Aotango (l to r): Andrew Beer, Somi Kim, Grayson Masefield, Gordon Hill, Sam Swindells Photo: Aotango
Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotango quintet is the brainchild of award-winning accordionist Grayson Masefield. He's joined by the stellar lineup of violinist Andrew Beer (APO Concertmaster), pianist Somi Kim (NZTrio), double bassist Gordon Hill (APO Section Principal) and jazz guitarist Sam Swindells.
The ensemble was formed after Grayson moved back to Aotearoa from Europe in 2019, but Covid meant that performances were put on hold and things didn't really get going until last year.
Aotango's violinist Andrew Beer talked with David Morriss about what it's like for him as a classically-trained musician to play in the quintet alongside musicians from other genres, and why it's something he relishes.
"I love my Auckland Phil job," he says, "it's really great and I'm lucky to have it."
"This is something completely different. So there's improvisation and you can just kind of let loose a bit, you know. If you make mistakes, it's not necessarily bad! It can be part of the character of the scrungy tango music, which I love."
Aotango: 'A Century of Tango' - On Tour
Monday 2 October, 6pm, Dargaville Methodist Church
Wednesday 4 October, 7pm, Wesley Methodist Church, Tauranga
Thursday 5 October, 7pm, St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Taupo
Friday 6 October, 7pm, St John's Presbyterian Church, Rotorua
