Carel Kraayenhof

Carel Kraayenhof is a Dutch bandoneon virtuoso and tango maestro who’s become synonymous with bringing the fiery passion of Argentine tango to European audiences. Based in Amsterdam, Kraayenhof first rose to international prominence through his collaborations with legendary composer Astor Piazzolla, and he’s kept that connection alive through projects like *100 Years Piazzolla* and genre-blending works such as *Beethoven vs Piazzolla*. His nimble fingers on the bandoneon – a quintessential tango instrument – have graced everything from royal weddings (he performed for the Dutch crown prince’s ceremony in 2002) to avant-garde crossovers like *MELANCHOLY IN THE POLDER*, which mixes Dutch folk influences with melancholic tango vibes.

With his ensemble *Sexteto Canyengue*, Kraayenhof balances respect for tradition with playful innovation, evident in releases like *Balada para un Loco* and reimagined classics such as *Piazzolla: Libertango*. Whether channeling the drama of Beethoven’s *Moonlight Sonata* through a tango lens or crafting original works like *Desconcierto*, he’s a bridge between continents and eras, proving the bandoneon’s versatility far beyond Buenos Aires. His recent work continues to celebrate Piazzolla’s centennial while cementing his own legacy as Europe’s tango ambassador.

Genres

Tango

Related Artists

Astor Piazzolla

Yo-Yo Ma

Daniel Barenboim

Richard Galliano

Gidon Kremer

Luis Bacalov

Paquito D'Rivera

Itzhak Perlman

Jorge Drexler

Gustavo Santaolalla

Lila Downs

Leonard Bernstein

Latest Release

Misschien vannacht

Leoni Jansen•

Carel Kraayenhof

Single - Released January 24, 2025