“IS HE THE ONE?”

DAVID HANDEL, CONDUCTOR CANDIDATE #2,

LEADS EL PASO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND EL PASO AUDIENCE FAVORITE, CLASSICAL GUITARIST PEPE ROMERO, IN LATIN PROGRAM

El Paso, Texas  –  David Handel, EPSO Conductor Candidate #2, will take the baton on October 21 and 22, 2011, 7:30pm at the Plaza Theatre and lead the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and guest soloist Pepe Romero, guitar, in a Latin program including: Lopez-Buchardo’s Escenas Argentinas, Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez with Pepe Romero, and Berlioz’ Fantastic Symphony: An Episode in the Life of an Artist.  Handel is currently the music director of the National Symphony Orchestra of Bolivia. His achievements with the National Symphony of Bolivia have made that organization a model for orchestra-building in Latin America. Meanwhile, Handel’s energy and critical acclaim have made him one of the busiest guest conductors with many of the region’s most important orchestras.

“I am really delighted to have the opportunity to work with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra on so wonderful a program and with the renowned Pepe Romero, surely the definitive soloist for the Concierto de Aranjuez. As an American conductor, and having spent so much of my professional life working in Latin America, I suspect I will feel right at home in the unique cultural mix that is the region’s signature.  I have heard marvelous things about the Orchestra and the community and I am very much looking forward to our collaboration.” – David Handel

In March 2011, Handel was named principal guest conductor of the highly acclaimed Russian   Philharmonic — Moscow City Symphony at the Moscow Music  Center’s Svetlanov Hall, where he will lead numerous programs, recordings and concert tours. Handel is a graduate of the University of Michigan and twice a Fulbright Senior Scholar.

SOLOIST:  There are very few true living legends in the world of classical music, few who have sustained greatness and grown throughout their lives.  Pepe Romero is such an artist.  He has been honored by kings, heads of state, and major institutions – the accolades continue to pour in.  But to Romero, his most important contribution has been reaching the common man. He has communicated the richness and beauty of the classical guitar to millions of people throughout the world, becoming an ambassador of classical music and of the classical guitar. Visit  www.peperomero.com for more information on Pepe Romero.

VOTE: Audience members can vote on their favorite conductor via Facebook or Twitter.  In addition, guests who miss a performance can still be a part of the show through our YouTube channel. Each vote counts and will help assist the Search Committee in naming the new leader of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra.

OPENING NOTES: Conductor David Handel and Guitarist Pepe Romero will join Assistant Conductor Andres Moran in a discussion of the evening’s program 6:30 p.m. prior to both performances in the Philanthropy Theatre.

SUBSCRIBERS: Symphony subscribers will have an opportunity to meet the Conductor, David Handel, on Thursday, October 20 at a pre-dress rehearsal reception from 5:30pm to 6:45pm in the Plaza Theatre lobby.   In addition, subscribers can stay for the dress rehearsal, which starts at 7:00pm, and observe the interactions between the musicians and conductor.

TICKET PRICES: $40, $35, $30, $20 and $15 plus applicable fees.  Student prices are $10 and $8 plus applicable fees.  Tickets are available through the El Paso Symphony Office (915) 532-3776, on-line www.epso.org or at www.ticketmaster.com.

The October concerts are generously sponsored by Helen of Troy.  Mr. Romero is generously underwritten by Rocky Mountain Mortgage. The El Paso Symphony’s 2011-2012 Season is presented with the support of the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

RECAP:

Thursday, October 20, 5:30pm Plaza Theatre Lobby

“Pre-Dress Rehearsal Reception – Meet the Conductor”

Free: For subscribers only

Friday, October 21 & Saturday, October 22, 6:30pm, Philanthropy Theatre @ the Plaza Theatre

“Opening Notes” Pre-concert talk

Free: Open to public

Friday, October 21 & Saturday, October 22, 2011, 7:30pm Plaza Theatre

El Paso Symphony Orchestra

David Handel, Conductor

Pepe Romero, Guitar

Lopez-Buchardo Escenas Argentinas

Rodrigio Concierto de Aranjuez

Berlioz Fantastic Symphony: An Episode in the Life of an Artist

Single ticket prices:  $40, $35, $30, $20, $15; Student prices are $10 and 8 plus applicable fees. Available at (915) 532-3776, www.epso.org or www.ticketmaster.com

NOTE TO EDITORS: For further information and photos contact Rosemary Flores at (915) 532-3776 or rosemary@epso.org.

El Paso Symphony Orchestra

P.O. Box 180

El Paso, Texas  79942

(915) 532-3776

(915) 533-8162 fax

www.epso.org