Tango de Cologne: Passionate sounds enchant Rodenkirchen!

Tango de Cologne: Passionate sounds enchant Rodenkirchen!

On June 28, 2025, the Ensemble Tango de Cologne thrilled its listeners in the community hall of the Protestant Church of the Redeemer in Rodenkirchen. With an audience that was filled to capacity and additional chairs that were spontaneously set up, the special atmosphere of the evening quickly emerged. Cantor Barbara Mulack warmly welcomed the musicians, who are considered one of the most sought-after tango ensembles in Germany. Henrik Albrecht, who moderated the concert and played with his bandoneon, knew how to captivate the audience right from the start.

Tango de Cologne presents a fascinating combination of Argentine tango and Rhenish sounds, which always brings its own touch to the performances. Albrecht, who deepened his knowledge through stays in Argentina, emphasized the connection between the tango cultures of Buenos Aires and Cologne. Neutral performances from the audience, who occasionally started dancing, also show the lively atmosphere that prevailed that evening.

Classic tangos and local themes

The concert evening was rich in different musical styles. Classic tangos, tango waltzes and milongas from the 30s and 40s could be heard. A piece entitled “Dejamos la Catedral – Mer losse d’r Dom in Kölle” referred to the significant collapse of the historical archive in Cologne in 2009. Albrecht presented the well-known song “Ich bin ene kölsche Jung”, while Wolfgang Richter, former member of the Gürzenichorchester, particularly shone with his violin on “Jalousie” by Jacob Gade.

The pianist Stefan Thomas, who is known for his arrangements, gave interesting insights into the background of the pieces and reinforced the catchy melody of the evening with his sounds. Markus Gantenberg on the double bass also contributed to the foundation of the ensemble, while Albrecht, with his charming manner, invited the listeners to sing along, especially with “En nuestro Barrio – In our Veedel” at the end. The ensemble offered a varied program for over two hours that captivated the audience.

A look at the background

Tango has a long and often controversial history in Europe. After it made its way to the continent in 1905, it was initially met with resistance and was perceived as obscene. The Pope and Emperor were critical of the dance, and until 1913 it was refused inclusion in the dance regulations of the Vienna Ball. Henrik Albrecht even quoted Pope Francis, who sees tango as an expression of closeness and sensuality. This cultural shift makes Tango de Cologne's popularity all the more remarkable.

The connection between Rhenish culture and tango is also reflected in the commitment of the Tango clubs Cologne clear, which has been promoting cultural exchange between the Latin American and German communities since the early 1990s. The club, which has been able to constantly expand its activities, offers Tango Argentino lessons and has numerous collaborations with cultural institutions and organizations in the Cologne area.
The upcoming events are particularly exciting, such as MARCELO ÁLVAREZ's appearance on June 29th.

Overall, it can be said that the Tango de Cologne concert presented a successful evening both musically and culturally, celebrating both the tradition of tango and the Rhenish way of life. It remains to be hoped that such outstanding events will continue to take place in the region.