South American Tango, German Classical Music Celebrated in Concerts This Weekend

Forget the aspirin. Take two Queens concerts this weekend, and you will feel great on Monday morning. On Saturday, the Quintet of the Americas (below), a group of woodwind specialists with a South American sound, will perform tango songs with world-renowned pianist/conductor Pablo “King of the Zarzuela” Zinger in Flushing. Unique to its core, the quintet was actually formed 1976 in Bogotá by U.S. citizens who were principal wind players in the Colombian National Orchestra. The group relocated to Queens in 1979. On Sunday in its home neighborhood, the Astoria Symphony Orchestra and Choir (above) will perform German masterpieces, emphasizing the dichotomies of classical vs. romantic, choral vs. orchestral and Mendelssohn vs. Wagner vs. Mozart. Those who arrive 30 minutes before the show will be able to chat with Maestro Silas Nathaniel Huff, who will discuss the program, the musicians and other secrets.

Saturday details: A Celebration of the Tango, Flushing Library, 41-17 Main Street, Flushing, March 29th, 1:30 pm, free.

Sunday details: Dichotomies, Mount Carmel Institute, 23-20 Newtown Avenue, Astoria, March 30, 5 pm, $20/$15 for seniors and students.

Top photo: ASO; bottom photo: QOTA