LONDON CONCERTANTE ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCTION: THE SEVEN SINS OF TANGO
Touring UK – May & June 2026
London Concertante announces the launch of a new theatrical concert production for 2026: The Seven Sins of Tango.
Opening in May 2026, this new show marks one of the first fully narrative-led shows created by London Concertante. Structured around the seven deadly sins — Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride — the performance unfolds across seven musical chapters, tracing tango’s dark origins, simmering sensuality and rebellious spirit.
Performed by a full ensemble, the programme delves deep into tango’s rich soundworld. Audiences will hear iconic classics including Astor Piazzolla’s Libertango and Suite del Diablo, alongside lesser-performed gems from tango’s golden era such as Francisco de Caro’s Orgullo Criollo and Jacob Gade’s Jalousie. Fresh new arrangements by pianist and composer David Gordon bring striking new colour to the music.
In another first for London Concertante, the orchestra will be joined on stage at various times in the show by internationally acclaimed tango champions Adrien Bariki-Alaoui and Iro Davlanti-Lo, whose expressive choreography will animate key moments in the narrative.
Adrien Bariki-Alaoui and Iro Davlanti-Lo are among the most celebrated tango couples of their generation. Champions of Europe and the Middle East in 2024, the youngest UK Tango Champions in history, and the only UK-based couple to reach the Final of the World Championship in Buenos Aires, they have performed and taught in over 20 countries across four continents.
Chris Grist, London Concertante’s Founder and Artistic Director said: “This is an incredibly exciting project for London Concertante and there are a number of firsts for us. We are constantly looking to push the boundaries of what an orchestra is and does, and this is a strong example of what we are trying to achieve. We are perhaps better known for our interpretations of Vivaldi and Bach, but last year we presented two brand-new shows exploring the music of Radiohead and then Ella Fitzgerald and her contemporaries. Now we are moving into an entirely different genre — one that is still orchestral in nature, but which brings a completely new sound world to our loyal and much-valued audiences across the UK. Tango is, in fact, in our DNA. We’ve recorded this repertoire over the years with musicians who’ve been with us for nearly three decades, so while it may feel like a bold step, it’s music that’s always been close to our hearts.
“This genre often sits on the periphery of what we typically hear in this country. Our view is that it shouldn’t. We want to delve into this extraordinary sound world and showcase the very best it has to offer — not only the well-known classics that appear from time to time, but also the lesser-known gems that deserve to be heard.
“We are also thrilled to be collaborating with two of the very best tango artists — not just in this country, but internationally. Working with Adrien and Iro, and presenting their extraordinary talents to our audiences around the UK, is something we are immensely proud of.”
Adrien Bariki-Alaoui added: “It is a huge privilege to be working with London Concertante on this new project. The Seven Sins of Tango explores some of the darker, more dramatic aspects of tango, and we are eager to bring that story to life — to collaborate artistically and help shape a performance that feels powerful and authentic.
“Iro and I have dedicated our lives to this dance — its history, its emotion and its technique — and we are passionate about sharing that with UK audiences, whether they are dancers themselves or simply discovering tango through performance. This project aligns perfectly with our mission: to honour tango’s depth and intensity while presenting it at the highest artistic level.
“Working with one of the UK’s leading orchestras is a wonderful opportunity. They bring their own artistic vision and energy, and combining that with our experience of tango creates something truly special. It also gives us the chance to perform in some of the most beautiful venues across the country, for audiences who rarely get to experience tango at this level — and that means a great deal to us.”
TOUR DATES – MAY & JUNE 2026
May 2026
Saturday 2 May, 7.30pm – Chichester Cathedral
Friday 8 May, 7.30pm – Lincoln Cathedral
Friday 15 May, 7.30pm – Leeds Minster
Sunday 24 May, 3.00pm – St George’s Hall, Liverpool
Sunday 24 May, 7.30pm – Manchester Cathedral
Friday 29 May, 7.30pm – Oxford Town Hall
Saturday 30 May, 7.30pm – Sheffield Cathedral
June 2026
Saturday 6 June, 7.30pm – Norwich Cathedral
Friday 12 June, 7.30pm – St George’s Hanover Square, London
Friday 26 June, 7.30pm – Exeter Cathedral
Tickets on sale now. https://londonconcertante.com/whats-on-tango-by-candlelight-2026/