Ensemble Workshop by Villarreal Crom
Ensemble Workshop for Instrumentalists
Create professional arrangements on the spot: “TANGO A LA PARRILLA”
This workshop will be led by Villarreal Crom, a duo that deeply embodies Argentine tango, with the supervision of an outstanding team of musicians and educators: Wu Ruizhan (bandoneon / composition), active in tango education and on international stages; Kaoru Asayama (violin / education); and Sachie Kawanami (bandoneon), originally from Fukuoka.
Participants in the workshop will have the opportunity to perform as the opening act for the Villarreal Crom concert on April 5 (Sunday) at the Nishitetsu Hall.
Would you like to experience the essence of tango arranging through improvisation and collaboration, guided by an internationally diverse team of top-level instructors?
The workshop “A LA PARRILLA” offers a practical and creative experience centered on improvisation, in which all participants collectively build a musical arrangement from scratch.
The goal is not to produce a finished, professional-grade arrangement, but to experience the concept of creating arrangements on the spot (“a la parrilla”), focusing on the shared musical decisions and creative processes that emerge through collaboration.
Date : Saturday, April 4th, 2026 9:30 - 13:30 (4 hours, including short breaks totaling approx. 30 minutes)
Sunday, April 5th, 2026 10:00 - 12:00 (2 hours)
Venue : Nishitetsu Hall ( Google Maps)
What You Will Learn
Starting from basic scores included in Tangos Imprescindibles by Hugo Satorre, participants will explore the language of orchestral tango and various ensemble techniques.
A total of three ensemble pieces will be built on the spot through the following steps:
1. Selecting accompaniment models and deciding their placement throughout the piece.
2. Assigning melodic roles in each section.
3. Identifying fill sections, choosing instruments, and harmonizing as needed.
4. Creating counterpoint and determining its placement and voicing.
5. Reviewing interpretative details and dynamics, followed by a full ensemble rehearsal.
Workshop Languages
Spanish or English (Japanese interpretation provided)
Who Can Participate
• Tango musicians who wish to deepen their understanding of tango style and interpretation.
• Instrumentalists from other genres interested in the orquesta típica tradition.
• Musicians with basic instrumental skills and music-reading ability who are interested in tango, improvisation, and creation.
[ For Pianists ]
Venue Piano Slot : limited to 3 participants
• One shared piano will be used at the venue.
• Participants will rotate when playing the piano.
• Advance reservation by email or phone is required.
• Priority will be given to those attending both days (April 4 & 5).
• This option is limited to those wishing to play the venue piano.
Bring-Your-Own Keyboard Slot : unlimited / not eligible for opening act
• Participants bringing their own keyboard or digital piano may join without limitation.
• Practice and performance will focus on the participant’s own instrument.
Please specify whether you wish to apply for the “Venue Piano Slot” or the “Bring-Your-Own Keyboard Slot” when making your reservation.
Participation Format
The workshop takes place over two days (total of 5.5 hours) and covers three ensemble pieces.
* The second day is a continuation of the first; participation in the ensemble on the second day only is not possible.
• As a musician: full participation in the workshop, with optional performance in the concert.
• As an auditor: attend all workshop and concert activities without playing an instrument.
Fees
• Both days: ¥17,500
* Includes workshop + optional opening act performance.
• Day 1 only (April 4th) : ¥10,000
* Concert participation not included.
• Auditors :
• Both days: ¥8,000
• One day: ¥5,000
* Concert admission is not included.
Instructors
With Villarreal Crom, the internationally acclaimed Argentine tango duo, as lead instructors, the workshop brings together experts actively engaged in the forefront of tango performance and education.
Villarreal Crom
Juan Villarreal and Patricio Crom began their activity in 2010, playing tangos in milongas and clubs in Buenos Aires city. From the beginning, the Villarreal Crom duo tried to find a unique aesthetic and style that, over the years and recordings, solidified the sound that characterizes them.
Today, they are one of the most recognized duos in the tango scene in Buenos Aires and the world, having embarked on countless tours across Latin America, Europe, and the United States. And having participated in numerous festivals and venues such as the CCK Symphonic Hall "Ballena Azul" in Buenos Aires, La Locura Tango Musik Festival in Innsbruck Austria, Lyon Tango Festival and Philadelphia Tango Festival among others.
They have released 5 albums: “De corte romántico (2012),” “Cinco otoños (2015),” “En la luna de Valencia (2017),” “D’Arienzo en guitarras (2022)”, “Moderno trovador (2023),” which consists entirely of their own compositions and their latest release, “Live in Zagreb,” recorded live in that city in 2024.
In 2022, they graced the cover of the renowned German magazine “Tangodanza,” the world’s most widely circulated tango magazine.
Workshop Supervision / Associate Instructor : Yukie Kawanami
Born in Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture. He is the winner of the 1st Che Bandoneon World Championship. She entered Tokyo College of Music from the Fukuoka Jogakuin Music Department. She studied piano, her major, at university, and learned the bandoneon outside of school. She met Eri Watanabe, a playwright and actress, and she appeared on the stage play "Ribon". Since then, she has co-starred with Hideki Saijo, Kenji Sawada, Tsurube Shofutei, and Tsuyoshi Ukaji. She also appeared in "Untitled Concert" and "New Window Open Kyushu.'' In the summer of 2020, she formed "Tango Three Sisters + " in her hometown of Fukuoka. In the summer of 2021, she won first place in the ensemble category at the "Astor Piazzolla International Music Competition Kanoha Torani 2021" held in Italy.
Associate Instructor : Ruei-Ran Wu
Bandoneón · Composer
Ruei-Ran Wu was born in Zamboanga City, Philippines. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Taiwan, a Master’s degree in Music Composition from Austria, and further studied bandoneón performance in France. His compositions have been nominated for the Golden Horse Film Awards and the Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan.
Wu has collaborated with music ensembles and festivals across Europe and Asia. In 2022, he curated the first Taiwan Tango Music Festival. He is currently the conductor of the Vienna Taiwan Choir and the artistic director of ViTa MusicA (Vienna Tango Music Academy).
Associate Instructor : Kaoru Asayama
Violin
Kaoru Asayama was born in Kumamoto, Japan. She graduated from Toho College of Music in Tokyo, the Vienna Conservatory, and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
As a classical musician, she performs regularly with various orchestras and chamber music ensembles in Austria and beyond. In addition to classical music, Asayama is an active tango violinist, touring throughout Europe and Asia, and serves as a faculty member at ViTa MusicA (Vienna Tango Music Academy). She is also a member of the Austrian Suzuki Institute of Music.
Contact
Phone: 092-762-4100
Email: sakuratangofestival@tiempo.jp
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