Distinguished Professor of Violin Directs Musical Seminar Celebrating Rich Culture of Moorish Spain

Anne R. Belk Distinguished Professor of Violin David Russell will direct a three-day seminar this fall that explores the musical and cultural legacy of the period, from 711 until 1492, in which the Moors governed Spain. The seminar, Masterclass Al-Andalus, will be held October 10-13 at Wildacres Conference Center in Little Switzerland, NC, and is open to both musicians and non-musicians who are interested in the rich history and art of Moorish Spain.

This project celebrates the society of Al-Andalus (the name the Moors gave the Iberian Peninsula), which was marked by the co-existence of Muslims, Christians, Jews, and gitanos (Gypsies). The region became a major center for science and culture and produced some of Spain’s most stunning structures, including the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita-Catedral (Mosque-Cathedral) in Cόrdoba, and the Alcázar in Seville. The roots of flamenco – and arguably the roots of Western Classical Music – can be found in the multicultural melting-pot of Al-Andalus.

Led by Russell and Mercedes García Montanes, director of Flamencordoba ArtStudio (Spain), a group of international musicians and scholars will present concerts, lecture demonstrations, and masterclasses during the three-day seminar. For more information, visit the Masterclass Al-Andalus website.