Andrew Blanch: Spanish Romance (Chicago)

Spanish Romance: a concert celebrating beautiful music, outstanding virtuosity, and love Returning to the USA with his highly acclaimed program, Spanish Romance (with over 20,000 tickets sold to date), Australian sensation Andrew Blanch brings a musical journey like no other to American audiences. Praised as “the rockstar of nylon-acoustic music” (On Sounds), “the real deal” (Classics Today), “dazzling” (ArtsHub), and “brilliant” (Limelight Magazine), Andrew is one of the finest guitarists of his generation. With prizes in more than ten international competitions, three critically acclaimed albums, and performances spanning Berlin, London, Paris, Cordoba, São Paulo, Los Angeles, Sydney, and Auckland, he has captivated audiences around the globe. Concert Program The evening begins with a virtuosic solo Spanish guitar recital, tracing the instrument’s rich history from the heights of the European Baroque in J.S. Bach to poignant evocations of Spanish life in the works of Spanish Maestros Fernando Sor, Francisco Tárrega and Manuel de Falla. The journey continues into Latin America, with a selection of 20th-century masterpieces by celebrated 20th century composers Astor Piazzolla (Argentina) and Antonio Lauro (Venezuela). The concert’s uplifting finale transports you to the heartland of Latin America, when the “rich, dark-chocolate” (The Age) voice of "thoroughly entertaining" (Limelight Magazine) Argentine mezzo-soprano Maria Eugenia Nieva joins Andrew on stage. Together they bring to life beloved songs about love in all its forms from Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Venezuela and Puerto Rico, including Manhã de Carnaval, Gracias a la Vida, El día que me quieras, Alma Llanera and Piel Canela. Join us for an unforgettable evening An evening of passion, romance, and dazzling musicianship — this is a concert for everyone where you will be dazzled by the best of the Spanish guitar, moved by heart-warming melodies and stories, touched with the warmth of the Spanish and Latin American music and culture. Andrew and Maria Eugenia’s lively on-stage storytelling, and their warm post-show conversations with audience members create a treasured experience you will never forget. What others are saying “He is a classical guitarist with movie-star good looks, taking his native Australia by storm. She is a gorgeous mezzo soprano from Argentina on a mission to bring the music of her homeland to the world. Together, Andrew Blanch and Maria Eugenia Nieva have created a powerful and moving musical experience.” Stephanie Riegel, The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate “Five stars for a unique offering… Five stars for outstanding performance… Five stars for style and class.” Annabelle Drumm, Sydney Arts Guide “Australian Performer Andrew Blanch is the real deal… Extremely enjoyable from start to finish.” David Hurwitz, Classics Today “Maria Eugenia Nieva is a magnificent mezzo with a commanding stage presence combining glamour, humour and total commitment.” Bob Spiller, Gunning Focus Group The Repertoire The Baroque Guitar Fugue in A minor, BWV 1000 - J.S. Bach Three Spanish Pieces Variations on a Theme by Mozart, Op.9 - Fernando Sor Recuerdos de la Alhambra - Francisco Tárrega The Miller's Dance - Manuel de Falla Latin American Music for Solo Guitar Invierno Porteño - Astor Piazzolla (Argentina) Vals Venezolano No. 3 “Natalia” - Antonio Lauro (Venezuela) Latin American Songs (with Maria Eugenia Nieva) Manhã de Carnaval - Luiz Bonfa (Brazil) El dia que me quieras - Carlos Gardel (Argentina) Piel Canela - Bobby Capó (Puerto Rico) Gracias a la vida - Violeta Parra (Chile) Alma llanera - Pedro Elías Gutiérrez (Venezuela) Extra Information -Performance runs for 70 minutes without interval -The artists are available to meet with the audience at the conclusion of the performance -All ages welcome -Seating is general admission and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis -Venue is wheelchair accessible