The Fabio Hager Sexteto recently concluded a highly successful tour of Japan, staging 25 performances in 23 cities between January and March.
This year marks the 54th edition of the Min-On Tango Series, which began in 1970, and have since then invited numerous renowned tango artists to perform in Japan. This was Hager’s fifth appearance in the series.
| Fabio Hager / Bandoneon
Fabio Hager studied bandoneon under Domingo Mattio, and solfège and composition under Pedro Aguilar. In 1989, representing Argentina at the International Tourism Exhibition, he performed at the Argentina Tango Show in Fortaleza, Brazil and in Toronto, Canada. From 1998 to 2003, he performed with Sexteto Sur and in 2003, he formed the Fabio Hager Sexteto, which continues to perform at Benos Aires’ premier tango house, Señor Tango, where he also serves as a music director. Under his leadership, the Fabio Hager Sexteto has released eight albums to date and has performed both in Argentina and internationally. As a composer, new avenues in Hager’s career opened and his piece Encanto Rojo (Red Enchantment) is a widely known song to which the champions danced in the 2009 Tango Dance World Championship. |
- Fabio Hager Sexteto’s YouTube Channel
https://youtube.com/@fabiohagersexteto?si=thj44YpU_9PIkG3Q
Min-On: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to interview you. Over the years, you have composed four pieces dedicated to Min-On founder Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, which includes Dramatico (2012), Integracion, Naikan (2018) and most recently, Genesis (2025). What inspires and navigates you when composing a piece of this nature?
▶︎ Integracion and Naikan (2018):
▶︎ Genesis (2025):
Fabio Hager: The most important thing is the concept, that is, the concept of life. It’s incredibly rich and fascinating—almost like a movie.
I read about it from the books given to me by the people from Soka in Argentina and I found the story very compelling. It was both the life and the philosophy that struck me.
When I start composing each theme, it comes naturally because I approach it as though I’m creating a film. That’s how I see it. For example, the way he lived and what prompted his actions — all this inspires me deeply.
This way he thinks and lives, and of constantly moving ideas forward. I really resonate with that. I have a lot of respect for people who have a vision and make it a reality. Ultimately, I believe that what matters most is having an idea and realizing it.
Min-On: What inspired you to start playing tango?
Hager: I started studying tango when my father took me to take lessons. But maybe the moment I really clicked with it was around the year 2000 when I began composing. For many years before that, I played traditional tango with great masters. I was fortunate to engage with them and play with such amazing musicians and singers. When I started writing my own music, I was able to finally express everything I experienced and felt throughout those years. I think that was the moment I really clicked with tango. Now, I can express what I experienced working with the great masters.
Min-On: What do you have in mind before you perform?
Hager: Of course, there’s studying to do and that is a must. But for me, it’s really about how I interpret the music. You can be super technical and play every note perfectly. But for me, I prefer to play from my heart.
And the musicians I choose for my group, they are all incredible artists, but more importantly, they play from the heart too. And for me, that’s fundamental.
Min-On: What do you think about the possibilities music has?
Hager: The potential of music is incredible because it brings people together. You don’t need to speak the same language. If someone doesn’t speak Spanish, we still play and I am certain they will understand it. That’s the incredible power of music.
There aren’t many things in life that has the power to unite people like music does. You can sit in a venue or listen to music from the other side of the world even if you don’t understand the language.
For example, when Jesus sings, people listen to him, even though they may not understand a word he’s saying. It’s the same with rock music. We may not understand the lyrics, but we still feel it. That’s the true potential of music—to unite cultures without the use of words. It’s all about the feeling. Music reaches us through emotion.
Min-On: Could you give a message to tango lovers as well as to those who aspire to be tango musicians?
Hager: First, I’d like to thank the people who came to the shows and to the organizers for accepting and allowing us to perform all new music. It is extremely important that we have new tango pieces and music in general. So, first of all, thank you for that. I also want to thank you for continuing to support this undertaking, which I know is not easy. The global economic situation is very difficult, so achieving something like this is not an easy feat.
To those new in tango, I wish to say, don’t give up half way. You have to keep going, even if it seems there’s no future, because as I just said, the world is very complicated today. But if one does what truly comes from their hearts, the chances are high that they’ll reach their goal.
◆ Please enjoy the full interview below:
- Fabio Hager Sexteto’s YouTube Channel
https://youtube.com/@fabiohagersexteto?si=thj44YpU_9PIkG3Q
◆ Min-On Music Journey: Argentine Edition
The Argentine Edition of the Min-On Music Journey beautifully showcases the charm of Argentina’s culture and music.
Embark on this cultural journey through the following link:
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-Music Binds Our Hearts-
