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.
