The Oblivion Project: Nuevo Tango of Astor Piazzolla

The Oblivion Project is an internationally acclaimed ensemble that explores the music of Argentine modern-tango master Astor Piazzolla. Piazzolla, who wrote over 3,000 songs, revolutionized the traditional tango into a new style he called “nuevo tango,” incorporating elements from jazz and classical music.

Based in Cleveland, Ohio, the Oblivion Project formed in 2003 and is now embarking on its 19th tour of the Midwest. This tour commences on the heels of several successes, including a sold-out debut at Severance Hall with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra and a residency with the nationally acclaimed Contemporary Youth Orchestra.

The Oblivion Project includes graduates of the Cleveland Institute of Music; the New England Conservatory; Oberlin Conservatory; the Cologne University of Music and Dance in Germany; and other notable institutions. Individually, the Oblivion Project performers have played as ensemble members and as featured soloists with orchestras such as the Cleveland Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Erie Philharmonic in Pennsylvania, and BlueWater Chamber Orchestra in Cleveland. They have collaborated with artists such as Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera, Randy Brecker, Dave and Chris Brubeck, Gil Shaham, Gabriela Montero, and Jamey Haddad.

More information about the Oblivion Project can be found on the group’s website here.

This evening’s performance features Malena Dayen, an Argentine opera singer and stage director based in New York City. Praised by the New York Times as “outstanding” for her performance at the Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall of the world premiere of The Blizzard Voices (Paul Moravec), Dayen made her debut as Cherubino at the Teatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro and has performed the roles of Mercédès (Carmen), Musico (Manon Lescaut), Zweite Magd (Elektra), and Myrtale (Thaïs) at the Teatro Municipal de São Paulo. Dayen has been directing opera productions since 2019.

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Dayen is a Spanish-music and tango specialist, performing this repertoire with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and in venues such as Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute. She sang the title role in Piazzolla’s María de Buenos Aires with Opera Naples in Florida and with Opera Hispánica in New York City. She has been the lead singer with New Aires Tango since 2010.

More information about Malena Dayen can be found on her website here.

Performers
Malena Dayen, voice 
Gabriel Bolkosky, violin
Derek Snyder, cello
Daniel Bruce, guitar
Joel Negus, bass
Mau Quiros, piano
Anthony Taddeo, percussion

The views expressed by performers during this event are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cleveland Museum of Art.