he University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music again welcomes internationally acclaimed classical guitarist and Grammy winner David Russell, offering two recitals.

David Russell was conferred the Honorary Doctoral Degree from the University of Arizona in May 2014. As is customary during his yearly visits to Tucson, he will offer master classes, which are free admission and open to the public. For more information about the schedule, please contact Professor Thomas Patterson, rtp@email.arizona.edu (link sends e-mail), or visit the Tucson Guitar Society web page at www.tucsonguitarsociety.org.

Program:

José Brocá (1805-1882)
Fantasía in E

Johann Kuhnau (1660-1722)
Two Parties

1917 Celebration
Homage to Enrique Granados in the 150th Anniversary of his Birth
(1867-1916)

Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
Two Sonatas (K. 308, K. 309) *

Matthew Dunne (b. 1959)
Landmarks
(dedicated to David Russell)
Camilliola
Canción
Reel Variations

Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909)
“Beauty and Charm,” A Selection *

*Transcription: David Russell


About the Artist

David Russell is the most sought after classical guitar soloist and teacher of today, widely renowned for his superb musicianship and inspired artistry. David Russell’s connection with the University of Arizona started in 1981, playing concerts and giving master classes. These occasional visits eventually became yearly events, providing continuity in his work with students in the guitar program. The quality of his teaching and his outstanding performances drew the attention of Dr. Sandy Bolton, an aficionado of the instrument. The first major gift of the Boltons was to sponsor David’s residencies, and Sandy and Phyllis Bolton went on to make major gifts to the guitar studies program. Totalling 4.5 million dollars, it is the largest bequest in the history of the College of Fine Arts. David continues to be artist in residence at the University of Arizona, visiting every spring. His regular participation in master classes draws some of the best students in guitar from around the world to the Bolton Guitar Studies Program.

David Russell tours widely, appearing regularly at prestigious halls in the world’s major cities, from Wigmore Hall, London, to the Bunka Kaikan in Tokyo, and all major cities between. He also plays with symphony orchestras all over the world, having been under the baton of reputed conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle, performing for large crowds, as he did recently in Chicago with Alondra de la Parra at the Millennium Park. David is currently touring with an innovative project of Golden Globe Award film composer Michael Nyman, with whom he has worked in close collaboration.

David has recorded CDs of music from every period, with an extraordinary total of twenty-seven recordings. Since 1995, he has had an exclusive contract with Telarc International, with whom he has made seventeen CDs. A solo recoding every year is an extraordinary accomplishment, and, in addition, his 2005 CD "Aire Latino" won the Grammy Award in the category of best instrumental soloist in classical music.

A large number of prominent composers have dedicated works to him that have become standards in the guitar repertoire. Conversely, David’s publications of his own transcriptions are widely used by guitar players everywhere.

In addition to his musical work, David dedicates much of his time to charitable works. He and his wife, María Jesús, created an NGO (Non Governmental Organization) registered in Spain, called "ONGD David Russell y María Jesús." Through it, they have financed projects of cooperation for the development of water extraction, construction of wells, management of hydraulic infrastructures, groundwork for the hydrological resources and development of the conditions of drinking water, as well as promoting the access to drinking water in African countries. They have built more than 70 wells to date. The second major goal of this organization, is to help with projects of education in India. They have financed the building of four schools in Andra Pradesh, in the area of Anantapur. And the project closest to their hearts is the maintenance of a school in India for 90 disabled children, both physically and mentally handicapped. Although David spends most of the year on tour playing concerts and teaching, the humanitarian work represents a very important part of his life.