Music as a Bridge, Tango as a Bond—Interview with Pablo Valle

In 2026, Min-On presented Historia del Tango as part of its Tango Series 55, a nationwide tour by the Pablo Valle Sexteto marking 100 years since tango was first introduced to Japan. From January 18 to March 1, the ensemble brought the rich heritage and vibrant energy of tango to audiences across the country. During the tour, we sat down with pianist and bandleader Pablo Valle to discuss his first time performing in Japan with his own sextet, his composition dedicated to Min-On’s founder, the school concert program, and the role of music in bringing people together. (Interview conducted on February 25, 2026.)

◆ Interview Highlight Video

 

MIN-ON: This is your third tour with Min-On and your first time performing in Japan with your own sextet. Looking back on the performances so far, what are your honest impressions?

Pablo Valle: My overall impression has been extremely positive. I leave with a deep sense of happiness; thanks to the warm welcome we received from audiences at every theater where we performed. This tour has also been a unique experience for me, as it is the first time I have come to Japan with my own group. Because of that, I feel a strong sense of responsibility—but also a great deal of joy.

MIN-ON: Could you share the story behind the piece you dedicated to the founder of the Min-On Concert Association? What inspired its creation, and how did you feel performing it for audiences?

Valle: In composing this piece, I was inspired by the founder’s vision of striving for world peace through music. I believe that in times like these—when the world feels so turbulent—music plays an important role in fostering peace and bringing people together, as seen in the connection between Japan and Argentina through tango.

Performing this piece in theaters carries a deep sense of responsibility for me, as I understand what the founder means to those who attend these performances. At the same time, the piece holds strong emotional significance—not only for the audience, but also for me as the composer of this tango piece, Renacer.

MIN-ON: You also performed at school concerts during the tour. What impressions did performing for the students leave on you?

Valle: The school concerts were truly beautiful and special. As this is not something we usually do on tour, it was a very meaningful and memorable experience for me.

Seeing the children’s sense of wonder was truly striking. Performing for audiences who were hearing tango live for the first time—and perhaps even experiencing a live orchestra for the first time—made the experience especially meaningful. Their amazement was clearly visible, and for us as well, it was a very special experience, quite different from the venues where we usually perform.

MIN-ON: What does music mean to you personally?

Valle: Music is, of course, a way of life for me. But beyond what it means to me personally, I believe music is a bridge—a vibration in the air that fosters a sense of well-being in people. And I truly believe that if we used more music and fewer weapons, the world would be a much better place.

MIN-ON: Finally, could you share a message with the audiences who attended the concerts?

Valle: First of all, my message is simply one of gratitude: thank you for coming. Thank you for supporting tango and for being present at our performances. From the bottom of my heart, I hope these concerts will continue for many years to come, and that young people—like the students we met at the school we recently visited—will grow closer to tango, whether by listening to it or dancing to it.