It's not often that the term "phenom" is used in the same sentence with the name of a classical musician, but in the case of Joshua Roman, it is apparently perfectly suited. Here are some samples:
- âHe is a rangy, curly-headed musician who towers over the instrument even as he draws ample poetry from its strings.â? (The Plain Dealer)
- âA musician of imagination and expressive breadth.â? (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
- âWhile he can throw off fireworks like any whiz-bang young soloist, Roman is essentially a thoughtful, thought-provoking and lyrical player.â? (TheGatheringNote)
- âAn understated rock star⦠Mr. Roman took the stage with a masterful performance of Antonin Dvorákâs Cello Concerto⦠His unquestionable stage presence did not take precedence over his prodigious talent.â? (Entertainment News NW)
- âRomanâs virtuosic technique and quiet intensity illuminated this difficult piece [George Crumbâs Sonata for Solo Cello] from within, so that its disconnected tones and textures became a thing of beauty. Roman transformed a lengthy pizzicato sequence into a cascade of popping bubbles and drew tones from his cello that seemed like shafts of light.â? (Seattle Times)
As you can see, he has made a huge splash in the music world. It is especially thrilling, because of his age; he turns 26 this year! Even more amazing - at an age when musicians are usually just hitting their professional stride, Roman has already moved into the next phase of his career. He was selected as the Principal Cellist for the Seattle Symphony in 2006 at the age of 22, then embarked on his solo career two years later. He comes to Columbus April 10 and 11 to play the Haydn Cello Concerto in C with ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. For years ProMusica has been able to catch artists as they begin their ascent, and this seems to be no exception. Make sure you stay after the concert for coda, as Timothy Russell and I have a post-concert conversation with Joshua. You're invited to join in the conversation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU98sWA8bW8