- The investiture ceremony took place on Tuesday, February 25, at the Conservatory Superior de Música de les Illes Balears.
- The UIB Governing Council approved the appointment of the renowned musician for his work in the recovery of ancient musical heritage and his promotion of the Cant de la Sibil·la and the figure of Ramon Llull.
Acte d’investidura del senyor Jordi Savall i Bernadet com a doctor honoris causa de la UIB | Foto: A.Costa/UIB
The University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) has invested Maestro Jordi Savall as Doctor Honoris Causa for his cultural merits and his connection with the Balearic Islands. The investiture ceremony was held at the auditorium of the Conservatori Superior de Música de les Illes Balears, in Palma, and was presided over by the UIB rector, Dr. Jaume Carot, and the councillor of Education and Universities, Antoni Vera. The UIB Governing Council agreed to this appointment on February 21st, 2024, upon the proposal of the Vice-Rectorate for Cultural Projection and Open University.
Dr. Magdalena Brotons, Vice-Rector for Cultural Projection and Open University and sponsor of the doctoral candidate, highlighted the special relationship between Jordi Savall’s work and the history, culture, and heritage of the Balearic Islands:
🔹 The Mediterranean as a cradle of cultures.
🔹 The study and promotion of the “Cant de la Sibil·la”.
🔹 The interest in the figure of Ramon Llull.
The investiture ceremony also included the traditional planting of a tree, in this case, an orange tree at the request of the Maestro, as well as the subsequent signing of the UIB Honor Book and interaction with the media. The event also featured the participation of the UIB Choir and the Jove Capella Reial de Catalunya.
Relations with the Balearic Islands
With the aim and purpose of recovering ancient music, Jordi Savall has carried out extensive research on the medieval Cant de la Sibil·la since 1988. One of the most important manuscripts is preserved in a choirbook from the Convent de la Concepció in Palma, currently housed at the Diocesan Museum.
In 1988, Jordi Savall recorded the first version of this ancient Mallorcan Cant de la Sibil·la (Astrée E8705), performed by Montserrat Figueras, who sang it until her passing in 2011.
Thanks to the distribution of Jordi Savall’s recordings through the Alia Vox label, the versions of the Mallorcan Cant de la Sibil·la have achieved unprecedented international exposure. The re-release of the first recordings took place in 1999, and since then, the re-editions and performances of this repertoire have continued, now deeply rooted in Mallorca.
In the framework of the Year of Llull 2016, Jordi Savall dedicated one of his book-album projects to the figure of Blessed Ramon Llull. The book/CD Ramon Llull (1232-1316), Times of Conquests, Dialogue, and Discomfort (Alia Vox AVSA9917) recreates the soundtrack that accompanied Llull’s life, including musical pieces from Muslim Mallorca, the secular music of troubadours and minstrels, as well as the most representative religious and spiritual music of the time. The ensemble evokes the most important moments of Ramon Llull’s life, his travels, and the key historical events of his era. This rich mosaic of music and chants is complemented by some of his most significant texts, drawn from the Book of Contemplation, the Life of Master Ramon, the sublime Book of the Friend and the Beloved, and the Tree of Philosophy of Love.
Regarding performances and other activities held in the Balearic Islands, since 2001, Jordi Savall has given 18 concerts in various locations in Mallorca, 3 in Ibiza, and 3 in Menorca, in addition to 6 masterclasses.
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