Victor Villena – The Young Guard

Today you can listen to a conversation I had with the wonderful bandoneonist Victor Hugo Villena in early March 2020. He is one of the best musicians of the current generation, he is only 40 years old and now lives in the south of France. I have known him since 1998, when we both played in Juan José Mosalini’s Gran Orquesta de Tango.

Víctor had come to Paris to perfect his performance in Europe and to live new experiences. Because in Buenos Aires, at that time, there was still the tango scene was still very quiet. 

Gotan

Victor was not even twenty years old and he was already playing with such quality and musical virtuosity! But his great talent had not gone to his head. I have fond memories of him as a very attentive and curious colleague. And he has remained so to this day. Whether in Gustavo Beytelmann’s trio, in the Gotan Project, on tour with Ute Lemper or with his own projects, Victor is always open to all kinds of musical styles and influences, as long as they interest him artistically.

His career represents that of many young musicians who have dedicated themselves to tango since the turn of the millennium and have helped shape its renaissance. Listen for yourself to what Victor has to say.