Guitarist Pepe Romero to appear with orchestra

Known for his brilliant performance and flawless technique, Pepe Romero more than fifty recordings for solo guitar, guitar with orchestra and chamber music for guitar. Romero joins the unique Orpheus Chamber Orchestra for a concert on Feb. 15.

His most recent solo album, "Opera Fantasy," includes guitar pieces from "Rigoletto," "La Traviata," "Il Trovatore," "Don Giovanni" and "Faust."

With his father and siblings, Romero began the leading classical guitar ensemble in the world - The Romeros Quartet. Although he will be performing without his family tonight, Romero's presence will ensure a new type of musical experience.

Sharing the stage with this world renowned guitarist will be the incredible Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. The group has performed for more than 25 years without a conductor. Unlike most orchestras it was created upon the idea that musicians could work

Courtesy of Columbia Artists Pepe Romero will perform with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra tonight.

and perform as equals.

Each musician is given the opportunity to play in the principal and secondary positions. This guarantees that every player is given the chance to both lead and follow the other members. From piece to piece, the players' seating rotates, distributing the leadership and responsibility. Shifting positions eliminates the blame from a single person, creating a system of learning and teaching.

In the more than 50 concerts they play annually the orchestra has previously worked with many soloists. Romero has played with Orpheus on numerous occasions, playing music composed specifically for guitar-orchestra combinations.

The amazement hits when one realizes that all of the music is being performed in the absence of a conductor, and without mishaps or confusion. Its fluid sounding rhythm, requires not only precision, but an extraordinary amount of cooperation and skill.

Allan Kozinn from The New York Times said, "Orpheus Chamber Orchestra precision and unity of purpose evoked as much wonder as admiration." Another New York Times writer describes Orpheus as "a group that operates at a high level of drama, because it feels drama naturally."

Ronnie Bausch, a violinist in the Orchestra for 24 years, describes Orpheus as a "multiconductor ensemble," creating a "society of equals." When a soloist joins the group, the musician takes on the role of conductor, and a "partnership is formed," among the performers.

Bausch said the performance is like a "basketball game, where every quick pass is like the switching of leadership among the players." Using this form, a community is created, which is evident both visually and audibly.

Justin Davidson, a journalist for Newsday magazine writes, "Not only is Orpheus as waterproof an ensemble as any conductor could demand, but its musicians play with fused sense of urgency and a cooperative commitment to detail."

Romero, along with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra are sure to perform an energetic and inspiring program, one that no one will want to miss.

Tickets for Pepe Romero are $22 to $36 and can be purchased at the University Musical Society Box Office, first floor of the Burton Memorial Bell Tower. Call 764-2538 for more information.

02-15-99