TICO Concert at LFJCC Captivates with Beethoven’s 5th and Romero

LA JOLLA, California — The Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra captivated a nearly full audience with a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, conducted by David Amos. Celebrating its 51st anniversary, the orchestra delivered a stirring rendition of one of Beethoven’s most iconic works. Amos explained his choice of piece, noting that the symphony played a significant role during World War II, with the first four notes famously symbolizing the Morse code for “V” — the letter for “Victory.” This symbolic connection made it a particularly poignant selection on the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The orchestra’s performance did not disappoint, drawing the audience into the music. Many closed their eyes, reflecting on the times they’d heard this familiar symphony before, whether in concert halls or even in cartoons. Personally, I couldn’t help but imagine a Tom and Jerry chase unfolding behind the orchestra, as I recalled the playful use of Beethoven’s theme in animated films. The audience seemed to share a collective experience, with hands moving in time to the music as if we were all part of the symphony.

Following a brief intermission, the stage was set for the next performance by the legendary guitarist Pepe Romero. His entrance was nothing short of personal — it felt as though he was greeting each member of the audience individually. Born into a family of musicians, Pepe Romero’s mastery of the guitar seemed innate, as though it were something he had been destined to do from birth.

For the afternoon’s performance, Romero chose his father’s composition Concierto de Málaga, followed by an encore of the classic Malagueña. As he played, the audience was transported to the heart of Spain, walking along its cobblestone streets and basking in its serene beauty. Romero’s technical brilliance was on full display, with his fingers dancing effortlessly up and down the guitar’s neck in ways that seemed impossible. His performance left the audience in awe, and one could sense the deep connection he felt to his heritage as if sending a heartfelt message to his parents, Celedonio and Angelita Romero: “Hola, mamá y papá, te quiero mucho. El regalo que me diste nunca lo olvidaré.””Hello, Mom and Dad, I love you very much. The gift you gave me I will never forget.”

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Sandy Scheller is a freelance writer based in Chula Vista, California.