Aldemaro Romero, 79; Venezuelan composer, pianist crossed genres

Venezuelan pianist and composer Aldemaro Romero, 79, who created a wide range of music, including waltzes, jazz and works for orchestra and choir, died Saturday in Caracas after being hospitalized for nearly a month with an intestinal blockage, according to a family spokesperson.

Born in Valencia in 1928, Romero began his musical training under his father, Rafael. He emerged as a virtuoso pianist in the 1950s and explored various Venezuelan musical styles while composing innovative symphonic music.

His biggest international seller was the album “Dinner in Caracas.”

Romero went beyond established genres as he composed a fusion of styles, such as bossa nova and Venezuelan joropo, and recorded with American guitarist Charlie Byrd. His music was recorded by a wide range of performers, including Dean Martin, Stan Kenton, Machito and Tito Puente.

He also founded Caracas’ Youth Choir and the Caracas Philharmonic Orchestra, and conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.