Emporium: Music of Aldo López-Gavilán

The Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Michael Butterman, performs exciting music by renowned Cuban pianist and composer Aldo López-Gavilán. This new album contains world premiere recordings of Emporium for Piano and Orchestra, Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra, and Hechizos (Spells) for Solo Piano. The soloists are Aldo López-Gavilán on piano and Ricardo Morales on clarinet. Recorded live by Reference Recordings’ GRAMMY® Award-winning engineers in superb audiophile sound with GRAMMY®-nominated producer Donald J. McKinney.

Praised for his “dazzling technique and rhythmic fire” in The Seattle Times and dubbed a “formidable virtuoso” by The Times (London), Cuban pianist and composer Aldo López-Gavilán excels in both the classical and jazz worlds as a recitalist, concerto soloist, chamber-music collaborator, and performer of his own electrifying compositions. López-Gavilán seemingly composes just as he plays, with an unhindered, natural ease that flows like water. This is especially evident in his concerto Emporium, which thrills with heartfelt, vibrant energy. It is a testament to love, masterfully presented through artistic virtuosity, imagination, and fresh inventiveness.

Ricardo Morales is one of the most sought-after clarinetists of today. He joined The Philadelphia Orchestra as principal clarinet in 2003. Prior to this he was principal clarinet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, a position he assumed at the age of 21. His virtuosity and artistry as a soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician has been hailed and recognized in concert halls around the world.

The Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1957, is recognized as one of the country’s leading regional orchestras, known for its creative programming and deep connections to its hometown. The Phil annually reaches audiences of more than 30,000 and presents its main concert series at Macky Auditorium, a grand historic hall on the University of Colorado campus site where this album was also recorded. Music Director Michael Butterman, acclaimed for his creative artistry and innovative programming, has led the Boulder Philharmonic to national prominence since 2007, resulting in an invitation to open the Kennedy Center’s inaugural SHIFT Festival of American Orchestras in 2017, as well as the Shreveport Symphony, which has experienced an unprecedented era of artistic growth under his leadership. Beginning in 2022, Mr. Butterman assumed the role of Music Director of the Williamsburg Symphony and Lancaster Symphony orchestras.