“Tango Freedom” Brought to the Stage the Shared Values Between Argentina and Ukraine

 

On May 21st, the prestigious Kyiv Academic Puppet Theater hosted a gala event to commemorate the 215th anniversary of the May Revolution, the foundational milestone in the history of the Argentine Republic that marked the beginning of a free and autonomous nation on May 25, 1810.

On this occasion, the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in Ukraine organized the cultural program Tango Freedom, dedicated to Astor Piazzolla. Born in Mar del Plata in 1921, Piazzolla is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the 20th century worldwide. He was a pioneer and revolutionary of Argentine music, with a repertoire that fused tango with symphonic elements, influences from other genres, and enhanced instrumental complexity and virtuosity.

The Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Ukraine, Elena Leticia Mikusinski, delivered a speech marking a new anniversary of the May Revolution. In her words, she highlighted the courage of the Ukrainian people, drawing a parallel with the Argentine people in 1810:

“On that May 25th, we began to forge our destiny. The dream of a free and sovereign homeland was born. And today, we honor that same spirit of freedom here in Ukraine, a nation that, with admirable courage and dignity, continues to defend its sovereignty, its territorial integrity, and its right to choose its path.”

Ambassador Mikusinski also reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Argentine Republic to continue supporting Ukraine:

"Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, we have always stood by Ukraine. We have supported its legitimate right to safeguard its territory and defend its sovereignty. And we will continue to stand by Ukraine.”

For his part, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya, highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Argentina and Ukraine, as well as their shared commitment to freedom, human dignity, and the right to determine their own future:

"215 years ago, a powerful impulse was born in Buenos Aires — the May Revolution. In 1810, Argentines chose freedom, dignity, and independence. Today, Ukraine is fighting for these principles. That is why the slogan of this event is so close to us: Tango de la Libertad."

Ambassador Kyslytsya also recalled that Argentina was the first Latin American country to recognize Ukraine’s sovereignty in 1991, as well as the Ukrainian People's Republic in 1921 — a testament to the deep connection between the two countries:

“Today, Argentina is with Ukraine again — in condemning Russian aggression and providing humanitarian aid, in a clear stance for the truth and Ukraine’s freedom. This is not just diplomacy. This is true friendship.” “Amistad valiente. Amistad verdadera.”, he added in perfect Spanish.

Among the distinguished guests were Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine; the aforementioned First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergiy Kyslytsya; and members of the Verkhovna Rada: Zhan Beleniuk, Sviatoslav Yurash, and Vladlen Nekliudov. Prominent figures from the business, academic, and cultural spheres, as well as ambassadors and representatives of international organizations in Ukraine were also among the more than 400 attendees.

The artistic program, titled Tango Freedom, was a clear allusion to the ideals that marked the beginning of Argentina's path to independence and that continue to shape its destiny today. The outstanding musicians of FueGo Orquesta lived up to the artistic excellence demanded by Astor Piazzolla's repertoire. Nazariy Pylatyuk on violin, Serhiy Kurdytsky on bandoneon, Petro Dovhan on piano, and Dmytro Tretyak on double bass delighted the audience with iconic pieces such as Libertango, Oblivion, and Adiós Nonino, as well as Por una cabeza, by the legendary Argentine singer-songwriter Carlos Gardel.

Andriy Permyakov portrayed Piazzolla himself with great emotional depth and sensitivity, taking the audience on a journey through the composer’s life: from his roots in Argentina, his time in New York — where he met Gardel himself — to his worldwide acclaim and final years in Paris.

The show featured artistic direction by Tanina Poznyak and a script written by Anastasia Maslakova, Tanina Poznyak, and Andriy Permyakov. The legendary Pavel Shylko (DJ Pasha), known for hosting Eurovision, served as master of ceremonies and lent his distinctive voice to Piazzolla’s texts in English.

Soprano Kateryna Alekseeva vibrantly performed Astor’s María de Buenos Aires, and virtuoso dancers Liliya Ivashchyk, Volodymyr Shpak, and Pavlo Petelyak flawlessly executed a choreography by Vadym Prokopenko, principal choreographer of the Kyiv National Academic Operetta Theater.

One of the most moving moments of the evening was the heartfelt tribute to Solomiya Krushelnytska. A legendary Ukrainian soprano singer, she found artistic acclaim in Argentina in the early 20th century. A pinnacle of her career was her rendition of the Argentine national anthem, wrapped in a sky-blue and white flag, during the celebrations of the centenary of the May Revolution on May 25, 1910. In homage, soprano Yana Tatarova-Tsutskiridze performed the national anthems of Argentina and Ukraine, draped in the colors of both nations.

“Solomiya’s story reminds us of the power of culture — a bridge that unites us across language, geography, and generations,” concluded Ambassador Mikusinski.

Thus, between the sounds of the bandoneon and the taste of traditional Argentine empanadas and Malbec wine, Tango Freedom became an unforgettable evening. It not only celebrated Argentina’s history, but also built a warm and enduring bridge between two peoples united by culture, memory, and the defense of freedom.

 

A joint project of the Argentine Republic in Ukraine and the Kyiv Diplomatic Magazine.