The Adelaide Review

By Melanie Robinson and Angela Covo [email protected] Music is an integral part of the holiday celebration – and this week, Arts SA will present a historic concert that will certainly help lift everyone’s spirits with Christmas cheer. Celebrating more than fifty years of making music, the Romeros will perform Concierto Navidad with the Concierto Málaga String Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13 at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre. Once again, ARTS San Antonio delivers an amazing cultural and musical experience to the residents of our fair city. To have an opportunity to see and listen to “The Royal Family of the Classical Guitar” and the Concierto Málaga Spanish String Orchestra in the Alamo City live for an intimate holiday performance is an unbelievable opportunity not to be missed. The delicate nuances and deliciously sweet strains of classic harmonies from Spain’s finest classical guitarists are simply thrilling to see and hear in person. More than fifty years ago, after walking onto the world stage as the first classical guitar quartet, the Romeros continue to be a veritable institution in the world of classical music. They earn rave reviews worldwide with their inimitable proficiency, skill and talent. Known to millions as “The Royal Family of the Guitar,” the Romeros were founded by the legendary Celedonio Romero with sons Celin, Pepe and Angel more than half a century ago in 1960. The Quartet went through natural transformations and today consists of the second (Celin & Pepe) and third generations (Lito and Celino). To have so many virtuosi of the same instrument in one family is unique in the world of musical performance and unprecedented in the realm of the classical guitar. The accomplishment is not unnoticed – a quote from the New York Times reads: “Collectively, they are the only classical guitar quartet of real stature in the world today; in fact, they virtually invented the format.” Other greats recognize the concentrated wealth of talent. Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo said, “The Romeros have developed the technique of the guitar.” The orchestral component, Concierto Málaga Spanish String Orchestra, was founded in 1996. The thirteen-piece ensemble from southern Spain is composed of chamber musicians from all around the world and acclaimed for its interpretations of Spanish music. They consistently tour successfully throughout Europe. Artistic Director and Conductor, Maestro Massimo Paris, is a celebrated soloist of viola and viola d'amore and heralded as an outstanding composer, conductor, chamber musician, recording artist and pedagogue. Tickets are still available for this amazing one night performance at all Ticketmaster outlets. For information about the performance or to purchase discounted group tickets for groups of ten or more, call ARTS SA at (210) 226-2891, visit 418 10th Street, San Antonio or visit ArtsSA.org. Group discounts are available. Visit www.artssa.org to learn more.