On the record
Discography
ORGAN CONCERTOS
Oquin • Parker • Rouse
PERFORMERS
Paul Jacobs, organ Iwona Sobotka, soprano
NFM Wrocław Philharmonic, CHOR NFM | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
TRACK LISTING
Horatio Parker Organ Concerto, Op. 55 (1902)
Wayne Oquin Resilience for organ and orchestra (2016)
Christopher Rouse Organ Concerto (2014) Charles Ives Variations on “America” (1891)
NAXOS AMERICAN CLASSICS (2024)
Szymanowski
PERFORMERS
Iwona Sobotka, soprano
NFM Wrocław Philharmonic, CHOR NFM | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
TRACK LISTING
Concert Overture in E Major, Op. 12
Songs of a Fairy Princess, Op. 31
Symphony No. 3 “The Song of the Night”, Op. 27
CD ACCORD (2024)
“Szymanowski’s Concert Overture has a decidedly Straussian gait, with its great big orchestral strides, while his shimmering Songs of a Fairy Princess flutter their wings before the cinematic Third Symphony truly captivates. Conductor Giancarlo Guerrero and his Polish forces deliver exceptionally power, enchanting performances. Wow! ★★★★★”
BOMSORI - Violin on stage
NFM Wrocław Philharmonic | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor | Bomsori Kim, violin
Deutsche grammophon (2021)
Works by:
Wieniawski · Tchaikovsky · Waxman
Gluck · Massenet · Saint-Saëns
“The South Korean brings her childhood singing and dancing experience to Michael Rot’s virtuosic transcriptions of the ‘Pas de deux’ from The Nutcracker and Gluck’s ‘Dance of the Blessed Spirits’ (Orfeo ed Euridice), gliding across the imaginary stage in a glorious duet with the NFM Wrocław Philharmonic” - BBC Music Magazine
BRAHMS - Symphony No. 1 & Academic Festival Overture
NFM Wrocław Philharmonic | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
NFM (March 2021)
“Guerrero has his excellent orchestra perform opulently. This is romanticism in all its richness, diversity and emotionality. There is an alternation of force and sweetness, of showiness and restraint, of drive and braking power, of acoustic slow motion and a broad, all-engaging flow of glaring colors and dark tones: Brahms in all his drama!” -Pizzicato
“There’s a really strong historical connection between Brahms and the Polish city of Wrocław (or Breslau, as the composer would have known it)…Little wonder then that the Wrocław Philharmonic feels a special bond with this work, delivering a performance that bristles with energy and good humour, whilst projecting an exemplary lightness of touch.” -BBC Music Magazine
JOHN ADAMS - My father knew charles ives / harmonielehre
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Naxos (2021)
“Throughout, Giancarlo Guerrero and the Nashville Symphony have a steady handle on this deeply personal homage.” -BBC Music Magazine
“Guerrero treats the timbral and textural interplay with crystal clarity. He has an astonishing command of pacing, deliberately shaping it toward its shattering climax, before subsiding into the resigned bleakness of the coda. Guerrero and the Nashvillians bring this same conviction to the final movement, “Meister Eckhardt and Quackie,” giving a forward motion to the orbital sparkle of the ostinatos. The excitement and drive build straight through to the radiance of the Eb-Major conclusion.” – Andrew Desiderio, Fanfare Magazine
TOBIAS PICKER - OPERA WITHOUT WORDS / THE ENCANTADAS (by Giancarlo Guerrero & nashville symphony)
Nashville Symphony, Giancarlo Guererro, conductor
Tobias Picker, Narrator
Naxos (2020)
“More than three decades separates the writing of the pieces, yet the two form a complementary pair, each capturing in its own way the composer's imaginative sensibility and original compositional approach, and the performances by Nashville Symphony under Giancarlo Guerrero's direction illuminate these works in a manner that will be hard for others to follow.” -Textura
“Virtuoso performances by Giancarlo Guerrero and the commissioning Nashville Symphony, captured splendidly in the spatial beauties of Laura Turner Concert Hall.” -Gramophone
