Pepe Romero Returns

Pepe Romero Returns

Feb 28, 2026 7:30 PM

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In Eckart’s words:

Our fourth classical concert is very special because we celebrate the return of Pepe Romero to Long Beach Symphony.

Pepe is a living legend who is not only one of the most wonderful musicians I have ever worked with, but also an incredible person who brings an irresistible humanity to the stage and to his music. I think it is that combination of incredible artistry and personality that makes his music-making so unique. I hope you can join us for this singular event. Pepe will perform the guitar concerto of all guitar concertos, the Concierto de Aranjuez by Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo, a concerto that transports us to Spain. The first movement is infused with dance-like rhythms– but I really think that the crown jewel of this work is the truly magical second movement, the slow movement and its haunting melody for English horn. It is one of the most beautiful melodies ever composed.

We’ll start the evening with Elegia Andina for Orchestra by Gabriela Frank, a composer who is American but explores her Peruvian roots in her music, much like other composers before her, such as Zoltán Kodály and Béla Bartók, she collects music from indigenous peoples and weaves those influences into her compositions. So, for instance, in her Elegia Andina, there is a very prominent solo flute part inspired by the zampoña, or pan flute. The pan flute, or panpipe, is a traditional Andean instrument that originated in Peru. In this music, you will hear nostalgic elements inspired by the panpipes of the region. For me, Andean Elegy tells a story. I call it “A Day in the Jungle.” The opening represents night and the awakening of the jungle. It’s really like the rainforest groans as it comes to life, and the flute is the first bird awake, making sure that, with an improvisational solo, nobody stays asleep. One after another, the other creatures of the jungle awaken—moaning and groaning, dangerous animals, crawling things, giant snakes—whatever you imagine. Then, there is a tropical storm, and just like in real life, it comes quickly and hits hard, and before you know it, it’s over. Finally, the rainforest music from the beginning returns, evening settles, and in the dusk, only two clarinets are still awake in a love duet. Finally, peace settles in a dreamy atmosphere of the night. So that’s A Day in the Jungle by Gabriela Lena Frank.

In the second half of the program, you will hear George Frideric Handel’s famous Water Music. Handel represents the high point of English Baroque music, which I find very funny because, originally, he was German. But the English loved Handel, especially when he decided to Anglicize his name to George “Frederick.” Besides his masterwork, the oratorio Messiah, it is his Water Music that is his most familiar composition. The story of Water Music speaks to a very twisted storyline that involves royal bloodlines in Britain. Long story short, when Queen Anne died without leaving an heir, the English crown passed to the House of Hanover. The new king, George I, requested music for a lavish boat trip down the River Thames. It was supposed to be a big party, and the king was known to enjoy music during his outdoor excursions. Handel was asked to compose music for the occasion to entertain the king and his guests. The first performance of Water Music was actually on the water, with the musicians stationed in the middle of the river on a barge. It was a kind of open-air concert experience, and Handel himself, of course, directed the band. There were hundreds of boats on the river. The king loved Handel’s music so much that he demanded it be repeated over and over again.

We will play a selection of movements from the three Water Music suites. All movements are based on dance forms of the day, such as the allemande, the sarabande, or minuets. There is a lot of famous music in these suites, and as expected for party music, the pieces are very joyful and bright, with bold brass sections and spirited dances like the gavotte or the famous hornpipe.

Celebratory and festive, this is one of Handel’s greatest orchestral works and a true Baroque masterpiece.

Audiences will enjoy the Classical ‎Series fun and elegant evening surrounded by the Terrace Theater’s dazzling fountains and fire pits, prelude ensemble in the lobby, 6:30 PM Pre-Concert Talk to gain greater knowledge regarding the evening programming, and the ability to “Sip & Enjoy” in the concert hall.  Doors open at 6PM.

Eckart Preu

Eckart Preu, Conductor

Eckart Preu (Eck-art Proy) began his tenure as Music Director of Long Beach Symphony in 2017. Critics, the orchestra, and audiences alike have celebrated his ability to combine well-loved masterworks with rare or newer works in programs offering dimension, sophistication, and spirit. Preu also currently serves as …

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Pepe Romero

Pepe Romero, Guitar

There are very few true living legends in the world of classical music, few who have sustained greatness and grown throughout their lives. Pepe Romero is such an artist. He has been honored by kings, heads of state, and major institutions-the encomiums continue to pour …

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