A renowned Argentine tango orchestra and dancers will bring their passion for the art to audiences in more than 30 cities across Japan through March.

The tour, titled Dramatic Tango — Shin Ogonsedai no Kyoshotachi (Maestros of New Golden Era), is led by Nicolas Ledesma, an Argentine tango pianist, composer and conductor.

Ledesma is considered a part of this "new golden era" because of the previous military dictatorship in 1976-83 and an economic crisis in 1999-2002, in which the tango community fell on hard times. He has played with a number of prestigious orchestras in the country and in recent years he has composed works and lead his own orchestra.

For this tour, Ledesma will be joined by violinists, a violist, a cellist, a contrabass player and bandoneon players, to perform a set list of tango classics that includes "La Cumparsita," and some modern tango favorites such as "Libertango" composed by Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992). Of course, some of Ledesma's own pieces will also feature on the bill.

The orchestra will be joined by tango singer Maria Viviana, and three top tango couples from Argentina.

Dramatic Tango — Shin Ogonsedai no Kyoshotachi will be held in 35 cities across the country. The tour hits Nakano-ku, Tokyo, on Jan. 18, and then heads to Kawasaki, Kanagawa Pref., on Jan. 23 and Sagami-Ono, Kanagawa Pref., on Jan. 24. The tour wraps up in Matsumoto, Nagano Pref., on March 14. Ticket prices vary from ¥5,300 to ¥5,800. For reservations, call Ticket Pia at 0570-02-9999 (P-code: 183-401). For more information on the tour, visit www.min-on.or.jp.