Program:
Fernando SOR (1778-1839) Morceau de Concert, Op. 54
Antonio VIVALDI (1678-1741)
Sonata in B-flat Major*
Largo
Allegro
Largo II
Allegro II
L. SCHULZ (1813-1860)
Rondo Savoyard
INTERMISSION
Edvard GRIEG (1843-1907)
Seven Lyric Pieces**
Norwegian Dance
Elegy
Waltz
Folk Melody
Lullaby
Norwegian Melody
Isaac ALBÉNIZ (1860-1909)
3 Caprichos
John WILLIAMS (1941)
Another Time
From a Bird 4
Continuum
From a Bird 2
Madrugada
Hello, Francis
* Arr.: David Russell
** Arr.: Arne Brattland
Winner of a 2005 GRAMMY Award for his CD *Aire Latino* in the category of Best Classical Instrumental Solo.
Awarded an honorary doctorate (*Doctor Honoris Causa*) by the University of Arizona in Tucson in 2014.
Classical guitarist David Russell is world-renowned for his superb musicianship and inspired artistry, earning the highest praise from both critics and audiences. In recognition of his immense talent and international career, he was named a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music in London in 1997.
In May 2003, he was named an “adopted son” (*hijo adoptivo*) of Es Migjorn, the town in Menorca where he spent his childhood. Subsequently, the town named a street after him: “Avinguda David Russell.”
In October 2003, he was awarded the “Medal of Honor” by the Conservatory of the Balearic Islands.
Following his GRAMMY win, he was presented with the Silver Medal of the town of Nigrán, Galicia—where he currently resides—during a moving ceremony.
During his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, he won the Julian Bream Prize for two consecutive years. He has won numerous international competitions, most notably the Alicante Guitar Competition, the José Ramírez Competition in Santiago de Compostela, the Andrés Segovia Competition in Palma de Mallorca, the Benicàssim Guitar Competition, and the Francisco Tárrega Prize.
David Russell spends most of the year touring the world, appearing regularly in prestigious venues in major cities such as New York, London, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Madrid, Toronto, and Rome. Audiences across the globe marvel at his musical genius and find themselves inspired by his captivating stage presence. His love for the instrument resonates through his flawless and seemingly effortless performance. His attention to detail and evocative, lyrical phrasing suggest an innate understanding of what each individual composer intended to achieve, bringing a sense of adventure to every piece. In May 2005, he was honored by the Vigo Conservatory of Music, an occasion that culminated in the opening of a new auditorium, which now bears the name “David Russell Auditorium.” Since 1995, David Russell has held an exclusive recording contract with Telarc International, for whom he has recorded sixteen CDs to date—including *Aire Latino*, which received a Grammy Award in 2005. Regarding his performance, *The New York Times* wrote: “…Mr. Russell demonstrated his mastery, never straying from an approach that prioritizes musical values over mere display. It was clear to the audience throughout the recital that Mr. Russell possesses a talent of extraordinary dimension.”
After hearing him play in London, Andrés Segovia wrote: “My congratulations on your musicality and your guitar technique.”
