Héctor Stamponi

Héctor Luciano Stamponi (24 December 1916 – 3 December 1997), nicknamed “Chupita,” was an Argentine tango pianist, composer, arranger, and conductor. Born in Campana, Buenos Aires, he studied piano with Esther Coltelli and later pursued composition studies with Alberto Ginastera and Julián Bautista. Stamponi began his professional career in Juan Elhert’s orchestra in Zárate alongside Enrique Mario Francini and Armando Pontier, eventually moving to Buenos Aires where they performed at the famous matinée of Juan Manuel in 1936.

His career spanned five decades and encompassed significant collaborative work with Argentina’s leading tango musicians. In 1959, Stamponi co-founded Los Violines de Oro del Tango with Francini, an influential ensemble that recorded extensively. He served as director of the resident orchestra at Caño 14 from its establishment in 1963 until its closure, and led large ensembles accompanying renowned singers including Edmundo Rivero, Raúl Lavié, and Libertad Lamarque. Stamponi’s compositions, numbering over fifty published works, included the celebrated tangos “El último café” (1963, with lyrics by Cátulo Castillo, winner of the first Odol prize) and “Qué me van a hablar de amor” (lyrics by Homero Expósito). He held leadership positions within SADAIC (Society of Authors and Music Composers) from 1970 to 1977, serving as vice president. His legacy was recognised through Konex Award Diplomas of Merit in 1985 and 1995, and he was designated a Distinguished Citizen of Buenos Aires, with a corner of Avenida Corrientes and 25 de Mayo named in his honour.