Boston, MA (Top40 Charts/ d.baron Media Relations) Spanish superstar, songwriter, and producer
Alejandro Sanz was awarded an honorary doctor of music degree from Berklee College of
Music at a career-spanning, sold-out concert performed by Berklee students, November 6, 2013, in Boston. The award was presented by Berklee president
Roger Brown; Berklee provost Larry Simpson; Latin music icon and Berklee alumnus Juan Luis Guerra; and Javier Limon, seven-time Latin Grammy winner and artistic director of Berklee's Mediterranean
Music Institute.
"There is always a note, a chord, a phrase waiting for you, to help you get beyond that moment where you were going to give up" said Alejandro during his speech, in which he also expressed deep appreciation for this recognition.
Sanz was recognized for "his significant contributions to music and society and the joy his music has brought to millions around the world," said Berklee president
Roger Brown. Past honorary doctorate recipients include Duke Ellington,
Chucho Valdes, Juan Luis Guerra, Paco de Lucia, Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, Sting,
Gloria Estefan, and Willie Nelson.
During the concert titled ALEJANDRO SANZ MEETS BERKLEE , a 40-piece student ensemble paid an emotional tribute to Sanz's musical legacy, with Sanz joining them on piano to perform his songs "Enséñame Tus Manos," "Para Que Me Quieras," "Hay Un Universo De Pequeñas Cosas," "Me Iré," and "Corazón Partio." The concert was produced by bass professor Oscar Stagnaro, and directed by Matthew Nicholl, chair of the college's Contemporary Writing and Production Department, and executive director of the Mediterranean
Music Institute at Berklee.
In the day prior to the concert, Berklee students were treated to a master class taught by Sanz wherein he shared his passion for music and answered questions posed by the students.
Earlier this year, in a course taught by Javier Limon, Berklee students created a viral video for Sanz's hit, "La Música No Se Toca." Filmed in
Boston and at Berklee's international campus in Valencia, Spain, the video features more than 60 students and alumni representing 20 nationalities.
Alejandro Sanz has won a total of 16 Latin Grammy Awards and three Grammy Awards and is one of the leading nominees at this year's event, with his album La Música No Se Toca receiving nods in five categories: Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album, Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Producer of the Year. La Música No Se Toca is one of the most successful albums of 2012-2013, and resided in the Top l0 of Billboard's Top Latin Albums for an astounding 44 weeks.
Sanz's La Música No Se Toca World Tour visited 12 countries, and played in front of over 750,000 fans. His upcoming album, La Música No Se Toca Live, was recorded in June at his concert in Seville, and will be released on November 12. The album will also include his previously unreleased single, "This Game is Over", featuring
Emeli Sande and Jamie Foxx.
About Alejandro Sanz
Alejandro Sanz is one of the most internationally renowned Latin artists, respected as both a songwriter and musician. Sanz has sold over 23 million albums worldwide throughout his career and has released 15 albums, all certified multi-platinum in Spain, Latin America, and the U.S. He has collaborated with Tony Bennett, the Corrs, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Rene from Calle 13, Ivete Sangalo,
Laura Pausini, and Emeli Sande, among others. On November 12, he will release the live album La Música No Se Toca, a CD/DVD which captures an unforgettable concert that took place on June 19 at the Estadio Olimpico La Cartuja in Sevilla, Spain. This concert was part of an international tour that has attracted more than 800,000 people.
