Bandonegro is a world-class tango orchestra, among the most original and recognizable performers of this genre. The ensemble presents traditional Argentine tango, tango nuevo, and creates its own compositions with elements of jazz. The musicians constantly strive to discover and showcase the diverse facets of tango. They quickly developed their own musical language, encouraging listeners to experience the genre in a completely new light. In their music, tango gains new life, continuously inspiring next generations of listeners. Their extraordinary passion, fresh sound, and unique style that is perfect for dancing, captivate audiences as the band performs on stages around the world.
The ensemble was formed in 2010 in Poznań, Poland by four versatile musicians – Michał Główka (bandoneon/accordion), Jakub Czechowicz (violin), Marcin Antkowiak (double bass), and Marek Dolecki (piano), graduates of the Music Academies in Poznań and Bydgoszcz. From the very beginning of their activity, Bandonegro aimed to showcase the various faces of tango and bring its beauty closer to a wide audience around the world.
At the beginning of their career, at the age of 18, they gained recognition by winning the international “PIF Castelfidardo” competition in Italy in the “Tango Nuevo” category. From that moment, they began intensive concert activities to promote tango culture in Poland, performing on the biggest stages, including in Warsaw (Teatr Roma), Krakow (Juliusz Słowacki Theatre), Wrocław (Wrocław Opera), Gdańsk (Baltic Philharmonic), Łódź (Łódź Philharmonic), and Poznań (Sala Ziemi).
Bandonegro has performed in over 30 countries on 4 continents, showcasing their music at the largest tango festivals and prestigious music venues, including in the United States (Paderewski Festival), Canada (Darke Hall), Taiwan (Taipei Tango Festival), Indonesia (Bali Fiesta Milonguera), Argentina (Argentina Tango Salon), Germany (Schleswig Holstein Music Festival), Italy (Caras de Tango Festival), France (Tarbes en Tango Festival), Denmark (Copenhagen Jazz Festival), Switzerland (Oster Tango Festival Basel), Finland (World of Tango Festival), Austria (La Locura Tango Festival), and Portugal (Porto Tango Festival).
In 2019, they went on a 5-week tour in Buenos Aires, Argentina, performing in iconic tango clubs such as Salon Canning and La Viruta, and at the Argentina Tango Salon festival. A special version of the piece “Gallo Ciego” performed by Bandonegro was presented during the finals of the Buenos Aires Tango World Cup – the largest tango event in the world.
In 2024, the ensemble launched in Poznan, Poland the international tango festival – Gotango Poznań Festival – whose program features concerts, milongas, and dance workshops with leading artists of the global tango scene.
They have collaborated with outstanding artists and producers from the Latin American scene, including Daniel Pipi Piazzolla, Rafa Sardina, Nelson Pino, Roberto Siri, José Colángelo, Clarisa Aragone & Jonathan Saavedra (World Champions of Tango Salon), and Yanina Muzyka and Emmanuel Casal (World Champions of Tango Escenario).
Bandonegro has released five albums through award-winning Polish labels such as Dux, Sj Records, and Rec Art. Their original album “Hola Astor,” combining tango with elements of jazz and rock, was hailed by critics as a revolution in the genre. In early 2025, the band’s latest album will be released, featuring original music that blends the essence of tango nuevo with jazz and minimal music. The recordings were made at the iconic Fortmusic Studio in Buenos Aires, with guest appearances by world-class Argentine jazz musicians, including Daniel Pipi Piazzolla – the grandson of Astor Piazzolla – and prominent music producers.
Bandonegro is increasingly turning towards film and theater music, creating the soundtrack for the film “Tanze Tango mit mir” (2021) for ARD Mediathek, and contributing their compositions to the series “Alphonse” (2023) produced by Amazon Prime France. The musicians are recipients of the President of the City of Poznań Scholarship for outstanding artistic achievements, as well as laureates of the Medal of Young Art, awarded to distinguished artists from the Greater Poland region. The Embassy of Argentina in Poland has assumed Honorary Patronage of the ensemble’s activities.
“Unique energy and exceptional sound. There are four of them, but it sounds as if it was an orchestra consisting of ten!”
Nito Garcia (legendary Argentinean dancer)
“Your music reaches deep into the heart. I’m happy that I could listen to you!”
Fernando Suarez Paz (Astor Piazzolla Quinteto)
“I never expected that Poles could play such a fabulous tango. Great respect”
José Colángelo (the last pianist in Anibal Troilo’s orchestra)
“Their music masterfully combine the elegance of European jazz with the passionate spirit of Buenos Aires. Truly remarkable![…]”
Pablo Ziegler (Argentine Grammy-Winning pianist, composer and arranger)
“A beautiful musical maturity and a truly original sound”.
Richard Galliano (French composer and multi-instrumentalist)
