The Masterclass
Masterclass Al-Andalus for violinists offers an extraordinary opportunity to study with three internationally renowned violinists and pedagogues who represent living bridges to the great pedagogues of the past, representing the legacies of Ivan Galamian, Josef Gingold, and the Franco-Belgian school (with major influences from Ysaÿe).
Violinists and pedagogues David Russell, Irina Muresanu, and Emilía Ferriz will conduct the classes. The masterclasses are held jointly, so that all participants will have contact with each member of the violin faculty during each class, offering the participant three different perspectives.
Themes for the Masterclasses:
Solo Bach, Ysaÿe Sonatas, or any other work for unaccompanied violin
Concerti - One movement from a concerto of any period
“From the Soil of Al-Andalus” - Spanish, Arabic, and/or Jewish-themed repertoire for violin, i.e. Sarasate, Falla, Granados, Kreisler, Bloch
“In the Old Style” - Small stylistic character pieces, i.e. Kreisler, Amy Beach, Massenet, Ponce, Heifetz, Chopin-Milstein
“In the Gypsy Style” - Any concert work with a gypsy element
All repertoire must be performance ready upon arrival in Spain, ready to rehearse with our collaborative pianists.
Select students will perform in the high-profile Gala concert at the conclusion of the masterclass. Repertoire for that concert will be chosen from the Spanish repertoire.
Activities focused on cultural immersion and understanding of the history of the Al-Andalus period will also be offered.
Tentative Schedule of Events
July 5th, 2025
Arrive and Check-in at Carmen de la Victoria
9:00 PM Welcome Meeting and Presentation
July 6
10:00-14:00 Masterclass 1 (Solo Repertoire)
Evening lessons as arranged
July 7
Morning: Lessons as arranged, Afternoon: Albaycin visit, Mirador San Nicolas
https://youtu.be/9R9Bp3V02vs?si=953vwKmet0qoxs4V
July 8
Masterclass 2, Arab market, rehearsals, lessons
https://youtu.be/LjW0AzCJ2h8?si=Wm7QWa-nAbEhKJSO
July 9
Masterclass 3, Amaya Flamenco cave
https://youtu.be/YlpL-U3vJPA?si=-D7mnvfn5vqwyuoe
July 10
Lessons, free to explore
July 11
Masterclass 4, lessons, rehearsals Alhambra Night Tour
https://youtu.be/DWSOYegxGlY?si=juE0HSwgfdAjqmXD
July 12
TBA
July 13
Masterclass 5 and rehearsals for Gala
July 14
Gala Concert
Salon de Actos, Carmen de la Victoria rehearsal and concert
July 15
Depart Carmen de la Victoria
Meet the Faculty
Learn more about David Russell, Irina Muresanu, and Emilía Ferriz.
Past Participants
Since the start of Masterclass Al-Andalus in 2018, students from across the globe have made it the elite musical program it is today. Learn more about these students and their masterclass experiences.
