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Detroit Symphony
Orchestra – “Yet the evening’s ultimate pleasure arrived in
the person of Sir Angel Romero, guitarist extraordinaire,
who collaborated with (JoAnn) Falletta and company in a
reading of Joaquin Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez” that
lit up the work’s bewitching facets of fire, tenderness and
joy. Then Romero added a still more brilliant encore, a
blazing account of his father Celedonio Romero’s “Fantasia,”
a virtuoso flight that had to be seen to be fully
appreciated.”
- The Detroit News
“Equipped with a fluid baton technique and an expressive
left hand, he coaxed and cajoled the musicians into giving
him what he wanted. At times, as in the Beethoven (Seventh
Symphony), he leaned forward as if to pull the sound from
the players and their instruments…the excitement was
undeniable, prompting many in Friday’s audience to respond
with enthusiastic appreciation. He brought welcome verve to
the occasion. And his confidence in conducting the 46 minute
long performance from memory was further evidence of an
uncommonly gifted, and versatile musician.”
- San Diego Union-Tribune
“The handsome Romero charmed his orchestra, eliciting nods,
smiles and strong body language from principal players…The
Mozart Divertimento was light-hearted but full of energy.
Romero seems to love life and have fun with it. He brings
his own personality to the stage, reminiscent of the late
Leonard Bernstein, who could coax superior work from his
orchestra…Romero is serious about the music but wants it it
to be enjoyed, not just performed. His style of conducting
reflects that, with unconventional gestures, exaggerated
cues and shifts in emphasis that only a talented and
well-rehearsed orchestra could match.”
- Arizona Daily Sun
“As guest soloist and guest conductor of the Reno Chamber
Orchestra, Romero was much more than a celebrated guitarist.
That he demonstrated a sensitive and highly lyric approach
to all he played was to be expected. That he also conducted
with the same precision and nobility of spirit was a major
plus. Romero conducted one of Reno’s most musically
rewarding concerts in memory.”
- Jack Neal’s Music Reviews
“It is perhaps to the credit of guest conductor Angel
Romero, he of the famous Spanish guitar family, that the
strings sounded so well rehearsed and so passionate. From
the stately opening of the Handel piece, crisp, well-judged
tempi and clean attacks prevailed. Details of dynamics and
phrasing were nicely observed. This was no anemic
“authentic” Handel with baroque bowing techniques, but a
robust and highly satisfying reading that characterized
Romero’s overall approach to everything. I don’t think I
have ever heard the San Diego Chamber Orchestra strings
playing so well.”
- sandiego.com
“Romero’s taste for assertive playing was apparent in the
way he brought out the intensity of the opening section of
Handel’s Concerto Grosso, Opus 6, No. 10. His enthusiasm for
brisk tempos was evident during peppy passages in Grieg’s
“Holberg Suite.” But Romero also savored subtlety. He
emphasized the alluring rhythms and tone colors of Turina’s
“La Oracion del Torero.” The Spanish composer’s 1927 piece
for string orchestra was alive with tremolos, pizzicatos,
chromanticism and impressionism.”
- San Diego Union-Tribune
“Maestro Romero’s enthusiasm as a conductor was transferred
to both orchestra and audience. He possesses a formidable
guitar technique and thoroughly enjoys making music.
Following his solo performance he emerged as a most
commanding conductor, shaping the picturesque sounds of “El
amor brujo” in an engaging manner. The (Chicago) Sinfonietta
responded with the most introspective playing of the
evening.”
- The Chicago Crusader
“But the real story of the evening lay in the performance of
Romero. He appeared with his guitar, made his adjustments to
his seating, tuned up carefully, pocketed his glasses and
then lit into the Rodrigo with the energy of a young man in
love. His face shone. His body swayed. His fingers flew over
the fingerboard with great precision.”
- Fresno Bee
“Unlike many younger players, he felt no need to display
technique for its own sake. He had it in abundance, and he
used it unobtrusively in the service of the music.”
- The Washington Post
“Guitarist Angel Romero’s playing in “Concierto Aranjuez”
was beyond reproach. Since he first recorded it in the 70s,
he has made it his own. Every pluck, ornament, chord and
arpeggio unfolded flawlessly and viscerally.”
- The Birmingham News
New York Philharmonic – “Lovely accuracy, sweet tone and
elegance.”
- The New York Times
“A musician of rare quality, blandishing in his attacks,
warm and insinuating in his phrasing.”
- The Los Angeles Times
Pittsburgh Symphony – “Technical prowess, earnestness of
purpose and sensitivity to the music.”
- Pittsburgh Press
“His Spanish guitar music vibrates with the heroic digital
work and high coloration associated with the repertory.”
- Time Magazine
Cleveland Orchestra – “He played with clarity and crispness.
In slow lyrical movements, he produced a lovely, singing
tone, especially full and round in the lower register. His
interpretations were simple, direct and tasteful.”
- The Plain Dealer
London Philharmonic Orchestra – “These were the finest live
performances of the works in question ever heard in London:
clean, strong, eloquently phrased and delivered with
unfailing beautiful tone.”
- Music and Musicians
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