At Austin Classical Guitar, our mission is to inspire individuals in our community through musical experiences of deep personal significance. One of the ways in which we do this is through our artist residencies, where we bring world-renowned musicians to Austin to engage with our education programs and community events. Learn more about our mission here. Support ACG here

 

This week, we are thrilled to welcome back a long-time friend of ACG and a legend in the guitar world, David Russell. David’s return to Austin marks a special occasion as he reconnects with our education programs and community in various ways.

Throughout the week, David will be conducting two master classes at the college and high school levels, offering invaluable insights and guidance to aspiring musicians. These master classes provide a unique opportunity for students to learn from a master guitarist and gain inspiration from his wealth of experience.

David will also be connecting with our community during our ACGtalks happy hour this coming Thursday; allowing music enthusiasts and supporters of ACG to connect with each other and with David in a relaxed setting, fostering conversations and sharing insights about music and life over delicious snacks from our friends over at New World Deli.

The highlight of David’s visit will undoubtedly be his four sold-out concerts this weekend, serving as the grand finale to our season. Audiences can expect to be mesmerized by David’s unparalleled artistry as he takes them on a musical journey like no other.

David’s presence in Austin holds special significance, especially considering the challenges we’ve faced in recent times. The last time we had David Russell with us was in 2021 when the world was still grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the obstacles, we came together as a global community to spread messages of hope through music.

One of the standout moments from that time was the online concert titled HOPE, where artists from across the world shared music and messages of resilience and optimism. David Russell’s contribution to this event, captured in a beautiful video, served as a beacon of hope for all who watched it. His music transcended barriers and brought comfort to countless individuals during uncertain times.

One of the last projects we undertook before the shutdown in March of 2020 was a marvelous 360 video of David Russell performing Asturias with a guitar ensemble made up of AISD students. The video was filmed in the room that has now become The Rosette and is one of our most watched videos on YouTube! Watch below:

As we welcome David Russell back to Austin, we are immensely grateful for his unwavering support and dedication to our mission. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our community for their continued support, which makes moments like these possible.

In David Russell’s return to Austin, we find not just a celebration of music but also a celebration of community, resilience, and hope. It’s a reminder of the power of music to uplift, inspire, and unite us, even in the most challenging of times. We look forward to sharing this musical journey with David and our community, knowing that the memories created will resonate for years to come.