On Thursday, 19 June 2025, the National Philharmonic of Ukraine hosted the first Ukrainian concert of one of Argentina’s most famous modern musicians: Chango Spasiuk, an accordionist, composer, and one of the key figures of the Chamamé genre.
The Embassy of the Argentine Republic in Ukraine, the National Philharmonic of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Institute, and Satguru Travel Ukraine co-organised the event with the organisational support of the Directorate-General for Rendering Services to Diplomatic Missions.
Chango Spasiuk is a descendant of Ukrainian immigrants. He emerged as one of the brightest voices in modern Argentina’s multicultural scene and became a key figure in popularising Chamamé — Argentina’s folk music and dance genre that radiates energy and joy.
Representatives of the foreign and Ukrainian diplomatic corps, state authorities, and fans of Argentine music attended the concert.
The concert began with a welcome address by Elena Leticia Mikusinski, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Argentine Republic to Ukraine, who thanked everyone involved with the organisation of the event and pointed out that the concert took place on the eve of Argentina’s Flag Day, symbolising invincibility, resilience, and victory even in the most challenging circumstances, — the features Ukraine is known for. The Ambassador also talked about the phenomenon of Chango Spasiuk’s talent: ‘Today’s programme transcends the regular concert format as it takes us back to the living roots. Chango Spasiuk was born in Apóstoles (Misiones Province), yet his family history is deeply connected to this land. All four of his grandparents were born in Ukraine, from where they migrated to Argentina 128 years ago and built a new life there, while preserving their homeland identity for the following generations. Today, this legacy is made full circle through his music, and a new form of expression is discovered in this fertile land. Amid the tragic war that began with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Chango chose to be here. He remains among us to share with us what he knows best: his rich national culture and heritage. Also, to entertain us with his music and unparalleled mastery of playing accordion. When Chango performs Chamamé (a genre originating from Argentina’s North-West), the music carries the warmth of memories, sincerity of friendship, mother’s scent, and tenderness of an embrace. In his hands, the accordion turns into a universal voice of empathy and authenticity. The cooperation between Chango’s trio and the musicians of the National Philharmonic and the DakhaBrakha band is a rare experience: a dialogue between traditions, full of respect, freedom, and sincere emotions. It is not often that one gets to see such exceptional expressiveness and depth on stage.’
A trio consisting of Chango Spasiuk (accordion, vocals), Enzo Demartini (diatonic accordion, guitar), and Marcos Villalba (guitar, percussion, cajon) played the music during the event. The concert’s special guests were the legendary Ukrainian band DakhaBrakha and the Kyiv Chamber Orchestra string quintet.
