The Festival Chopiniana 2013, organized by Fundación Chopiniana de Buenos Aires, will consist of a series of piano recitals that will take place between August and October 2013 at Palacio Paz, Av. Santa Fe 750. The Festival is sponsored by the Embassy of Poland, as well as by diverse private companies.

During the course of the Festival Chopiniana 2013, an exhibition dedicated to celebrate the 100th birthday of Witold Lutoslawski will  be open to the public. Considered as the most important Polish composer after Frederic Chopin, Lutoslawski is one of the most relevant European authors of the 20th century. The exhibition features photographs, texts, notes, scores, among other objects related to the composer. It will be open during the Festival from 10 am to 6 pm, at the Art Hall of Palacio Paz (Santa Fe 750). On concert days it can be visited before and after the performance.

The exhibition has been co-organized and co-financed by the Association Witold Lutoslawski and the Music and Dance Institute of Poland.

International Piano Festival - Schedule and participating artists:

Tuesday, August 27 - 7:30 pm

Luis Ascot (Argentina)

Alberto Ginastera: Tres danzas argentinas

Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata Op. 31 Nº 2 The tempest

Frederic Chopin: Two nocturnes – Ballad Op. 47

Robert Schumann: Scenes from Childhood Op. 15

Tuesday, September 3 - 7:30 pm

Raphael Lutschevsky (Poland)

Franz Schubert-Franz Liszt: Lieder: The Trout – Gretchen am Spinnrade – Ave Maria

Franz Liszt: Funerals

Frederic Chopin: Three waltzes Op. 34

Sonata Op. 58 Nº 3

Tuesday, September 10 - 7:30 pm

Lovro Pogorelich (Croatia)

Program dedicated to Johannes Brahms

Sonata Nº 1 in C major Op.1

Sonata Nº 2 in F-Sharp minor Op. 2

Variations on a Theme by Paganini Op. 35 (II Book)

Tuesday, September 17 - 7:30 pm

Wojciech Waleczek (Poland)

Frederic Chopin: Brilliant Variations Op. 12 – Three Waltzes Op. 34

Franz Liszt: Six Polish Chants on songs by Frederic Chopin Op. 74

Witold Lutoslawski: Folk - Bucolic Melodies

Richard Wagner/Franz Liszt: Isolde love´s death, from Tristan und Isolde

Pilgrim´s choir, from Tannhauser

Charles Gounod/ Franz Lizst: Waltz, from Fausto

Tuesday, September 24 - 7:30 pm

Ingolf Wunder (Austria)

Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata Op. 27 Nº 2 Moonlight

Frederic Chopin: Nocturne Op. 9 Nº 3 - Ballads N° 1 Op. 23 and N° 3 Op. 47

Franz Schubert: Impromptu Op. 142 Nº 4

Franz Schubert/ Franz Liszt: Serenata

Tuesday, October 1 - 7:30 pm

Manfred Wagner-Artzt (Austria)

Joseph Haydn: Sonata in F-major Hob. XVI/23

Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata in D minor Op. 31 Nº 2

Frederic Chopin: Polonaise Op. 26 Nº 1, Nocturne in C-sharp minor Op. Posthumous, Fantasia-impromptu Op. 66, Waltz in A-flat major Op. 34 Nº 1, Waltz A-flat major Op. 69 Nº 1, Ballad N° 1 Op. 23

Tuesday, October 8 - 7:30 pm

Marian Sobula (Poland)

Ignace Jan Paderewski: Nocturne Op. 16 Nº 4 – Legend Op. 16 Nº 1, Cracoviana Fantastica Op. 14 Nº 6

Janusz Bielecki: Suite for piano

Karol Szymanowski: Sonata for piano Op. 36

Frederic Chopin: Scherzo Op. 31 – Four mazurkas Op. 33 – Vals Op. 34 Nº 1 – Polonaise Op. 53 Heroic

Tuesday, October 15 - 7:30 pm

Martha Noguera (Argentina)

Frederic Chopin: Rondo Op.16 - Andante Spianato and Grand Polonaise Brillante Op.22

Manuel de Falla: Fantasía baetica

Ángel Barrios: Suite La Suerte– En las cuevas del darro – Albaycinera

Isaac Albéniz: Triana

Mili Balakirev: Islamey

Location: PALACIO PAZ. AV. SANTA FE 750

Tickets: on sale at the venue, Monday to Friday 2 pm to 6 pm

The Festival Buenos Aires Celebrates Japan - "Nippon Matsuri" - Artisitc Japanese Festival, will take place on Saturday, August 17th, 2013.

This Festival, organized by the Government of the City of Buenos Aires and the Nikkei Federation in Argentina (FANA) will be held on Avenida Santa Fe between Carlos Pellegrini and Florida, Plaza San Martín, from 12 pm to 5 pm.

The event will start at 12 pm with a parade of standards representing the Japanese Cultural institutions, followed by a tribute from the Japanese community to General San Martin, karate and kendo demonstrations by martial arts groups, artistic shows, Japanese drums "Taiko", and "ondo" - dancing to Japanese music with the participation of the public.

At the same time visitors will have the chance to try Japanese food and purchase typical Japanese products at the more than 45 gazebos installed around Plaza San Martin.

The main producers of organic and healthy food in Argentina will gather again in a street market in Buenos Aires, on Saturday, August 17th, and Sunday, August 18h, 2013, from 10am to 6pm, with free access to the public. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste free samples and buy at a promotional prices natural foods and beverages in an area specially located in the Palermo Parks, on Ave Libertador and Ave Sarmiento, across the street from the Zoo and the Spaniards´Monument. The event is organized by Planeta Joy magazine and sponsored by the city of Buenos Aires.

More than 40 gazebos will be installed, where the participating producers will offer products in the following areas: Oils; Alcoholic drinks (organic wines, beers); Soft drinks and natural juices; Cereals and seeds; Spices; Nuts; Fruits & Vegetables; Farm produce; Delicatessen; Gourmet food; Flour and derivatives; Mushrooms; Infusions; Vegetables; Dairy; Bakery; Jams; edible Flowers; Pasta; Herbs; Snacks, and more.

Some activities will be held in a specially equipped space, like lectures and cooking classes by some of the main references of this culinary trend.

There will be special menus for visitors and food to go, with tables on the street of this picturesque market

In case of rain, it will be postponed to Sunday 18th and Monday 19th. Consult on Buenos Aires Market website for any change of schedule.

The Argentine Polo Association has announced the complete Schedule of tournaments in the Official 2013 Spring Polo Season. The program, between August and December of 2013, includes three of the most important Polo tournaments worldwide: Tortugas Country Club Open; the oldest Polo tournament in the world, Hurlingham Club Open; and the world-class Argentine Open Championship.
The most important championships in the 2013 Spring season are:

SAN JORGE MILITARY CLUB OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

San Jorge and Coronel Francisco Reyes Carrere Cups

Organized by: San Jorge Club, in Hurlingham (province of Buenos Aires).

Up to 24 goals; 1 military player per team, and no more than 1 high handicap player (8 to 10 goals) per team.

August 29 - 30 - September 1 - 3 - San Jorge Club, Hurlingham

September 7 - 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm: Finals in Palermo

SPRINGBOK TOURNAMENT

Organized by Argentine Polo Association

Between one civil team and one military team

September 20, 3.00 pm
September 22, 11.30 am
Palermo Polo Field (Av. del Libertador & Dorrego)
Free entrance

TORTUGAS COUNTRY CLUB OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Emilio de Anchorena Cup
Organized by Tortugas Country Club. Tortuguitas (Province of Buenos Aires)
September 24 to October 12

The Ayrshire Cup

Organized by Hurlingham Club. Hurlingham (Province of Buenos Aires)

October 15 to November 3

LA DOLFINA DIAMOND CUP
La Dolfina Polo Club, Cañuelas, Buenos Aires
October 23 - 28
November 8

JUAN B MILES CUP

Organized by Argentine Polo Association

23 and 24 goal teams

From October 25

PRINCE OF WHALES CUP
Organized by Hurlingham Club, Hurlingham (Province of Buenos Aires)
November 5 to November 15

LA AGUADA - COWDRAY POLO CUP I

November 11 to November 15
120th ARGENTINE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Palacio Paz, located in the heart of the city opposite Plaza San Martin (Av. Sante Fe 750) is an imposing building which fronts, sculptures and ornaments are copies or inspired on several French palaces, and one of the best examples of the French Architecture in Buenos Aires.

The palace's architect, Louis Marie Henry Sortais was French, studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris and won the Grand Prix de Rome in 1890. The owner of the residence, José C. Paz, was ambassador to France in the late nineteenth century. Palacio Paz is also the work of the Argentinian architect and engineer Carlos Agote, since Sortais never traveled to Argentina, and in fact died in 1911, leaving Agote in charge of construction management when works were still not complete.

The construction was carried out between 1902 and 1914. Two years before the inauguration of the palace Dr. José C Paz died in Monaco, for which he never had the chance to live in it, but his wife and children did.

Palacio Paz was, at the time of its construction, the largest private residence in the city, with its 140 rooms, 40 bathrooms and 12,000 square meters of covered area.

José Camilo Paz, the ideologist of this masion, brought from Europe all the pieces for the construction and decoration of the palace: marbles, iron works, chandeliers, ornaments, furniture, flooring and lights, among many other things, including the huge four-door iron gate that serves as entrance to the palace.

It is believed that Paz had presidential aspirations. He thought that the palace could become the official presidential residence.

