The Embassy of Argentina and the National Endowment for the Humanitiesfor presented a virtual event to celebrate Astor Piazzolla's centennial. A conversation led by Sofia Rei, Grammy-nominated artist, songwriter, vocalist, producer, and NYU Professor with distinguished panelists: Pablo Ziegler, Grammy-winning pianist, composer, and arranger, and Matthew B. Karush, PhD, historian and three-time NEH awardee.

Astor Piazzolla (1921–1992) was one of Argentina’s most influential musicians and composers. By infusing the tango with musical elements and attitudes drawn from European classical music and from jazz, he invented a new genre: the New Tango.

This event explored the complex and powerful relationship between jazz and Piazzolla’s New Tango. Panelists discussed the origins of Piazzolla’s tango revolution; the enduring, transnational significance of his music; as well as the present state and future prospects of the musical partnership between tango and jazz.

The event was presented by: Ambassador of Argentina to the United States, Jorge Argüello and Chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, MaryKay Carlson.