Oberlin Students Play for David Russell

The remarkable Cleveland Classical Guitar Society, Erik Mann, Director, featured David Russell in a return performance last week. As part of his mini-residency, he taught a master class featuring students from nearby programs. Two from Oberlin played, Sam Schollenberger and Aleksandr Lapshin.

David’s program was his familiar balance of the familiar and the new, a career mission that remains ever-more impressive after his many years. To continue to add new repertoire, whether by unearthing the overlooked, arranging material never before played on guitar, or working with composers on new music, right into your 70’s, is a truly epic feat and one worth celebrating. For this program, he incorporated some less-often heard Albeniz and Bach, and major new works by Goss and Estarellas (full program included at the end of the post).

David Russell on stage at the Maltz Performing Arts Center in Cleveland

For the new work by Stephen Goss, a picturesque recounting of the adventures of Don Quixote, corresponding images were projected on a screen above the stage.

The master class took place the next day at the CCGS offices. First up was Aleksandr Lapshin. He played Sor’s Grand Solo.

David Russell teaches Aleksandr Lapshin

Sam Schollenberger played Bach’s Fugue, BWV 1005.

David Russell works with Sam Schollenberger

David gave helpful and broad-ranging advice, reinforcing his reputation as the best master class teacher around. Thanks so much to Erik Mann and the staff of CCGS for hosting the artist and making this student opportunity possible! And of course, thanks to David Russell, for continuing to uplift and inspire us all.