Spanish Festival Program, featuring the brilliant classical guitarist, Alfonso Moreno at Valley Performing Arts Center on Friday March 6 at 8:00pm. The show is part of VPAC’s Guitar series, sponsored by Elizabeth-Ann Purcell.
Founded in 1971 at the initiative of Maestro Enrique Bátiz and the State Government of Mexico, the Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de México was characterized from the outset by its efforts to bring its message of unity to all corners of the Republic.
In over 40 years, the Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de México has appeared in concert with a large number of the top guest conductors and soloists worldwide, including Leon Barzin, Kurt Woess, Jose Iturbi, Piero Gamba and Joel Levi.
In their discography recordings devoted to the overtures of Verdi and Rossini deserve special mention, to the music of Mexico and Spain, with outstanding composers Joaquin Rodrigo and Isaac Albeniz but above all, the comprehensive series of Beethoven symphonies, Schumann, Brahms and Tchaikovsky.
The orchestra has toured the globe extensively and in 2008 the Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de México performed its most extensive tour, a U.S. trip from coast to coast performing in forty-eight cities to great success with audiences and critics.
Alfonso Moreno is one of the world’s greatest interpreters of classical guitar. Moreno takes a symphonic approach to the guitar, using a broad palette of colors, timbres and dynamics, which often give the listener the sense of listening to an entire orchestra.
Moreno is well known for his prodigious technique and intense musical interpretations. He has given over 3000 concerts throughout Europe, America and Asia, transforming audiences with the sweetness, depth and sincerity of his performance.
Born in Mexico into a family with a strong tradition of art and culture, he began his musical studies at age four. He has acquired music degrees in violin, composition, conducting, and guitar.
In addition to his solo concerts, Alfonso Moreno has been an active proponent of the classical guitar in other capacities. He has given master classes and recitals, played in chamber music ensembles, and as a soloist with some of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the National Symphony Orchestra of China, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and many more.
In 1995, he became the founder and director of the Guitar Orchestra of Xalapa, which has performed over 250 concerts throughout Mexico, Europe, and Asia.
Moreno has transcribed more than 50 works for the guitar. One of the most important transcriptions is the Concerto No. 1 in D Major by Niccolo Paganini, originally for violin, now part of the guitar virtuoso repertoire.
Tickets range from $35 – $65 and can be purchased at http://www.valleyperformingartscenter.org/calendar/national-symphony-orchestra-of-mexico/.