06/01/2026
And so we are in 2026 and it's only less than 3 moths before we welcome you on the Collingwood town hall floor.
Our survey made us once again aware that the inclusion of live music was one your important items on the weekend's 'offerings'.
We have always tried to include a group or an orchestra and are very lucky that Melbourne offers choices.
Barrio Norte Tango group is one Melbourne's latest additions.
Some more details for this quartet are as follows:
Stephen Cuttriss Bandoneon
Stephen Cuttriss is one of Australia’s leading exponents of the mystifying and obtuse instrument, the bandoneón. Beginning its life in 19th century Germany, the bandoneón quickly became the quintessential instrument of Argentinian tango. However, its versatility is unmatched. Stephen brings to life the many moods and voices of the bandoneón - from traditional tango to Bach and beyond. And of course, the formidable music of Ástor Piazzolla!
As a soloist, Stephen has performed and recorded with some of Australia’s most sensational classical music figures including the Nexas Quartet and pianist-composer Daniel Rojas. As co-founder and director, Stephen also performs regularly throughout Australia with the Mendoza Tango Quartet and the Melbourne Tango Orchestra. He has performed at numerous festivals across the country including the Orange Chamber Music Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, National Folk Festival, Lorne Festival of Performing Arts, MONA FOMA, Cygnet Folk Festival, Australasian World Music Expo, Queensland Music Festival and the Brisbane Festival.
Rose Kavanagh (Violin)
Rose Kavanagh is a diverse musician with a colourful career. Hailing from rural N.S.W., she relocated to Melbourne for post-graduate study with Dr Curt Thompson at the University Of Melbourne, during which time she earned prizes for her interpretations of Poulenc and Ravel. Rose is a fixture within Melbourne’s music scene, having performed with the AWO Chamber Players, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, Music Theatre Melbourne, Pomegranate Productions, Fever events and improvised music-theatre ensemble Melbourne Unscripted, to name just a few. A sought-after session violinist, Rose has worked with artists both local and international, including the McArthur grant winning Taylor Mac. Rose also maintains a busy touring and performance schedule with all-female Latin ensemble Queen of Hearts for whom she writes, arranges and sings. A great lover of the tango violin, Rose performs regularly with the Melbourne Tango Orchestra and Barrio Norte Quartet, and is a founder member of Mosaicas String Quartet.
Amy Lynch (Piano)
Amy Lynch is a Melbourne-based musician and teacher specialising in Argentinean and Brazilian music. She has spent many years immersing herself in the rich musical traditions of South America, driven by a deep love for celebrating music and dance culture.
After three years living and travelling in South America, Amy expanded her musical practice beyond classical piano to include the accordion and bandoneon.
Growing up in the bush in Tasmania, Amy’s early musical life was shaped by a strong sense of place, community, and storytelling—elements that continue to underpin her approach as a performer and educator. Upon returning to Australia, she co-founded one of Australia’s few Orquesta Típicas, the Melbourne Tango Orchestra. She has since toured interstate and performed at major national festivals, including the National Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, MONA, and Cygnet Folk Festival
José Argañarás (Double-bass / Arranger / Director)
José Argañarás is a distinguished musician, dancer, and director whose career in Argentine tango began in the 2000s. His deep connection to the genre started in Argentina, growing up listening to tango on his grandparents' record player and studying dance in Patagonia. José is the director and double bass player of the Barrio Norte Tango Quartet, which he founded to create more danceable live music for the Australian tango scene, focusing on refreshed arrangements that capture the style of the Golden Age (1930s/40s). His versatile musicianship is further showcased through his roles on bandoneón with the Melbourne Tango Orchestra, on guitar in the Tango Guapo Trio, and foundation and direction of the Sexteto Austral in Bariloche, Argentina from 2015 to 2018. Complementing his performance work, he is also a respected Tango DJ, sharing his passion for the history and tradition of the music.
