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About Us

Consisting of five Perth-based instrumentalists all still in their twenties, Zigatango brings a youthful flair and wild intensity to the traditional styles of Gypsy and Tango music.

The Performers

Geoffrey Pearce - violin
Siobhan Finn - viola
Richard Watson - accordion
Justin Story - guitar
Greg Coles - bass

Guest Performers

Julia Watson - violin
Ivanna Mayorenko - gypsy dancer
Alex Duhig - juggler

Musician Biographies

Initially Zigatango was formed by Geoffrey, Richard and Justin when all stumbled across several tangos and gypsy tunes and decided to rework them into new arrangements. Soon the three attracted the talents of Ivanna the gypsy dancer, Alex the incredible juggler and Siobhan on viola, and most recently Greg on double bass.

Geoffrey Pearce

Geoffrey began playing the violin at the age of 8. His musical background is mainly in classical music, and he has played in a variety of orchestras and chamber ensembles around Perth. He studied Pure Mathematics and Physical Chemistry at UWA, and was recently awarded a PhD in Algebraic Combinatorics. Currently Geoffrey is in London and we are lucky to have Julia Watson performing in his place. Geoffrey is responsible for many of the arrangements Zigatango plays today.

Richard Watson

Richard started classical piano at age 7 but soon shifted focus to the cello a few years later playing in orchestras and string quartets around Albany and Perth. At the age of 15 Richard again sparked an interest in the piano under tuition from retired big band co-ordinator Will Upson, who taught jazz, blues and improvisation. Only a few years ago Richard picked up the piano accordion and has jumped into the exciting world of Tango and Gypsy music fuelled by Zigatango! Richard also works part time in the Electrical Engineering field and also as an organ tuner assistant.

Justin Story

Justin has played in numerous groups ever since starting guitar some ten years ago. In fact, he was the guitarist in a band before he even had a guitar! These groups and collaborations span a wide variety of genres and disciplines including: alternative rock, jazz, blues, tango, gypsy, flamenco and other world music styles, film and electronica. In addition to Zigatango, Justin currently plays in an alternative rock band, Apollo National, and as a solo singer/songwriter and is working in a partnership on an electronic/jazz/classical fusion project.

Siobhan Finn

Siobhan completed a combined Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in 2008 and is currently enrolled as a German PhD student at UWA. Her musical training has been primarily classical and she has performed with several orchestras and ensembles both in Perth and in Germany. She joined Zigatango in April 2007 and still feels very lucky to be discovering a whole new world of music (especially in the company of four charming young men!)

Greg Coles

Greg joined Zigatango a few years ago adding to the sound with energetic bass lines. Greg plays bass in a number of ensembles around Perth, and if possible joins Zigatango for their shows. He currently teaches music and also plays in a number of jazz ensembles around Perth.

Julia Watson

Julia has recently joined Zigatango in Geoffrey's absence which have allowed the band to perform at several functions in 2010. Julia holds a Bachelor of Performance from the University of Western Australia, where she was a student of renowned Australian violinist Paul Wright.

Julia also holds honours in jazz studies and is currently a fixture on the Perth scene, performing with groups such as Joe Black Trio, Toby and Code Red, Double Entendre, The Lonely Brothers, Justin Walsh and The Folk Machine, Simon Kelly and now of course Zigatango.

Other Performers

Zigatango have also been lucky to perform with gypsy dancer Ivanna Mayorenko and juggler Alex Duhig at various festivals and showcases. Zigatango also played with percussionist Holly Norman at their Fly By Night show, and have had guest dancers from the Perth Tango Club.