A Night of Top Class Entertainment in Ealing

Martin Alvarado and Mikko Helenius performed at The Drayton Court

I'm at the risk of repeating myself because the last time Argentinian Martin Alvarado performed in Ealing I raved on just a bit.

Well, thanks to the wonderful arts organisation OPEN Ealing I have been given another chance to totally enthuse about this remarkable singer.

Martin's amazing voice is something you experience rather than just listen to. Having no real Spanish language skills I may not have understood a word of what he was singing about - but believe me, I felt it all.

The repertoire included rarely heard Piazzolla songs, new tangos, some of Martin's own compositions as well as tango and South American classics.

As his voice soared and dipped I'm not ashamed to say I went through a whole wave of emotions. These songs, and his interpretation take you from a place of sheer joy to heartbreaking sorrow, and everywhere in between. I closed my eyes and was taken on a journey - completely lost in the moment.

Martin plays fantastic guitar, and his companion Mikko Helenius from Finland was of equal high  class on the piano and bandoneon.

What I forgot from last time round was that Martin is not just an amazing vocalist, he is also a very entertaining man. With Mikko playing his straightfaced side-kick, the pair are not only hugely talented, but also a huge lot of fun.

I had a wonderful night at The Drayton Court and feel privileged to be able to witness this top class performance in Ealing. I'm hoping they come back very soon and would urge you all to go and see them.

'The world needs to experience this extreme form of aural pleasure' 

So said BBC Radio 3 presenter, Max Reinhardt, and I completely agree.

Annemarie Flanagan

October 20th 2016