Overview

• Secretary of Culture Leonardo Cifelli delivered the distinction on stage after the concert, drawing a prolonged ovation as Ortega thanked the audience and recalled arriving in Buenos Aires with few resources, saying he was a man who would not give up easily.
• The tribute, titled “El Esencial: Palito Ortega. Homenaje al Rey,” was performed by the Orquesta Nacional de Música Argentina “Juan de Dios Filiberto” under Gustavo Fontana with arrangements by Marina Ruiz Matta and guest vocalists.
• Organizers told reporters that Ortega did not perform because his vocal register could not blend with the orchestra’s sound, reinforcing the idea of a tribute rather than a featured performance.
• Orchestral versions revisited hits including “Sabor a nada,” “Un muchacho como yo,” “El changuito cañero” and “Corazón contento,” closing with “La felicidad” and “Yo tengo fe” sung by the audience on their feet.
• New dates were announced: Teatro Ópera on October 3 and 10 in Buenos Aires, followed by a national tour set to conclude on December 14 at the Teatro Argentino de La Plata.