The building consists of three wings and a large internal garden. The main facade resembles the typical French castles. The model used for the overall composition of the palace was the Chantilly Castle, rebuilt by Honoré Daumet, Sortais' teacher. The set of rooms on the main floor appears as an eclectic showcase of French historical styles. The Grand Gallery of Honor and the main dining room are inspired on the French Renaissance. The Ballroom on the other hand is Regency style. In other smaller rooms we find Louis XVI and Empire styles. 

The great honor gallery leas to the Great Hall of Honor, the most impressive room in the Palace, a Circular hall of imposing dimensions and crowned with a towering dome.

Palacio Paz is currently the headquarters of the Military Circle in the City of Buenos Aires, and is one of the few magnificent French buildings that are opened to the public and still preserve the grandeur of the time.

There's also a nice café in the interior courtyard (Croque Madame) and a restaurant  in one of the interior rooms, open to the general public.

The interior Palace can be accessed by Guided Visits only (with a cost), on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with previous reservation via email to reservaspalaciopaz@gmail.com

The 2013 Tango Buenos Aires Festival and World Dance Competition, organized by the Ministry of Culture of Buenos Aires, will be held between August 14th and August 27th, 2013.

This new edition features more than 200 shows and free activities including concerts and dance performances, popular milongas, shows, conferences and clinics, exhibition and sale of products, dance classes in various levels and styles, the grand opening and closing milonga and the competition for the Tango Dance World Cup, in which the best couples of dancers from Argentina and the world will be participating.

The Great Opening will be on August 14th, 8.00 pm at Centro de Exposiciones, with Sexteto Mayor celebrating their 40th anniversary with special guests like: Adriana Varela, Raúl Lavié, Gloria y Eduardo among others.

Throughout the World Tango Festival classes of different levels and styles will be given by renowned dancers and instructors from recognized schools.

Leopoldo Federico, Juan Carlos Copes, Néstor Marconi, Ernesto Jodos, Pablo Agri, Nini Flores, Víctor Villena, Pablo Verón, Julio Pane, Ramiro Gallo, Rodolfo Mederos, Milena Plebs, Daniel Binelli, Astillero, Diego Schissi, Corporación Tangos, Amelita Baltar, Juanjo Domínguez, María Nieves, Popi Spatocco, Adriana Varela, Lautaro Greco, Sexteto Mayor, Brian Chambouleyron, Alberto Podestá, Maximiliano Avila, Vale Tango, Los musiqueros, Miguel Ángel Zotto, Hugo Rivas, Juan Carlos Godoy, Horacio Ferrer, Leonardo Cuello, Luis Salinas, Walter Ríos, Gloria y Eduardo, Cucuza Castiello, Orquesta Escuela de Tango, Horacio Molina, Guillermo Fernández, Orquesta del Tango de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Tanghetto, José Colángelo, Raúl Lavié, Nicolás Ledesma are some of the more than 2000 artists participating in this unique event.

TANGO WORLD DANCE COMPETITION:

This is the celebration that makes Buenos Aires the mecca for tango dancers around the world. The event rewards the best couples in the Tango Salon category, which stresses the social dance as a practice rooted in Buenos Aires, and Tango Escenario, which aims to enrich the dance from a choreographic point of view. More than 500 couples from around the world measure their talents in this competition.

The qualifying rounds and semifinals will take place at the Centro Municipal de Exposiciones. The World Cup culminates in two major finals, Tango Salon and Tango Escenario, at the Luna Park stadium, on Monday 26 and Tuesday 27.

VENUES OF TANGO BUENOS AIRES:

Centro Municipal de Exposiciones: Av. Figueroa Alcorta and Av. Pueyrredón

Usina del Arte: Av. Pedro de Mendoza 501, La Boca

Teatro 25 de Mayo Av. Triunvirato 4444

Amphitheater of Parque Centenario: Av. Angel Gallardo and Leopoldo Marechal, Caballito

Luna Park stadium: Av. Madero 420

FREE TICKETS FOR SHOWS AND ACTIVITIES:

Admission to all the activities and shows of the Tango Buenos Aires Festival and World Cup is free, on a first-come, first-served basis until the venue reaches capacity.

The shows that require ticket pick-up are those scheduled at the Auditorium and Chamber Hall of Usina del Arte, Teatro 25 de Mayo, and the Stadium Luna Park. 2 tickets per person will be given for each performance.

Tickets for the Final Rounds that will take place at Lunar Park on August 26th and 27th will be available for pick-up on Monday, August 19th, from 11am, at the Centro Municipal de Exposiciones. 2 (two) tickets for one of the Final Rounds will be given out per person until reaching the capacity of 10,000 seats.

For the shows at Usina del Arte, tickets can be picked up at the Information Stand on the same day of the show, 2 hours before each performance.

Tickets for the show at Teatro 25 de Mayo can be picked up from 5.00 pm on the performance day at the theater.

For more information and complete schedules, visit Tango Buenos Aires official website.

For people who want to secure their places for special concerts, milongas, and the Finals, there are tour companies offering a full package that includes admission, access to VIP sectors and special souvenirs. Contact me to receive information about this service.