Romano And Ophir Duo (USA) Classical And Latin American Interpretations

Classical and Latin American Interpretations
Both accomplished musicians, Amelia Romano and Asaf Ophir collaborate to present you with some of their favorite classical works, from the Baroque era to the present day. Their selections are reimagined with harp, clarinet and flute, offering a fresh new look at classical music, and interwoven with the dynamic flare of Amelia's original compositions inspired by Latin American rhythms and folk traditions.

Artist Biographies

Amelia Romano
A trained harpist and composer with a passion for innovation in music, Amelia collaborates with other accomplished musicians to bring her vision to life. A composer, arranger, and trailblazer in the lever harp world, she concertizes on the lever harp, tackling complex classical passages by shifting the mechanisms mid-song, which is fascinating to watch.

The lever harp is often played by folk musicians and designed to play folk music from countries including Ireland and Scotland. In this context, oftentimes the lever mechanisms at the top of the instrument are set in the key of the song and left that way throughout the folk song. Conversely, on the classical pedal harp, one can easily change notes by stepping on the pedals. While pedal harps weigh 80 pounds, lever harps weigh 25, making them very portable.

Amelia's vision has taken on both harp worlds. She lived in South Africa for a year and has toured in Europe, the southern United States, and Pacific Northwest, bringing her enthusiasm for lever harps to classical music wherever she goes.

Asaf Ophir
Asaf Ophir is a woodwind specialist whose professional career spans diverse genres, enriching the duo's performances with a versatile and dynamic range. He began his professional career in musical theater in Israel, on some of Israel's most distinguished stages. Having moved to the United States in 2014, Ophir can be seen playing Jewish, Arabic, and Balkan music. Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with artists such as Miri Mesika, Avi Kushnir, Galit Giat, David De'or, Rana Farhan, and Barbara Streisand.

The San Francisco Chronicle wrote: "Asaf Ophir gives the clarinet the timbre of a trumpet, then a violin, then a raspy scream... the instrument's wail almost becomes too plaintive and beautiful to bear."

Others Details

Category: Arts | Performing Arts | Music