UT Dallas Magazine

Notable Instrument Added to Guitar Studies Program

02.19.2020

Dr. Enric Madriguera with the Luthier Series Alhambra guitar that was gifted to the guitar studies program.

Alhambra Guitars of Spain has donated a new, high-quality guitar to the University of Texas at Dallas Guitar Studies Program. The signed and numbered Luthier Series guitar is handmade and one of the top instruments made at Alhambra.

The cedar top features wood from Canada; the fingerboard is made of ebony from Cameroon; and the back and sides are crafted from Madagascar exotic rosewood.

Dr. Enric Madriguera, Russell Cleveland Professor in Guitar Studies and head of guitar studies, said the guitar will be played in the University’s fall and spring recitals, and he will take it on tour with him to Europe and Asia this summer. In addition, it will be available for selected students in the Guitar Studies Program.

Madriguera, a master of the classical guitar, started the Guitar Studies Program in 1993. He serves as curator of the UT Dallas guitar collection. Students in the program earn a concentration in guitar studies as part of their work toward a bachelor’s degree in visual and performing arts.

Madriguera is a co-founder and artistic director of the Texas Guitar Competition and Festival and the Guitar Concert Series at UT Dallas. The Texas competition attracts an elite level of competitors from around the world.

–Phil Roth