From a show of hands, it was many audience members’ first tango concerto. QuinTango makes for a feisty introduction to this vibrant genre, and a world-renowned treat for longtime tango enthusiasts. On Oct. 17, they brought the flavor of Buenos Aires to EMU’s own Lehman Auditorium.

“We don’t pass out seatbelts; sometimes we’ve been asked to,” quipped Joan Singer early in the evening. Singer is the violinist, founder, and director of QuinTango, beginning in 1995. Four other classically trained musicians and friends comprise the rest of the quintet: violinist Jennifer Rickard, bassist Libby Blatt, cellist Kerry Van Laanen, and pianist Phil Hosford. Dancers Carina Losano and Anton Gazenbeek also brought the music to life throughout the performance.

The theme of the evening was “Tango’s Women: Inspiration, Obsession, Muse.” After intermission, three of the four female musicians changed from their long, black skirts into pink and purple blouses paired with black slacks, perhaps symbolizing women’s empowerment. “The men and the women come together – the wonderful, wild, entangled places that they meet – and the heartbreak that follows when they separate; that is the subject of so many tango lyrics,” Singer says.

Ellie Cook, first-year and cellist in EMU’s chamber orchestra, enjoyed watching the interaction between musicians. “I like how when they’re playing, they look at each other…they make a point to make eye contact with each other,” she commented.

Five of the group’s 15 songs featured tango dance. Gazenbeek likened the instantaneous communication that occurs between dancers to their “legs [having] a conversation” …a give and take of leading, following, and moving forward. Singer also explained the phenomenon of improvised dance. “The focus and the attention that they have to pay,” she said. “That intensity is one of the things that generates the intensity that you all feel, sitting in your seats.”

There was a small mishap during the song “Balada para un Loco,” a particularly frantic yet beautiful dance number in which Losano recited the lyrics between steps. Losano’s microphone pack came off during a spin, yet she gracefully recovered from the tense moment.

Although QuinTango is full of energy and intrigue, the event saw little student attendance. Cook mentioned that rainy, cold weather and the men’s soccer game might have deterred broader participation.

During the talkback with the musicians after the concerto, Singer explained the differences between classical orchestra and tango. “That’s one of the things that makes it fun for us on stage…when you’re playing music, you know, it tugs at your soul. There are things you wanna do and play,” she said.

For more on the award-winning quintet, visit . Learn more about the music program at EMU…

"QuinTango," a quintet of two violins, cello, bass and piano dedicated to the musical performance of tango, will come to the Lehman Auditorium stage 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. The concert will be followed by a talk-back session with the artists.

Cited by The Washington Post as "one of the District’s finest instrumental ensembles," the award-winning group will feature "Music and Dance of Argentina," bringing its own interpretations to this evocative music, universally synonymous with the eternal dance of man and woman.

Following a performance, the U.S. Ambassador to Argentina told the group, "Tonight, you conquered Buenos Aires."

On the domestic front, QuinTango continues to conquer home-grown audiences with their unique approach and masterful performance. It’s classical music that induces heavy breathing. It’s popular entertainment that’s tethered in elegant style and grace. It’s virtuosic chamber music that requires one to lower the thermostat. Like jazz and blues, tango delivers heartbreak, humor and romance in dazzlingly diverse styles.

QuinTango is a frequent performer at the Kennedy Center. A typical concert includes 14-18 tangos interspersed with engaging narratives and anecdotes.

The group has recorded five albums; their fifth release, "Triumfal," received a "Whammie" award in the Latin Recording category during the Washington Area Music Association’s 23rd annual awards ceremony.

Concert tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens and can be purchased at the door. The talk-back session with the artists will occur immediately after the concert.