Fabio Hager

Fabio Gabriel Hager is a bandoneonist, composer, and bandleader from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He studied bandoneon under Domingo Mattio, a former member of Aníbal Troilo’s orchestra, and completed his musical education in harmony, counterpoint, and composition with Pedro Aguilar. Beginning his international career in 1989, Hager performed with Sexteto Sur until 2003, when he founded the Fabio Hager Sexteto, a contemporary ensemble dedicated to original compositions and innovative interpretations of tango. His compositions, particularly “Encanto Rojo” (co-composed with Verónica Salmerón), achieved international recognition, being selected by championship-winning dancers at the 2008 and 2009 Mundiales de Baile. Serving as musical director at prominent Buenos Aires venues including Señor Tango, El Viejo Almacén, Sabor a Tango, and Gala Tango, Hager has toured extensively throughout Japan, Brazil, the United States, Canada, Europe, and Latin America. He received the Estrella de Mar Prize (1998) and the Premio Min On a la Cultura (2012). His discography encompasses eight studio albums blending tradition with modernity, establishing him as a leading figure in contemporary tango music.

Sources note: Minor discrepancy in dates of Sexteto Sur membership: sources cite both 1989-2003 and 1998-2003. The CV page indicates 1989 as the start of his international career and his work with Sexteto Sur, while one earlier source listed 1998 as a starting date. The 1989 date appears more consistent across sources.