Stazo Mayor

Stazo Mayor is an Argentine tango orchestra founded in 2005 by bandoneonist, composer, and conductor Luis Stazo (1930–2016) following his retirement from Sexteto Mayor. After settling in Berlin, Germany in January 2005, Stazo established the ensemble initially as a trio, which expanded to a sextet by 2009. The orchestra specializes in classical pure tango, performing both traditional arrangements and new compositions by Stazo, emphasizing arrangements reminiscent of Sexteto Mayor’s golden era with prominent solo features for each musician. The ensemble’s core lineup includes bandoneón players Christian Gerber and Orlando Dibelo, alongside piano, violin, cello, and bass players. Stazo Mayor has performed at prestigious European venues including Berlin Philharmonie, Lyon Opéra, and Royal Festival Hall London. Notable recordings include “A mi Esposa” (2007, trio), “Tango con Pasión” (2008–2009, sextet), and “Todo corazón” (2018), a tribute album featuring guest vocalists and released on MS Produktion. The ensemble continues to represent a bridge between traditional tango and contemporary interpretations, maintaining Stazo’s legacy as one of tango’s most respected arrangers and bandoneón virtuosos.

Sources note: Recording date discrepancies for “Tango con Pasión”: sources indicate recording around 2008–2009 with public debut December 19, 2008 in Paris, but Christian Gerber’s CV lists 2008. Release dates vary across streaming platforms (2009–2010). Luis Stazo’s death date: most sources cite March 21, 2016 (Berlin), but one source (LetrasTango) states March 22, 2016.