Munich Symphony Orchestra and guitar ensemble the Romeros embrace the music of Spain, France
The Munich Symphony Orchestra joins forces with renowned guitarist Pepe Romero and the timeless Romero Quartet for an evening of Spanish and French music at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13.
Presented by the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech, the performance will be held in the Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, located within the Moss Arts Center’s Street and Davis Performance Hall at 190 Alumni Mall.
The event will include a performance of “Concierto de Aranjuez” by Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo. Spanish-born guitarist Pepe Romero will join the Munich Symphony Orchestra for the piece, which features three movements.
“Concierto de Aranjuez” explored new fields of harmony and rhythm when it was composed by Rodrigo in 1939 and showed new possibilities for the guitar as a concertante instrument. Despite the intimate quality of the guitar, the instrument is never overpowered by the orchestra and Rodrigo’s masterfully transparent and colorful scoring often achieves the effect of chamber music. This piece brought the composer fame, gaining international popularity that no other guitar concerto had ever achieved.
The featured soloist for the piece, Pepe Romero is a celebrated and versatile musician who has made more than 50 recordings and appeared with some of the world’s greatest orchestras and ensembles. Known for classical performances of impressive virtuosity, compelling interpretations, and flawless technique, Pepe Romero is also a passionate advocate of the flamenco tradition of his native Andalusia, a region of southern Spain.
Together with his father, the legendary Celedonio Romero, and his brothers, Celin and Angel, Pepe Romero established the Romeros Quartet. The latest iteration of the Romeros, featuring the second and third generations of the family, joins the Munich Symphony Orchestra for a performance of Rodrigo’s “Concierto andaluz” for four guitars and orchestra.
The work was commissioned by Celedonio Romero and sparked a long and intimate friendship and musical collaboration between the composer and the group. The piece masterfully uses counterpoint and orchestration to inspire a profound number of feelings ranging from melancholy to joy of celebration.
Also part of the evening will be a performance of excerpts from “Carmen,” Georges Bizet’s most popular opera, and a performance of French composer Jules Massenet’s “Le Cid: Ballet Music.” Based on his 1885 opera “Le Cid,” which is set in 12th century Spain, the plot revolves around the famous knight known as “El Cid” who stopped the advance of the Moors.
Classical-Romantic orchestral repertoire is at the heart of the Munich Symphony Orchestra’s mission to uphold musical traditions while offering new listening experiences. Famous soloists and talented newcomers in the classical field regularly make guest appearances with the orchestra, as well as experienced conductors and those just starting their careers. Internationally renowned artist Philippe Entremont joins them as conductor for this collaboration, bringing his well-known interpretive abilities to the podium.
In addition to the classical repertoire, the Munich Symphony Orchestra also offers productions in the fields of opera, film, and show music. The orchestra’s program includes around 110 concerts per year, offering audiences a wide repertoire in the orchestra’s extrovert style of music-making.
Prior to the performance on Nov. 13, students from the Renaissance Music Academy guitar ensemble will perform in the Moss Arts Center Cube at 6:30 p.m. Guitar students ages three to adult and under the instruction of classical guitarist and registered Suzuki guitar instructor Justin Craig will present a variety of classical guitar pieces. The event is free and open to the public, but capacity is limited and registration is recommended. Call the Moss Arts Center’s box office at 540-231-5300 or register online.
Tickets
Tickets are $25-55 for general public and $10 for students and youth 18 years old and under. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Moss Arts Center's box office, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300 during box office hours.
Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street. Virginia Tech faculty and staff possessing a valid Virginia Tech parking permit can enter and exit the garage free of charge. Limited street parking is also available. Parking on Alumni Mall is free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kacy McAllister at 540-231-5300 or email kmcallis@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
