1 March 2001 'First tango in Lincoln'

A musical exploration into the origins of the tango and its relationship to the richly emotional Argentinian folk music tradition is presented by Lincoln University Music Society in its first community concert of the year on Thursday 8 March.

Zimbabwe-born pianist Lyn Malakou is the featured artist, in a recital entitled Tango-esque. Lyn majored in piano performance and chamber music at Cape Town University. Now Christchurch-based, she enjoys a varied musical role as soloist, chamber musician and teacher.

The programme covers works by Albeniz, Debussy, Ginastera, Stravinsky and three preludes by Astor Piazzolla.

Born in Argentina, Piazzolla (1921-1992) inherited the rich Argentinian folk music tradition and is credited with the development of the "new tango". While maintaining the spirit of the tango he introduced dissonance, chromatic harmony and a wider range of rhythm. As has happened to others, Piazzolla's music caught Malakou "like a fever that won't let go".

Residents of the communities around Lincoln University are welcome to join staff and students for this Tango-esque concert. It is in Memorial Hall on the Lincoln campus, starting at l 2.40pm. Gold coin admission.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.