World-Renowned Master Classical Guitarist Angel Romero Returns to LA Philharmonic May 21-24 to Perform Rodrigo's Concierto De Aranjuez!

In a highly anticipated return to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, world-renowned master classical guitarist Angel Romero will perform Joaquin Rodrigo’s Concierto De Aranjuez during four performances led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on May 21-24, 2015. This historical performance marks Romero’s over 50-year anniversary with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where he first performed this same piece in 1964 at age sixteen.

“I am greatly honored to be performing this incredibly important piece composed by my dear friend Joaquin Rodrigo, with the great Gustavo Dudamel and LA Philharmonic,” says Romero, who is world–renowned for being the iconic master of classical guitar. “While times have definitely changed, this piece will always embody an eternal spirit. Rodrigo’s music was highly influenced by the native music of Spain, including flamenco.”

He adds, ”Rodrigo was a deeply nationalistic composer as well, and this piece exemplifies his love for the music of Spain. Performing this concerto--probably the most technically demanding concerto for the guitar--in concert halls and before orchestras on all major levels, has always been considered a stepping stone in the career of guitarists, and their success is also measured by their ability to perform it well.”

Romero still holds dear his close relationship to the esteemed composer Rodrigo, who mentored him for 30 years. Romero also collaborated with Rodrigo on the concerto Rincones de España, which Romero composed based on themes that Rodrigo collected and dedicated to him. More than celebrating the dances of Spain’s different regions, this concerto represents the composers combined tributes to each other.

Romero recognizes how extremely difficult it is to become technically fluent in the guitar, and wants to inspire younger generations of musicians to learn this instrument. He says, “Luckily, there are now quite a few universities across the country who give a masters and even PhD in guitar. A lot of this was the result of my family’s contributions back in the 60s and 70s, where we put this instrument in front of orchestras. Until then, the guitar was mostly heard in recital form. I try to bring a lot of new repertoire to the instrument, both solo and orchestra, so that new generations of guitarists can join in maintaining an extremely high level of virtuosity on the instrument, such as their fellow musicians who play the violin and piano and other great instruments.”

Romero is one of the most sought-after musicians, as well as conductor. He has appeared in the world’s major cultural centers, including those of London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Madrid, Munich, Zurich, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, among numerous others. He has appeared as soloist with such leading orchestras as the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic, the New World Symphony, the Israel Philharmonic, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

As a conductor, he has led orchestras worldwide, including the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, the Royal Philharmonic, the Berlin Symphoniker, the Beijing Philharmonic, the Shanghai Symphony, the Bogotá Philharmonic, and the NDR Radiophilharmonie. Regardless of his role on stage, his driving intensity and flawless control mark him as a true master of music.

In February 2000, Romero was presented with the highest honor from Spain--the Grand Cross of Isabel la Catolica--and was knighted Sir Angel Romero in reverence of his astounding musical accomplishments. In 2007, he was honored with the Recording Academy President’s Merit Award for his memorable and legendary contributions to the music world.