Recently I had the great honor and pleasure of performing several concerts in Russia.

I began my tour with a recital in Moscow at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory. I was deeply impressed with the history of this illustrious place and felt the presence of all the great musicians like Franz List, Tchaikovsky, Clara Schumann and countless others who have left their magic inside these walls.

Two days later I performed the Russian premier of my father Celedonio Romero's "Concierto de Malaga" with the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra, conductor Denis Lotoyev at the Bolshoi (Great Hall) of the Tchaikovsky Conservatory. As it was always my father's earnest wish to perform in this revered theater, the overwhelming response of the Russian public to his music was an especially moving and emotional moment for me.

That evening also included our performance of "Concierto de Aranjuez" by Joaquin Rodrigo and I was very happy to give one of my best performances of a work so anticipated by the public.

While in Moscow I also taught a guitar master class at the Instituto Cervantes and I was very impressed and excited with the performance level of the young Russian guitarists.

I was honored to participate in the celebration of St. Petersburg's 300th anniversary by opening the concert series of the famous Philharmonic with a nationally televised recital of "Five Centuries of Spanish Music".

Although my rehearsal and concert schedule was quite hectic on this trip to Russia, my dear friend Herminio Morales arranged for a tour of the Catherine Palace just outside St. Petersburg. Accompanied by his wife, Maria Dolores and my wife Carissa, we enjoyed being among the first visitors to the newly reconstructed Amber Room.

A month later I was delighted to return to St. Petersburg, participating in the famous "White Nights Festival" with a performance at the Marinsky Theater of "Concierto de Aranjuez" with the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra conducted by Juanjo Mena.

My soul was invigorated by the great love the Russian people have for classical music and the guitar and I cannot wait to return!

Rehearsing with the Tchaikovsky Symphony
Orchestra, conductor Denis Lotoyev
at the Great Hall of the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow.