Led by eminent American violinist and pedagogue David Russell, Masterclass Al-Andalus is a unique musical and cultural experience that offers powerful perspectives on the art of violin performance. Masterclass activities explore the influences of Islamic-ruled Spain (Al-Andalus) on modern music making, while offering participants an immersion experience into the incredibly rich and ancient Andalusian culture.

The beautiful city of Alcalá la Real, Jaen, Spain is our home. Nestled deeply in the olive growing region of Andalusia, Alcala’s skyline is dominated by a dramatic Islamic-era monument known as “Fortaleza la Mota”, one of the focal points of the region’s history as an important outpost during the time of Al-Andalus. Approximately 57 kilometers from Granada, the seat of power during Al-Andalus, Alcalá la Real served as an important frontier barrier city which protected the kingdom from invasion and attack.

The 800-year period of Islamic Rule from 711-1492 saw the creation of an unprecedented culture, which provides many lessons that can be pertinent to contemporary society. Designated as “People of the Book” (the Abrahamic religions), Christians, Jews and Muslims contributed equally to the unique culture, music, art, cuisine, and way of life of the people of Al-Andalus. They also linked their knowledge to the ancient Greek culture of the past, and the Visigothic and Roman cultures that preceded Al-Andalus in the region, creating the foundation for a time of great learning and development for civilization.

Later, the Romany (Gypsy) people added to the cultural melting-pot, refining the elements of Flamenco and revealing the mysterious spiritual experience called “duende”, as they expressed life through music, dance, and rhythm. Masterclass Al-Andalus immerses participants in the cultural remnants of that time, and looks back on the nearly forgotten secrets they hold. For musical performers, this deep experience can be revolutionary, sometimes creating a new sense of purpose and meaning in our life as performers. If we are lucky, perhaps “el duende” will follow us in our post-masterclass performances.

Masterclass faculty includes renowned violinists and pedagogues Andrés Cárdenes, Irina Muresanu, and David Russell, representing the musical lineages of Ivan Galamian, Josef Gingold and George Enescu.

The program is designed to equip each participant with unique insights into musical performance. Six masterclasses, three concerts, and several other special educational and cultural events will be offered in multiple venues. The Festival and Masterclass will culminate in a Gala performance at the Antigua Convento Trinidad in Alcala la Real. That concert will feature Spanish-themed works, inspired by the time of Al-Andalus. 

Masterclass Al-Andalus would like to express deep gratitude to the honorable Mayor of Alcalá la Real, Marino Aguilera Peñalver, Minister of Culture Juan Manuel Marcial,  as well as the entire Excelentísimo Ayuntamiento de Alcalá la Real, for their invaluable partnership in making Masterclass Al-Andalus possible.