Mexican-American concert pianist Gustavo Romero returns to South Africa to continue his Sonata Series with a rare opportunity to experience the complete Schubert Piano Sonatas over four concerts on 15, 18, 20, 22 January at Old Nectar’s historic wine cellar in the Jonkershoek Valley.
This series celebrates the 225th anniversary of Schubert’s birth. Romero has a stellar reputation for both the technical brilliance and interpretive depth of his playing as well as his commitment to an in-depth exploration of individual composers.
A native of San Diego, California with heritage in Guadalajara, Mexico, Romero discovered his love and gift for music at age 5 when introduced to the piano of a neighbour. His formal training continued at The Juilliard School, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
In 1989, Romero was the winner of the prestigious Clara Haskil International Piano Competition in Switzerland.
Other major awards include the Avery Fisher Career Grant, Musical America Young Artist of 1988, Austin, TX, “Key to the City Award” and the Maurice Braun Award of the San Diego Historical Society. Romero is Professor of Piano at the University of North Texas.
His performances have been described by The New York Times as “great agility, adequate power and an unusually large repertory of colours and dynamic levels. More important, these virtues evoked a sense of the music at hand rather than mere piano techniques.”
All concerts start at 16:00 and will last approximately two hours. Tickets are available from Quicket at R200 per person or you can buy a Series Pass at R650 for all four concerts.
They include select wines from Banhoek’s renowned Oldenburg Wine Estate and finger food at interval. Student/learner tickets are offered at R50 per concert at the door.
Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch. Guests are invited to come along early or stay after the concert to enjoy the tranquillity of the Old Nectar gardens.
