London Symphonia welcomes Payadora Tango Ensemble for an evening of the music, the stories, and the emotion behind tango. The concert event takes place November 15.
The concert explores rhythm, melody, and cultural connections, and takes audiences on a musical tour from Argentina to Eastern Europe. Music, song, storytelling and dance come together in a multidimensional experience.
Scott Good, London Symphonia’s Composer-In-Residence will conduct.
“Over the past 13 years, Payadora has developed its musical personality from one that closely studied and emulated the great tango masters, to one that performs across Europe, North and South America to great musical acclaim,” said Andrew Chung, Artistic Producer, London Symphonia in a statement. “They have created a special London Symphonia concert version of the music they love so much; and we can’t wait to perform with them.
“It is with the greatest admiration that I see longtime Payadora member and London Symphonia principal bass, Joe Phillips, bringing together his favourite groups to celebrate this soulful music,” Chung added. “With Uruguayan roots and a lifelong love for this music, singer Elbio Fernandez’ extraordinary voice sings with the intensity and passion of the very best tango performers.”
Payadora Tango
Based in Toronto, Payadora has been officially endorsed by the Argentinian Consulate in Toronto for its authentic representation of the spirit of tango. The members combine their collective background in classical, jazz, and global music traditions to create their distinctive sound.
The group was founded in 2013, and its members are sought after musicians in the Canadian chamber music scene, including Rebekah Wolkstein (violin, vocals), Drew Jurecka (bandoneon, violin, mandolin), Joseph Phillips (double bass, guitar), Mark Camilleri (piano) and Elbio Fernandez (vocals).
Their music begins with the golden era of Buenos Aires tango traditions, including the works of composers Caro, Pugliese, Troilo, Salgan, Astor Piazzolla and beyond. The ensemble compose and arrange their own repertoire.
Their 2024 album Silent Tears: The Last Yiddish Tango won the 2024 Folk Music Ontario Award for Best Album, and reached No. 1 on the World Music Charts in Europe.
Payadora has performed in Europe, South America, and in Canada at the National Arts Centre, Ottawa Chamberfest, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre, Stratford Summer Music, Toronto Summer Music, Festival of the Sound, Vancouver Island MusicFest, Toronto Jazzfest, the COC’s World Music Series at the Four Seasons Centre and the World Accordion & Tango Festival in Victoria, among others.
“We are excited to perform with London Symphonia,” said Rebekah Wolkstein, leader of Payador. “This concert offers a vibrant and wide-ranging journey through Argentine and Latin-inspired music. From the dramatic sweep of tango classics by Mores, Piazzolla, and Gardel to contemporary works by Payadora members Rebekah Wolkstein and Drew Jurecka, the evening blends tradition with innovation. The program also features folkloric Argentine styles and theatrical songs, showcasing the emotional storytelling at the heart of this music. We hope you will join us. It’s going to be a great evening!”
The Concert
You can experience the concert in-person at Metropolitan United Church in London on November 15, or virtually through London Symphonia’s new Watch and Listen video on demand channel featuring high quality 4K HDR videos of 2025-26 concerts, along with past seasons.
- Find more details and tickets for the in-person concert [HERE].
- Find details on the Watch and Listen VOD channel [HERE].
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