Victor Hugo Villena

Born in Argentina in 1979, Victor Hugo Villena is one of the world’s leading bandoneon players. Celebrated by the international press, the New York Times praised his instrument, stating, “Mr. Villena’s bandoneon expresses extremes of earthiness and ethereality, creating an emotional universe unto itself.”

While still a teenager, he was named “new talent on bandoneon” by the Academia Nacional del Tango in Buenos Aires in 1996. Shortly thereafter, he also won the national music soloist competition in Cosquín, Argentina. In 1999, Villena moved to France, where he performed on prestigious stages and with renowned orchestras throughout the country and internationally. These included the Orchestre Symphonique de Radio France and the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. From 2013 to 2019, he embarked on a world tour with Ute Lemper, performing at prestigious venues such as the Phillarmonie de Paris, Sidney Opera House, and London Queen’s Hall.

In 2017, he conducted and performed with his bandoneon, leading the Astor Piazzolla’s Opera: María de Buenos Aires with the Mac Fall’s Chamber Orchestra in Edinburgh. 

In 2025, on tour with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, he performed Astor Piazzolla’s Bandoneon Concerto at the legendary “Teatro Colon” in Buenos Aires. His performance was celebrated by Argentinian critics as “a model of musical performance.”