Feb. 8, 2026: World Music Encounters: TangoArte
World Music Encounters’ first presentation in 2026, on Feb. 8, will feature TangoArte—an Austin-based tango ensemble of musicians and dancers. It turns out there is a thriving tango scene in ATX!
TangoArte is a unique collection of artists dedicated to sharing the living tradition of Argentine Tango. From the intimate milongas (dance events) of Buenos Aires to concert halls, tango is an artform of connection between musicians, dancers and communities. TangoArte takes us on a journey that celebrates the infectious music as well as its fiery, sensual dance.
TangoArte is composed of Emmanuel Trifilio, an internationally renowned player of the bandoneon, the concertina-like instrument at the heart of Argentine tango. Ali Cook is a classical double bassist and singer who is a member of the group, QuinTango. Guitarist Adam Carney, also Austin-based, is an anchor of the local tango scene, and recorded the award-winning album, Libertango.
How can you have tango without dance?
Our program will bring two acclaimed dancers into the performance space: Janet Luján Treviño and Victor Rua Espada. Since its birth in the working-class barrios of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century, tango has spread around the world. Austin is blessed to have a vibrant tango community of dancers and musicians who perform regularly, teach and travel.
Since its launch in September 2023, World Music Encounters has featured the music of foreign-born artists mostly based in the Austin area. Most of our artists have roots in the southern hemisphere, such as West Africa, South America, Central America and Mexico. WME is a non-profit endeavor and a musical gift of St. David’s Episcopal Church to the community. It is produced by former NPR national correspondent and St Dave’s parishioner John Burnett, along with the hard-working church staff.
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