Jonathan Romeo

Biography

onathan Romeo is a composer and musician based in Tazewell County, Virginia. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from James Madison University and a Master of Music degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he studied under Allen Blank and served as instructor and director of the VCU New Music Ensemble. He also studied with John Lambert at the Royal College of Music in London. Romeo's compositions have been performed by orchestras, ballet companies, and chamber groups in the U.S. and Italy. Notable works include John Hardy’s Dream for banjo and orchestra, commissioned by Southwest Virginia Community College, and Light for orchestra, commissioned by Richmond Ballet. During his tenure with The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail (2008–2020), Romeo promoted traditional music of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains through concerts, educational programs, workshops, festivals, and tours. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tazewell County (VA) Fiddlers’ Convention in 2018. In The Music We Call Country, Romeo contributes his expertise to the documentary's exploration of Appalachian music and its cultural significance.