Christopher rouse - symphony no. 5 - supplica * concerto for orchestra (by Giancarlo Guerrero & nashville symphony)
Nashville Symphony, Giancarlo Guererro, conductor
Naxos (2020)
“For the many admirers of Christopher Rouse, a well-loved American composer who died last September, a new recording of his Symphony No. 5, by the conductor Giancarlo Guerrero and the Nashville Symphony, will prove a welcome arrival. In the piece, which was introduced in 2017 by Jaap van Zweden and the Dallas Symphony, Rouse translates childhood memories of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony into his own muscular, fantastical idiom. Also included here are “Supplica,” a rapturous meditation from 2013, and Concerto for Orchestra, a kaleidoscopic showpiece from 2008. Abetted by robust performances, the album offers persuasive justification for Rouse’s enduring appeal.” -New Yorker
“Not only is the release a wonderful presentation of Rouse material, it's also a fine addition to Naxos's 'American Classics' series, which recently featured a release containing works by Aaron Jay Kernis and will follow the Rouse set with one presenting two pieces by Tobias Picker. It goes without saying that all three are in the best of hands when their works are performed by Guerrero and the Nashville Symphony. The sensitivity with which they render Rouse's material attests to the orchestra's exceptional musicianship.” -Textura
AARON JAY KERNIS: COLOR Wheel - symphony no. 4 ‘chromelodeon’ (by Giancarlo Guerrero & nashville symphony)
Nashville Symphony, Giancarlo Guererro, conductor
Naxos (2020)
“Naxos and Kernis are very well served indeed by the Nashville Symphony under Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero, a conductor unafraid to make a splash, yet with a keen instinct for dynamic contrasts and an excellent ear for internal textures. -Musical America
“The Nashville Symphony give confident, finely-tuned accounts of both works – one would certainly not argue if this was the Boston Symphony or the Philadelphia Orchestra itself; Giancarlo Guerrero has a convincing command of the fine symphony in particular. As for the recording, the Naxos sound opens out pleasingly at the loudest climaxes and allows Kernis’s detail to emerge unsullied. Naxos’s continued commitment to this composer is most commendable, and this premiere recording of his Symphony No 4 will surely win him new friends.” -Music Web International
Heitor Villa-Lobos: Guitar concerto - harmonica concerto- sexteto mistico - quinteto instrumental (by Giancarlo Guerrero & sao paulo symphony Orchestra)
São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, Giancarlo Guererro, conductor
Manuel Barrueco, Guitar - Jose Staneck, Harmonica
OSESP Ensemble
Naxos (2019)
“The uniformly first rate performances by members of the São Paulo Symphony under the vital and sensitive direction of Giancarlo Guerrero are excellently engineered, making the whole disc a joy from start to finish–a true voyage of discovery and delight.” -Classics Today
“Heitor Villa-Lobos is best known for his Bachianas Brasileiras, but his talents went well beyond those works, as a new Naxos CD featuring the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra under Giancarlo Guerrero clearly shows.” - InfoDad
JONATHAN LESHNOFF: Symphony no. 4 “heichalos” and guitar concerto starburst (by Giancarlo Guerrero & Nashville Symphony Orchestra)
Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
VIOLINS of HOPE
Jason Vieaux, Guitar
Naxos (2019)
GRAMMY® nominee:
Best Classical COMPENDIUM
“Really top-notch performances and recording quality make for a compelling CD.” - Whole Note Magazine
JOHN HarBISON: REQUIEM (by Giancarlo Guerrero & Nashville Symphony Orchestra)
Nashville Symphony Chorus and Orchestra, Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Jessica Rivera, Soprano - Michaela Martens, Mezzo-Soprano - Nicholas Phan, Tenor - Kelly Markgraf, Baritone
Naxos (2018)
JENNIFER HIGDON: all things majestic (by Giancarlo Guerrero & Nashville Symphony Orchestra)
Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Roberto Diaz, Viola - James Button, Oboe
Naxos (2017)
Ticheli, Warnaar & Ranjbaran: Wind Concertos (by Giancarlo Guerrero & Nashville Symphony Orchestra)
Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Naxos (2017)
Riley: The Palmian Chord Ryddle & At the Royal Majestic (by Nashville Symphony Orchestra & Giancarlo Guerrero)
Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Naxos (2017)
“Silverman and the Nashville Symphony give the piece an exuberant and committed performance [of the Palmian Chord Ryddle." Classical Voice North America
“A glittering interpretation of Terry Riley's orchestral work by the composer's muse…Silverman ranges from screaming solos and bass guitar-like riffs, virtuosic passagework, multiple chording to spooky, synthesized sounds: for all the score’s hazy excess, this is a joyous declaration of faith in long-form composition.” Five Stars BBC Music Magazine
“Describing Terry Riley as a minimalist these days is way off the mark – as evidenced by his sprawling but joyfully warm-hearted electric violin concerto The Palmian Chord Ryddle, given a tender, thoughtful world-premiere recording by Tracy Silverman and the Nashville Symphony…Silverman tackles the work’s impetuous demands with a winning balance of precision and spontaneity…He also brilliantly captures the concerto’s sense of in-the-moment creation, of semi-improvised ideas that only slowly coalesce, in playing that’s both committed and perceptive. Silverman gets crisp, assertive support from the Nashville players, who are given plenty of individual chances to shine in Riley’s translucent orchestration. The concerto’s companion work, Riley’s organ concerto At the Royal Majestic, is just as wildly unpredictable and entertaining…played with appropriate grandeur by Todd Wilson. Recorded sound is exemplary on both pieces: warm, close, detailed, and realistically balanced between soloists and orchestra.” The Strad
Michael Daugherty Tales of Hemingway; American Gothic; Once Upon a Castle
Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Zuill Bailey, cello
Naxos (2016)
GRAMMY® winner:
Best classical compendium
Best Classical Contemporary Composition (Tales of Hemingway)
Best CLASSICAL INSTRUMENTAL SOLO (Zuill Bailey for Tales of Hemingway)
“Ample compliments, yet again, to the Nashville Symphony and maestro Giancarlo Guerrero for stunning performances as well as their ongoing commitment to American contemporary music. This ensemble is becoming one of my favorite American symphony orchestras for these reasons. Four Stars.” Audiophile Audition
“This is a sensational release...I’m delighted by the excellence of so much of the American music written in our time; all who herald the death knell of our art form just have no idea. This really is a golden age, especially here…This might sound strange to old-timers, but if there’s a better orchestra than Nashville’s these days I can’t wait to hear them.” American Record Guide
“The Nashville Symphony are on tip-top form…Conductor Giancarlo Guerrero seems utterly at home with this idiom now…an excellent introduction to this composer's work.” Musicweb International
“This is instantly communicative music...And very well-performed by all, especially cellist Zuill Bailey. Three and a half out of four stars.” Buffalo News
“Nothing here is less than pleasing, though, and this music is the bread and butter of the Nashville Symphony, which has established itself in the forefront of American music that is both populist and contemporary. Recommended.” All Music
"Performances, excellently recorded live before a very courteous audience, bring the music vividly to life. The Nashville Symphony really is a fine ensemble. Giancarlo Guerrero conducts with evident enthusiasm, and as already suggested the soloists, cellist Zuill Bailey and organist Paul Jacobs, couldn't be better. Give this one a shot; you'll be glad you did." Artistic Quality 10/ Sound Quality 10 ClassicsToday
Richard Danielpour’s “Songs of Solitude & War Songs”
Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Thomas Hampson, baritone
Naxos (2016)
Michael Daugherty - Metropolis Symphony
PERFORMERS
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Mary Kathryn Van Osdale, violin, Erik Gratton, flute
Ann Richards, flute, Terrence Wilson, piano
TRACKS
Metropolis Symphony
Deus ex Machina
Naxos (2009)
GRAMMY® winner:
Best Orchestral Performance
Best Classical Contemporary Composition
Best Engineered Album, Classical
GRAMMY® nominee:
Best Classical Album
Best Instrumental Soloist with an OrchestraFeature
Jennifer Higdon: All Things Majestic; Viola Concerto; Oboe Concerto
Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Roberto Diaz, viola; James Button, oboe
Naxos (2017)
"Best Classical Albums of the Year, So Far" Boston Globe
"Guerrero guides his ensemble through a performance in which both details and arching statements are set forth to resplendent effect.” Gramophone
“All performed with warmth and dynamism by the Nashville Symphony.” BBC Music Magazine
"The orchestra of Music City goes from strength to strength." Whole Note
“The performances…do the music proud, with Roberto Diaz (viola) and James Button (oboe) the excellent soloists, and Giancarlo Guerrero leading the Nashville Symphony with unflagging enthusiasm. A beautifully produced disc, all around.” Classics Today
Astor Piazzolla - Sinfonía Buenos Aire
PERFORMERS
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Daniel Binelli, bandoneón, Tianwa Yang, violin
TRACKS
Sinfonia Buenos Aires | Bandoneón Concerto, “Aconcagua”
Las Cuatros Estaciones Porteñas (The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires)
Naxos (2010)
Joseph Schwantner - Chasing Light…
PERFORMERS
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Christopher Lamb, percussion
TRACKS G
Chasing Light...
Morning’s Embrace
Percussion Concerto
Naxos (2011)
GRAMMY® winner: Best Classical Instrumental Solo
Béla Fleck - The Impostor
PERFORMERS
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Béla Fleck
TRACKS
“The Impostor” Concerto for Banjo & Orchestra
“Night Flight Over Water” Quintet for Banjo & String Quartet (with Brooklyn Rider)
Decca/DeutschE Grammophon (2013)
Richard Danielpour - Darkness in the Ancient Valley
PERFORMERS
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Angela Brown, soprano | Hila Plitmann, soprano
TRACKS
Darkness in the Ancient Valley
Lacrimae Beati
A Woman’s Life
Naxos (2013)
Roberto Sierra - Sinfonía No. 4
PERFORMERS
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
TRACKS
Fandangos
Sinfonia No. 4
Carnaval
Naxos (2013)
GRAMMY® nominee: Best Contemporary
Classical Composition
Stephen Paulus - Three Places of Enlightenment
PERFOMERS
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Jun Iwasaki, violin | Carolyn Wann Bailey, violin
Daniel Reinker, viola | Anthony LaMarchina, cello
Nathan Laube, organ
TRACKS
Concerto for String Quartet and Orchestra,
"Three Places of Enlightenment"
Veil of Tears
Grand Organ Concerto
Naxos (2014)
Joan Tower - Violin Concerto
PEFORMERS
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Cho-Liang Lin, violin
TRACKS
Stroke
Violin Concerto
Chamber Dance
Naxos (2015)
Richard Danielpour - Ancient Voices
PERFORMERS
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Hila Plitmann, soprano
TRACK LISTING
Darkness in the Ancient Valley
Toward a Season of Peace (recorded with Pacific Symphony)
Naxos (2015)
Live From Music City: The Best of Giancarlo Guerrero and the Nashville Symphony
Highlights of Nashville Symphony recordings from 2007 to 2013, including selections from:
Michael Daugherty - Metropolis Symphony
Astor Piazzolla - Bandoneón Concerto "Aconcagua"
Roberto Sierra - Sinfonía No. 4
Richard Danielpour - Darkness in the Ancient Valley
Stephen Paulus - Three Places of Enlightenment
Naxos (2015)
Ben Folds - So There
PERFORMERS
Ben Folds | yMusic
Nashville Symphony | Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
TRACK LISTING
8 chamber rock songs with yMusic
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra