Chango Spasiuk Moved the Ukrainian Audience with His Concert “Taco y Suela: Tradición”

 

On June 19th, the historic Mykola Lysenko Column Hall of the National Philharmonic of Ukraine was the setting for an unforgettable night: world-renowned Argentine musician Horacio “Chango” Spasiuk performed in Kyiv for the first time, presenting his new project Taco y suela: tradición. Conceived as a cultural fusion of the folk genres of both countries, the event marked a milestone in the artistic exchange between Argentina and Ukraine.

Accompanied by fellow Argentine musicians Marcos Villalba (percussion and guitar) and Enzo Demartini (accordion and guitar), members of his trio, Chango Spasiuk brought to the stage all the vibrancy of chamamé, a traditional musical style from northeastern Argentina, recognized in 2020 by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Throughout the concert, two exceptional collaborations further enriched the program: the String Sextet of the Kyiv Chamber Orchestra and the internationally acclaimed Ukrainian group DakhaBrakha, who added a unique dimension to the musical dialogue between the roots of both nations.

The Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Ukraine, Elena Leticia Mikusinski, addressed the audience, highlighting the symbolic value of the event in the context of Argentina’s Flag Day, celebrated each year on June 20th:

“In June 20th, in Argentina, we commemorate Flag Day. It is a date that evokes belonging, history, and identity. And today, from another part of the world, 12,800 kilometers away, those same values resonate here, in the heart of Ukraine. Because the flag, the national symbol, represents what does not surrender, what endures, and what prevails, even in the face of the greatest adversities.”

Born in Apóstoles, in the province of Misiones, and grandson of four Ukrainian grandparents, Chango Spasiuk embodies in his music the heritage of two worlds. His presence in Kyiv not only represented a reunion with the roots of his ancestors, but also a gesture of closeness between two countries that, though geographically distant, are emotionally connected through art and solidarity:

“Today, through his music, that legacy comes full circle, finding new expression in this fertile land of “chernozem”. And this is no ordinary journey. In the midst of the tragic war initiated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Chango chose to be here,” emphasized Ambassador Mikusinski.

The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya, also addressed the audience, underlining the role of culture in the current context, as Ukraine faces brutal Russian aggression:

“For more than three years now, peaceful Ukrainian cities have awakened almost daily to the sound of explosions. But it is precisely in such moments that culture becomes something far greater than art. It becomes an act of resistance — a manifestation of vitality, seeking harmony and beauty despite pain and destruction.”

He also highlighted the cultural connection between chamamé and Ukrainian folk genres, noting how they enable a fluent and organic dialogue between both musical traditions:

“Chamamé is not just music or dance. It is a cultural form of expression where improvisation matters more than the script. And this resonates deeply with the Ukrainian musical tradition, which is also characterized by improvisation, flexibility, and freedom of interpretation. That’s why tonight is not just about music. This is a conversation. A lively dialogue between Argentine and Ukrainian cultures — a dialogue about freedom.”

In turn, the Deputy Director General of the Ukrainian Institute, Alim Aliev, emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy:

“This concert is not only an event in the musical life of the country. It is an act of cultural diplomacy. It’s not just about exchanging cultural experiences — it’s about creating a deep dialogue between countries, traditions, and shared historical ties.”

The evening was elegantly hosted by Pavlo Shylko, well-known Eurovision presenter, who served as master of ceremonies with sobriety and precision.

The hall, packed with more than 600 people, vibrated with an artistic proposal that transcended borders. Among the attendees were members of the Verkhovna Rada, authorities from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ambassadors, religious leaders, academics, businesspeople, and representatives of Ukraine’s most prestigious cultural institutions.

Chango Spasiuk’s visit to Kyiv was framed by deeply meaningful gestures. Upon arrival at Kyiv Central Station, he was welcomed by the CEO of Ukrzaliznytsia, Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, while his iconic piece Polca de mi tierra played over the loudspeakers. This spontaneous and heartfelt welcome was seen as a sincere expression of hospitality and recognition from the Ukrainian authorities.

As a symbolic closing to his time in Ukraine, Chango participated in a musical gathering with Taras Stoliar, one of today’s most renowned banduristas and a member of the group Cultural Forces, in a moving gesture of artistic communion and mutual respect.

This historic event was made possible thanks to the joint efforts of the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Institute, and the National Philharmonic of Ukraine, with the invaluable support from the State Directorate-General for Rendering Services to Diplomatic Missions and the travel services company Satguru.

The initiative for Chango Spasiuk’s visit emerged in October 2024, during the visit to Argentina of Volodymyr Sheiko, Director General of the Ukrainian Institute. On that occasion, a meeting with Chango Spasiuk was arranged at the residence of Ambassador Archibaldo Lanús — a distinguished writer and one of Argentina’s most renowned diplomats, former Ambassador to France and Deputy Foreign Minister. It was there that the idea for this trip was born, which came to fruition in June 2025 as part of the artist’s European tour, with performances in France, Spain, Norway, and other destinations.

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