Pepe Romero at the 2024 Marlow Guitar Series

Pepe Romero, a renowned classical guitarist from Spain who has significantly contributed to the genre through performances, recordings, and teaching, celebrates his 80th birthday with “The Marlow Guitar International Series.”

The Marlow Guitar International Series was created as a tribute to John Marlow, a performer, composer, arranger, and educator. He taught at American University, where he served as the Head of the Guitar Department, inspiring and assisting generations of guitarists.

Pepe Romero, born in 1944 in Málaga, Spain, is a distinguished classical guitarist known for his contributions to the genre. As the son of renowned guitarist Celedonio Romero and the brother of Celin and Angel Romero, Romero was immersed in music from an early age. He made his concert debut at the age of seven and has since performed thousands of concerts worldwide, both as a solo artist and with the Romero Quartet.

Throughout his career, Romero has collaborated with prominent orchestras and conductors. He has recorded over 60 albums and premiered works by renowned composers such as Joaquín Rodrigo and Federico Moreno Torroba. Romero has played a key role in reviving forgotten guitar compositions and boasts a significant discography that features celebrated works and collaborations.

Romero’s has taught at various prestigious institutions and conducts summer workshops at the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute. He has received multiple honors, including honorary doctorates and recognition from the Spanish monarchy. A biographical documentary about his family aired on PBS, highlighting their influence in the classical guitar world.

Since my birth, I have felt that the guitar has such a strong unifying force in our family that it is impossible for me to imagine how I would have developed outside of my family. We have learned together, played together, lived together, and become part of each other. I feel the presence of my father and the embrace of my brothers within the nurturing love of our mother in every fiber of my being in such a strong way that I am sure it will continue to bring generations of Romeros devoted to the service of music and the guitar.

—Pepe Romero (July 19, 2008)