Pepe Romero facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pepe Romero
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Pepe Romero in 2000
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| Background information | |
| Born | March 8, 1944 Málaga, Spain |
| Genres | Classical music, flamenco |
| Occupation(s) | Guitarist, arranger |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | fl. ca. 1959 – present |
| Labels | Philips Records |
| Associated acts | The Romero Guitar Quartet |
Pepe Romero is a world-famous guitarist from Málaga, Spain. He was born on March 8, 1944. Pepe is known for playing both classical and flamenco guitar. He has performed all over the world and is part of a famous guitar family.
Contents
Pepe Romero's Life Story
Early Years and Family
Pepe Romero grew up in Spain. His father, Celedonio Romero, was a well-known guitarist and composer. He was Pepe's only guitar teacher. Pepe gave his first professional concert when he was just seven years old! He played with his father in Seville, Spain.
In 1957, when Pepe was 13, his family moved from Spain to the United States. They settled in the San Diego area. His mother, Angelita, was a singer and actress. Pepe has two brothers, Celin and Angel, who are also talented guitarists.
Teaching Others
Pepe Romero has shared his musical knowledge with many students. He taught guitar at several universities, including the University of Southern California (USC). He is currently an adjunct professor at the USC Thornton School of Music.
In 2012, Pepe also wrote a guitar teaching book called La Guitarra.
A Career in Music
First Performances and Recordings
Pepe Romero made his first recording in 1959. It featured traditional flamenco music from his home region of Andalusia. When he was 16, he performed in Los Angeles for the first time. He played flamenco with his father and brothers.
Performing Around the World
As a solo artist, Pepe Romero has played with many of the world's best orchestras. These include the London Symphony, Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Chicago Symphony Orchestras. He has also performed with the New York Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Pepe has been a special guest at major music festivals. These include the Salzburg Festival, the Israel Festival, and the Ravinia Festival. He has traveled to countries like Canada, Europe, China, Japan, and Australia to share his music.
Amazing Achievements
Pepe Romero has recorded over 60 albums. Twenty of these were concertos with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. He has also recorded 30 albums with his family's famous group, The Romero Guitar Quartet.
He has performed for important people like presidents, queens, princes, and even Pope John Paul II. Pepe has won many international awards for his recordings. He also received an honorary doctorate in music from the University of Victoria in Canada.
Many famous composers have written music especially for Pepe. This shows how much they respect his talent. One legendary guitarist, Andrés Segovia, even chose Pepe for the first performance of a special piece called Diálogos entre guitarra y orquesta.
Pepe believes that music helps people connect through their feelings. He wants audiences to feel that connection when he performs.
The Romero Guitar Quartet
The Romero Guitar Quartet is a famous group made up of members of the Romero family. Pepe has been a part of this quartet for many years. The group has changed slightly over time:
- 1960–1990: Celedonio Romero, Celin Romero, Pepe Romero, Angel Romero
- 1990–1996: Celedonio Romero, Celin Romero, Pepe Romero, Celino Romero
- Since 1996: Celin Romero, Pepe Romero, Celino Romero, Lito Romero
Awards and Recognition
In June 1996, Pepe received the Premio Andalucía de la Música award. This was for his great contributions to the arts.
On February 11, 2000, the King of Spain, Juan Carlos I of Spain, honored Pepe and his brothers, Celin and Angel. He made them knights in the Order of Isabella the Catholic. This is a very high honor in Spain. The special ceremony took place at the USC Thornton School of Music.
In 2007, the Romero Quartet received the President's Merit Award from the Recording Academy. This is the group that gives out the Grammy Awards. In November 2012, one of Pepe's recordings was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award.
Pepe's Guitars
Pepe Romero has played several special guitars throughout his career. He first shared his father’s Santos Hernandez guitar. In 1958, he bought a Miguel Rodriguez guitar from Córdoba, Spain. He played this guitar until 1969. After that, he played a Hermann Hauser II guitar. Finally, in 1973, he got another Rodriguez guitar. This guitar became his main instrument for many years.
See also
In Spanish: Pepe Romero para niños
