Winner of the Gardel Prize, a Latin Grammy nominee and member of the Tango Hall of Fame, Maria Volonte is an Argentine singer, guitarist and composer celebrated for the intense passion and beauty of her songs as well as for her charisma and sensuality on stage. After conquering the world of tango with numerous award-winning CDs, Maria’s new work explores the fusion of Argentine music with other Latin American rhythms, jazz and the blues. A tireless adventurer in music as in life, Maria lives year-round on the road, criss-crossing the globe to bring her music to new audiences. Filling theaters and fascinating audiences and critics around the world, Maria turns each concert into a celebration of life, art and music. As the Los Angeles Times wrote, “Volonte is a good example of an artist who is respectful of her roots yet not afraid to go beyond musty old formulas… Her musical concept is refreshingly broad.” Maria’s love of the musical life and her passion for experimentation have lead her on explorations of the roots of tango in the brothels and cabarets of Buenos Aires to tango fusion projects and collaborations with revered icons of jazz such as Horacio Larumbe (a project which lead to her 2003 Latin Grammy nomination). She has performed the title role in the Astor Piazzolla opera “Maria of Buenos Aires” and opened for famed jazz pianist Brad Mehldau. Maria’s albums are a reflection of this adventurous musical spirit. “Portrait” (2010) is Maria’s European debut on the Network / Harmonia Mundi label. “9 Vidas” (2010) is a live-album of new compositions that showcases Maria on her guitar out in front of the 9 Vidas Band. “Sudestada” (2007) features four of Maria’s own compositions and was produced by famed singer-songwriter Raul Carnota. “Yo soy Maria” (2006), explores the fusion of tango with jazz and bossa nova and was nominated for the 2007 Gardel Prize. “Tangos” (2004), brought together a classic collection of tangos from her repertoire and was nominated for the 2005 Gardel Prize. “Fuimos” (2003), a duo project with the legendary pianist Horacio Larumbe, won Maria the 2004 Gardel Prize and was nominated for a Latin Grammy. “Cornisas del Corazon” (1999), was recorded live at the historic Tortoni Cafe in Buenos Aires while her first, “Tango y Otras Pasiones” (1996) was chosen by the “La Nacion” newspaper as one of the “Top 100 Tango Recordings of All Time.”