Nina Kotova & Angel Romero

This January, The Lyric Theatre presents a once-in-a-lifetime dual performance featuring two of the world’s most formidable musicians. The Russian-born cellist Nina Kotova will share the stage with the Spanish maestro of the guitar, Angel Romero, for a finely crafted blend between the resonating timbre of the cello and the free-flowing acoustics of the guitar. Not one, but two internationally renowned classical musicians will cover material from Bach to Vivaldi this winter in a rare and highly anticipated performance.

Lauded as a “fantastically gifted cellist” by Newsweek, Nina Kotova has garnered wide acclaim around the world for her powerful stage presence and remarkable abilities as a cellist. As a young child, Nina took to the cello immediately, performing her first solo debut at the age of 11. Later studying at the Moscow Conservatory and Musikhochschule in Cologne, Germany, Nina Kotova established her place in classical music when she won the Prague International Competition in 1986. Nina has enjoyed continued success, performing with the Czech Philharmonic, Russian National Orchestra, and China Philharmonic. She has been invited to perform for a number of prestigious occasions, including a performance on the Red Square in Moscow, in front of the Imperial family of Japan, and at Buckingham Palace. More than just a player, Nina has also composed a number of works for the cello and orchestra, premiering her first concerto in 2000.

At Nina Kotova’s side is the world-class guitarist, Angel Romero.  Born in Malaga, Spain, Romero also took an early interest in music, making his first professional debut at the age of 6, and his first U.S. appearance at the age of 16, performing at the Hollywood Bowl. Renowned for his flawless control, Angel Romero has enjoyed success as a soloist and a conductor, performing all across the world from New York to Zurich. Aside from his soloist performances with the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, and New World Symphony, Angel has conducted a variety of first class orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic and the Pittsburgh Symphony. Angel Romero has also composed and recorded soundtracks for major motion pictures, including Robert Redford’s The Milagro Bean Field War. One of Spain’s most talented guitarists, in 2000, Angel received the highest honor given by the Spanish government, the Grand Cross of Isabel la Catolica.