Many Irish audiences will fondly recall the electrifying partnership of Argentinian guitarist and vocalist Ariel Hernandez and Irish accordion virtuoso Dermot Dunne. From 2003 to 2010, the duo captivated listeners across the country, bringing the fire and romance of Latin music to stages as varied as the National Concert Hall, Belfast Opera House, Vicar Street, Farmleigh House, the Bray Jazz Festival, and the Dún Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures. Their performances wove together Ariel’s expressive vocals and guitar work with Dermot’s masterful command of the accordion, traversing a rich musical terrain from the iconic rhythms of Tango to the more intimate and lesser-known Chacarera, Zamba, and Chamamé.

Following his return to Argentina in 2010, Ariel exchanged the bustle of Buenos Aires for the quiet beauty of Carpintería a small town in the country’s interior, known for its deep-rooted artistic traditions and fusion of Latin and indigenous musical forms. There, he immersed himself in the cultural life of the region, collaborating with local musicians of exceptional calibre, recording prolifically, and performing at festivals throughout the area. His work continues to reflect a profound connection to place, heritage, and the evolving story of Latin American music.