Maestro Angel Romero
2014-15 CONCERTS IN FLINT, SCOTTSDALE, ST. LOUIS & LOS ANGELES
Legendary Guitarist Returns to the Los Angeles Philharmonic in May
for Joaquin Rodrigo’s Famed Aranjuez Concerto, the Work with which He Made His
LA Philharmonic Debut at the Age of Sixteen
For Immediate Release, October 30, 2014 … Hailed for his superior artistry as the maestro of Spanish guitar, Angel Romero is beloved by audiences across the world as a soloist, recitalist and conductor. Following acclaimed performances as conductor leading the Orquesta de Baja California in September, Maestro Romero offers several guitar concerto and recital performances this season, where audiences will once again have the chance to be entranced by this renowned “musician of rare quality” (Los Angeles times), showcasing his “lovely accuracy, sweet tone and elegance” (The New York Times).
On Saturday, November 15, Angel Romero will perform Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez with the Flint Symphony Orchestra. The following month, on Friday, December 12, Maestro Romero shares the stage with The Aeolus Quartet, one of the finest young ensembles performing today and Graduate String Quartet in Residence at the Juilliard School, in a program of classical and holiday music at the Scottsdale Performing Arts Center. Then on Saturday, January 24, he is hosted by the St. Louis Classical Guitar Society for a recital featuring Spanish solo repertoire by Gaspar Sanz, Isaac Albeniz, and Rodrigo.
From May 21-24, Angel Romero returns to the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel for four performances of the popular Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquín Rodrigo. It was with this work, written in 1939, that Romero made his debut with the LA Philharmonic at the age of sixteen. This occasion also marked the first time a guitarist was featured as soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Inspired by the gardens at Palacio Real de Aranjuez, the beloved work transports the listener to another place and time, evoking “the fragrance of magnolias, the singing of birds, and the gushing of fountains” in the gardens of Aranjuez.
As a token of the deep admiration and affection between Joaquin Rodrigo and Angel Romero, Rodrigo gave and dedicated to Romero a set of themes titled Rincones de España. In return, Romero, inspired by Maestro Rodrigo, set forth the writing of a guitar concerto based on these themes, entitled Rincones de España, Homage to Joaquin Rodrigo. These themes, cherished by Rodrigo, evoke the spirit not only of the Spanish people but also of the surrounding history and folklore of Spain. This work is of great importance, for it portrays both the heritage of Joaquin Rodrigo and Angel Romero and the closeness and friendship that they shared for so many years.
Born in Malaga Spain, Angel Romero is one of the most sought-after musicians of his generation. He has appeared in concert in the world’s major cultural centers – from London to Vienna, and from Madrid to New York, and as both soloist and as conductor with many of the world’s leading orchestras. Highlights of his extensive discography include “Romero Plays Rodrigo,” featuring works written for and dedicated to Angel Romero through his long and close relationship with the Spanish composer; Vivaldi’s guitar concertos with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields; and an RCA recording of flamenco and pop music featuring Mr. Romero’s world-premiere transcriptions for solo guitar. In 1989, he performed the entire score for the acclaimed film “The Milagro Bean Field War” directed by Robert Redford. Among his many honors are the Grand Cross of Isabel la Catolica, the highest honor that the country of Spain has to offer. In 2007, Angel Romero was honored by the Recording Academy, producer of the Grammy Awards, with the Recording Academy President’s Merit Award for his contributions to the music world.
