16 December,2015 08:30 AM IST | | Suprita Mitter
At her first performance in Mumbai, Argentine singer-composer, Gabriela Torres will celebrate the earliest advocates and famous poets of Tango music
Gabriela Torres
A. I started singing when I was very young, because I come from a place where music has been fundamental. My father, Hipolito Torres was a great singer and songwriter. I recorded several of his Tangos. Then began my musical career in which, besides singing Tango and Milonga, I have recorded several albums with my own compositions.
Tango dancers at the Malbec Day hosted by the Consulate General Of Argentina On April 17, 2015
Q. Do you dance too?
A. Unfortunately I don't know how to dance tango very well. I can follow the steps of a good dancer, but I definitely don't dance it the way I would love to. It's something that still remains to be done.
Q. What makes Tango music stand apart from other Latin - American forms?
A. I think what distinguishes it from other Latin American music is the strength and passion, be it in its musical aspect or in the dance form. While our folklore is wonderful too, the true charm of Tango lies in the embrace and in the way a couple communicates during the dance. This makes it very special, a moment of great intimacy and devotion.
Gabriela Torres
Q. Who are your favourite poets of Argentine music?
A. I deeply admire several poets. My father is certainly one of them. Homero Exposito, Catullus Castillo, Homero Manzi, Le Pera, the poet who wrote verses put to the great Carlos Gardel's music.
Q. What are your expectations from the Indian performance?
A. This is my first time in India so I am very excited and happy to share the music of my country that is so distant and different, with the audience of your beautiful country. Like any other artistic expression, it is also universal. I like the devotional music of India; in fact I have many friends who play here in Argentina; my son even has a sitar, and plays beautiful ragas.
Gabriela Torres, Argentine singer and composer
Q. What will you be presenting in Mumbai?
A. At For The Love Of Tango organised by the Consulate General of Argentina and NCPA, I will present classic Tangos, some accompanied by a trio band, which is led by Schubert Vaz and some that I will play on my guitar. I will try to bring out the intimacy and the passion, which the music embodies.
Q. Do you plan to travel while in India?
A. I will stay for two months, covering everything I can. I have been planning this trip since long. The fact that I can combine the pleasure of discovering your country and perform my music is a blessing. On December 22, I will also be doing a show in Jaipur as part of a Poetry Festival.
