ELOISE, VIOLIN

Eloise is a violinist, visual artist, and urban planner. She brings over a decade of experience performing orchestral and chamber music in Sydney and overseas, with highlights including workshops with members of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Berliner Philharmoniker, and a European tour with the Sydney Youth Orchestra in 2017.

In pursuit of a music style that maintained the grit of modern classical and welcomed experimentation (and the odd látigo), Eloise found her calling in the world of contemporary tango. She attributes her most valuable learnings in music to her times in Buenos Aires and understands tango as a poetic reflection of its culture, people, and place.

To Eloise, tango is an extension of the soul; one that embraces and breathes life into the full spectrum of our condition—joy, yearning, melancholy, and amelioration. Performing on a 1905 violin acquired in Argentina, she envisions Adelante as an opportunity to share this magic with new audiences. Eloise is a proud Uruguayan and loves a good mate, yumba, and anything redolent of the South.

Eloise’s tango anthems: Motobronco (Mariano González Caro, Astillero) & Chin Chin (Astor Piazzolla)

LIZ, FLUTES

Liz is a multi-disciplinary performer, composer, and songwriter who loves to explore the sounds your teacher tells you not to make during lessons. Playing tango flutes since 2014, they have studied under Maggie Ferguson with TangoOz and tango flute extraordinaire Paulina Fain, touring to Buenos Aires and Uruguay with the student orquesta in 2016. Liz also plays with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s Chinese Music Ensemble on the Erhu and Zhonghu (traditional 2-string fiddles), Rorschach Climax Ensemble on improvised low flutes, and Dreambox Collective, where they create both visual and musical song.

When not making music, Liz can be found drawing, knitting, learning languages, patting animals, and practising activism. They would like to acknowledge and pay respects to the Cadigal people of the Eora Nation, whose traditional land they make art on.

Liz is excited to be a part of Adelante, pushing musical and stylistic boundaries, and bringing a woodwind spin to the colourful tango scene.

Liz’s tango anthems: Villeguita (Astor Piazzolla) & Tongo 4 (Diego Schissi Quinteto)

HARRY, DOUBLE BASS

Harry is a double bassist, guitarist, and composer originally from Toowoomba, Queensland. He is currently studying classical double bass at the Sydney Conservatorium, and has been a part of numerous ensembles, including Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, the Australian Youth Orchestra’s seasons, and the Sydney Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra’s 2022 Europe tour.

Harry has enjoyed learning about the world of tango music, including in instruction from Chloe Williamson – the leading proponent of tango double bass in Australia, and through his composing efforts – including performances of his tango inspired composition on tour by the Queensland Camerata, and regular commissions for the Big Brisbane Bass Days. Harry thoroughly enjoys the collaborative and spontaneous spirit tango offers, and has had a fantastic time playing and learning with Adelante.

Harry’s tango anthems: Charrúa (Julián Peralta) & Libertango (Astor Piazzolla)

REIKA, PIANO

Reika is a classically trained pianist whose passion lies within ensemble playing of multiple genres and musical styles including jazz, and tango. Reika studied at the Conservatorium high School under the tutelage of Phillip Shovk. During her studies, she attained her AMEB LMusA for piano in 2019. During her High School studies, she was introduced to jazz piano and has since explored improvisation, jazz harmony, and tone colour.

She was first introduced to tango piano in 2017 through a high school ensemble led by Maggie Ferguson, inspiring her to join TangoOz in 2018. Through TangoOz, Reika was mentored by both Maggie and Thomas McCorquodale. In 2024, Reika was appointed principal pianist for Adelante Tango.

Outside of tango playing, Reika also enjoys performing as an associate artist with soloists for their Eisteddfods, recitals and HSC performances. She also conducts multiple string orchestras and band ensembles, alongside being a popular and sought after piano teacher.

Reika loves musicals and choral works, and is always on the lookout for opportunities to perform with a choir. She is the accompanist for ‘A Musical Afternoon’, a charity concert held every 4 months in the Mortdale Oatley Baptist Church under the direction of Peta Carlile. She was also recently appointed as accompanist for the Sydney Male Choir, and will be going on a regional tour with them in October 2024.

Reika’s tango anthems: Tangata (Astor Piazzolla) & Caraza (Julián Peralta, Astillero)