David Russell — Grammy Winner and World-Renowned Classical Guitarist

G3. Winner of a GRAMMY Award in 2005 for his CD *AIRE LATINO* in the category of Best Instrumental Soloist in Classical Music.

Honorary Doctorate from the University of Arizona in Tucson (2014).

Classical guitarist David Russell is internationally acclaimed for his exceptional musical mastery and inspired artistry, earning the highest praise from critics and audiences alike. In recognition of his outstanding talent and international career, he was named a Member of the Royal Academy of Music in London in 1997.

In May 2003, he was named "adopted son" of Es Migjorn, the village on Menorca where he spent his childhood. Later, the town named a street after him: "Avinguda David Russell".

In October 2003, he was awarded the "Medal of Honour" by the Conservatory of the Balearic Islands.

After winning the Grammy, in Nigrán, Galicia—where he currently resides—he was presented with the town's silver medal in an emotional ceremony.

During his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, he won the Julian Bream Prize two years in a row. He has won numerous international competitions, including the Alicante Guitar Competition, the José Ramírez Competition in Santiago de Compostela, the Andrés Segovia Competition in Palma de Mallorca, the Benicasim Guitar Competition, and the Francisco Tárrega Prize.

David Russell spends most of the year touring worldwide, regularly appearing in prestigious concert halls in major cities such as New York, London, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Madrid, Toronto, and Rome. Audiences around the world marvel at his musical genius and are inspired by his captivating stage presence. His love for the instrument resonates through his flawless and seemingly effortless performance. Attention to detail and evocative lyrical phrasing suggest an innate understanding of what each composer sought to achieve, bringing a sense of adventure to every piece. In May 2005, he was honored by the Vigo Music Conservatory, culminating in the opening of a new auditorium now named the "Auditorio David Russell".

Since 1995, David Russell has been under an exclusive recording contract with Telarc International, having recorded sixteen CDs to date, including *Aire Latino*, which received the Grammy in 2005. The New York Times wrote about his performance: "... Mr. Russell made his mastery evident, never deviating from an interpretation that places musical values above mere display. It was clear to the audience throughout the recital that Mr. Russell possesses a talent of extraordinary dimension."

Andrés Segovia wrote after hearing him in London: "My congratulations on your musicianship and guitar technique."

Program:

**Carlos GARCÍA TOLSA (1858–1905)**

Waltzes

**Isaac ALBÉNIZ (1860–1909)**

Pavana
Capricho
Zambra Granadina
Capricho Catalán
Nocturno

**INTERMISSION**

**Johann Sebastian BACH (1685–1750)**

Preludes and Andantes *

**Steve GOSS (1964)**

DON QUIXOTE (World Premiere) (Dedicated to David Russell)

Don Quixote and Sancho Panza
Dulcinea
Tilting at Windmills
Vigil of Arms
The Puppet Theatre

\* Arr. D. Russell