango is a unique musical form that originated in Argentina, then traveled to Europe in the early 1900s. It became part of Finnish culture and a unique musical form in its own right in the following decades. The quartet Tango Pohjan Tähden (Tango North Star) is comprised of Finnish, American, and Finnish-American musicians who add their own twist of American jazz to the mix. Tango Pohjan Tähden has recorded and now released their self-titled debut album comprised of eight traditional Finnish tangos and four original compositions by the quartet. “While we have own interpretation of the music,” says violinist Sara Pajunen, “the soul of Finnish tango is in each song.”
A CD release party will be held at Ingebretsen”'s, 1601 E. Lake Street, on Tuesday, May 28 from 3 to 6. Sara Pajunen will be on hand to talk about the history of Finnish tango, play violin, and play selections from the CD.
Tango is not the usual association Americans make with Finland, but the Finnish tango is the county”'s national dance and the world”'s largest tango festival is held each year in Seinäjoki, a city north of Helsinki and just south of the Arctic Circle. Sara will explain the evolution of this seemingly unlikely pairing and demonstrate the form”'s unique musical elements. CDs will be available for purchase.
