Maggie Ferguson

MAGGIE FERGUSON  – Dip Mus, Grad Dip Performance – Sydney Conservatorium of Music. In 2003, after two decades as a classical violinist and chamber musician, Maggie Ferguson went to Buenos Aires to study orchestral tango at the Escuela de Tango Emilio Balcarce. With the support of The Ian Potter Cultural Trust, she returned each year to play with the Orquesta Escuela de Tango Emilio Balcarce under the direction of Maestros Emilio Balcarce, Carlos Pazo, Walter Rios, Jose “Pepe” Libertella, Nestor Marconi, Victor Llavallen, Leopoldo Ferderico, Ariel Espandrio and Ramiro Gallo. She has performed at the Biblioteca Nacional, La Casa del Tango, Clasico y Moderna, La Viruta and on LA2x4 FM live tango radio. In 2007, Maggie undertook  intensive bandoneon studies with Santiago Polimeni, Camilo Ferrero and Ramiro Boero. Each year she visits Argentina to work with colleagues and collect priceless repertoire.

In Australia she performs with her quintet MaggieFergusonTango & Friends on bandoneon and violin. They present a program based around the Four Seasons of Buenos Aires by Astor Piazzolla and have had several sell out concerts in Sydney and regional venues, including with the Colour City Chamber Orchestra, at Canowindra Baroque Music Festival 2016, Foundry616, Camelot Lounge and with Concertante Ensemble. In 2020 and 2021 during Covid-19, MFT played concerts with Phoenix Collective All concerts are specially crafted to present a musical tango journey throughout the 20th century, incorporating tango history, styles, composer anecdotes, the dance and some joyous audience participation.

Some festivals include Stradbroke Island Chamber Music Festival July 2015,  Pearl Beach Chamber Music Festival June 2015, Canberra Tango Gala Festival 2008 and 2015, Bowral & Southern Highlands (BASH) Tango Festival  November 2013 and 2014, Royal Botanic Gardens Autumn Vibes 2013,  Moorambilla New Australian Music 2010, Riverina Summerstrings 2008 – 2013, Woollahra Festival 2010 and 2012, New England Chamber Music Festival 2012 and The Rocks Aroma Festival 2011 & 2012.

In 2009, Maggie Ferguson created Australia’s first tango training orchestra, TangoOz. An International Tango Escuela was held in collaboration with Sydney Conservatorium High School in July 2009, with guests Ignacio Varchausky and Santiago Polimeni from Buenos Aires. She performed again with Varchausky, Polimeni and didgeridoo player William Barton in Canberra in 2010.

In July 2016, TangoOz toured Buenos Aires and Montevideo to study and perform at the Escuela De Tango Emilio Balcarce under the direction of Victor Lavallen. They recorded an EP released in 2017 http://www.maggiefergusontango.com/tango_oz/. The tour formed important formal links between Maggie Ferguson’s work in Australia and the work of Ignacio Varchausky’s Tangovia .org in Buenos Aires. TangoOz’  hit Libertango has over 2.5 million YouTube views.

In 2021, MF conducted the first Australian online tango orchestra for University of NSW. She has conducted the Australian Tango Academy (ATA) for Sydney Youth Orchestras on the Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, at the Art Gallery of NSW, City Recital Hall and Sydney Conservatorium of Music.  She has taught small ensemble tango at Sydney Conservatorium High School since 2002 and introduces tango to music students in rural areas. Orchestral tango workshops include Barker College, Charles Sturt University, Kildare Catholic College and Riverina Summerstrings, Wagga Wagga, Orange Regional Conservatorium, MLC School, Shore School, PLC Croydon, PLC Pymble, Kincoppel School, St Aloysius College, Manly Selective High school, St Andrews Cathedral School. She has tutored HSC students at Conservatorium High School, MLC School, SCEGGS Darlinghurst, PLC Pymble, PLC Croyden, St Andrews Cathedral School and and St Marys Cathedral School. She also gives specialist tuition to students at Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

In 2011 Maggie recorded Tango Project Loca Bohemia in Buenos Aires on violin and bandoneon with a quartet of Argentine tango virtuosi. Produced by Ignacio Varchausky (2009 Latin Grammy Award), the tangos are arranged by Andres Linetzky, German Martinez and Maggie Ferguson. More information HERE In 2014 Maggie was invited to film ‘Quejas De Bandoneon’ (bandoneon solo) as Australia’s reprensentative for 100 bandoneones 100 cities  Her second solo film, Bach Bourree at Bondi Beach is here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl5mSLzz0aY Maggie Ferguson plays an Alfred Arnold (AA) Premier bandoneon made in 1936