Andrew Blanch: Spanish Romance (Chicago)

Spanish Romance: a concert celebrating beautiful music, outstanding virtuosity, and love

Returning to the USA with his highly acclaimed program, Spanish Romance (with over 11,000 tickets sold to date), Australian sensation Andrew Blanch brings a musical journey like no other to American audiences. Praised as “the rockstar of nylon-acoustic music” (On Sounds), “the real deal” (Classics Today), “dazzling” (ArtsHub), and “brilliant” (Limelight Magazine), Andrew is one of the finest guitarists of his generation. With prizes in more than ten international competitions, three critically acclaimed albums, and performances spanning Berlin, London, Paris, Cordoba, São Paulo, Los Angeles, Sydney, and Auckland, he has captivated audiences around the globe.

Concert Program

The evening begins with a virtuosic solo Spanish guitar recital, tracing the instrument’s rich history from the heights of the European Baroque in J.S. Bach to the fiery evocations of Spanish life in the works of Catalan Maestro Isaac Albéniz. The journey continues into Latin America, with a selection of 20th-century masterpieces from Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, and Uruguay.

The concert’s emotional finale transports you to the heartland of Argentina, where the exceptional Argentinian mezzo-soprano María Eugenia Nieva joins Andrew on stage for authentic Argentinian Tango and Música Folklórica. María Eugenia’s extraordinary interpretations of Astor Piazzolla and Carlos Gardel bring the concert to a powerful conclusion.

Join us for an unforgettable evening

An evening of passion, romance, and dazzling musicianship — this is a concert for everyone where you will be dazzled by the best of the Spanish guitar, moved by heart-warming melodies and stories, touched with the warmth of the Spanish and Latin American music and culture.  Andrew and Maria Eugenia’s lively on-stage storytelling, and their warm post-show conversations with audience members create a treasured experience you will never forget.  

What others are saying

“He is a classical guitarist with movie-star good looks, taking his native Australia by storm. She is a gorgeous mezzo soprano from Argentina on a mission to bring the music of her homeland to the world. Together, Andrew Blanch and Maria Eugenia Nieva have created a powerful and moving musical experience.”
Stephanie Riegel, The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate

“Five stars for a unique offering… Five stars for outstanding performance… Five stars for style and class.” 
Annabelle Drumm, Sydney Arts Guide

“Australian Performer Andrew Blanch is the real deal… Extremely enjoyable from start to finish.”   
David Hurwitz, Classics Today 

“Maria Eugenia Nieva is a magnificent mezzo with a commanding stage presence combining glamour, humour and total commitment.” 
Bob Spiller, Gunning Focus Group

The Repertoire

The Baroque Guitar
Prelude from Lute Suite No. 4 in E Major, BWV 1006 - J.S. Bach

Three Spanish Pieces
Córdoba, Op. 232, No. 4 - Isaac Albéniz
Granada, Op. 47, No. 1 - Isaac Albéniz
Asturias (Leyenda) -  Isaac Albéniz

A Selection of Music from Latin America
Scherzino mexicano - Manuel Ponce (Mexico)
Los Caujaritos - Ignacio "El Indio" Figueredo (Venezuela)
Sete Cordas - Raphael Rabello (Brazil)
La Puñalada - Pintín Castellanos (Uruguay)

A Selection of Music from Argentina
(with Maria Eugenia Nieva)
Regreso a la tonada - Tito Francia & Armando Tejada Gómez 
Alfonsina y el mar - Ariel Ramirez & Félix Luna 
El día que me quieras - Carlos Gardel & Alfredo La Pera
Chiquilin de Bachin - Astor Piazzolla & Horacio Ferrer 
El sueño de la vendimia - Jorge Viña & Ismael Guerrero 

Extra Information

-Performance runs for 70 minutes without interval
-The artists are available to meet with the audience at the conclusion of the performance
-All ages welcome
-Seating is general admission and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis
-Venue is wheelchair accessible