Armando Cupo

Oscar Armando Cupo (26 December 1921, Liniers, Buenos Aires – 21 July 1990) was an Argentine pianist, composer, conductor and bandleader active during tango’s golden age. Beginning as a radio accompanist for vocalist Roberto Chanel (1937–1938), he established himself as an exemplary milonguero-style pianist known for precise phrasing and devoted support of singers. In 1952, he organized and directed an orchestra for vocalist Roberto Rufino on the Orfeo label, inaugurating their partnership with the tango classics “Tangueando te quiero” and “Flor campera.” From 1954 to 1959, Cupo directed Alberto Morán’s Odeon orchestra in 46 recordings, reuniting with Morán for 24 additional RCA-Victor sessions (1968–1970). In 1960, he assembled the Estrellas de Buenos Aires quartet with violinist Hugo Baralis, bandoneón player Jorge Caldara, and bassist Kicho Díaz, recording for Odeón. Cupo composed tangos including “Con este corazón,” “Siempre a tiempo,” and “Una vida más.” In 1972, he co-founded or joined the renowned Sexteto Mayor, one of tango’s most celebrated chamber ensembles. Declining tango commercial interest in the 1980s led to his retirement from active performance.

Sources note: Sexteto Mayor founding date and role: Wikipedia states Cupo was a founder in 1972, but other sources (Last.fm, Spanish Wikipedia references) indicate Sexteto Mayor was founded in 1973 by Luis Stazo and José Libertella, with Cupo replacing founding pianist Juan Mazzadi—meaning he joined early but was not a primary founder.