Combining elements of jazz and classical music with tango, famous Argentine composer Ástor Piazzolla, a revolutionary of traditional tango music, created the so-called “new tango” (tango nuevo). In the hands of the bandoneon virtuoso, this genre became not only dance music, but also the language of sensual music, which entered concert halls. It is impossible to confuse Piazzolla’s original style with the work of any other composer. His distinctive tango melodies and temperamental rhythms are recognizable by dint of their passion, love, frustration and hope, longing and dreams. Written in 1979, his Concerto Aconcagua for bandoneon, chamber orchestra and percussion is a bona fide gem. True, the title came about when the work was handed over to the printing house. It was conceived by publisher Aldo Pagani, who described the concerto as “the pinnacle of Piazzolla’s work”, owing to the fact that the highest mountain in South America, peaking in the Andes, in Argentine territory (the country where the composer originated) is Aconcagua. The Concerto consists of three movements (Allegro marcato, Moderato, Presto) based on Argentine dance milonga. The work showcases all the features of the tango nuevo style; music is filled with sensuality, lushness and ardour.

The expressive solo part is performed by the internationally acclaimed accordionist Martynas Levickis together with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra conducted by maestro Modestas Pitrėnas.