Lutenist
Thomas Dunford is one of the most versatile and in-demand lutenists of today, both as a soloist and ensemble musician. Hailed as the Eric Clapton of the lute, he is renowned for his inventive programming and sensitive ensemble playing. He has given solo recitals at major concert halls throughout the world including Carnegie Hall New York, London’s Wigmore Hall, Washington Kennedy Center, and Palau de la Musica Barcelona, and made festival appearances at Utrecht, Saintes, Nantes, Montpellier, Ambronay amongst others. He plays regularly with the leading period instrument ensembles including Les Arts Florissants, Arcangelo, Les Siecles, Le Concert Spirituel, Collegium Vocale Gent and key collaborators include soloists Iestyn Davies, Isabelle Faust, Anne-Sofie von Otter, Jean Rondeau and Lea Desandre; and conductors Philippe Herreweghe, William Christie, Jonathan Cohen, Trevor Pinnock and Sir John Eliot Gardiner.
Thomas’ 22-23 season includes a return visit to Japan with Lucie Horsch, a US tour with Iestyn Davies and a solo recital tour of Canada. With Ensemble Jupiter he performs “Eternal Heaven”, their new programme featuring music from Handel’s oratorios with Lea Desandre and Iestyn Davies at venues and festivals throughout Europe.
Thomas founded the period instrument ensemble Jupiter in 2018. Born out of a desire to bring freedom and great creativity to early music, the ensemble includes some of the brightest talents of the period instrument scene today. Their first recording of Vivaldi was released to great critical acclaim and was followed by “Amazone”, a recording of rare French and Italian arias from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Thomas’ first solo recording “Lachrimae” was awarded the Caecilia Prize in 2013, with his follow up recording “Labirinto d’Amore” gaining the “Choc” award from Classica Magazine.
Thomas Dunford studied at the Conservatoire de Paris and the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis with Hopkinson Smith.
Thomas Dunford Website
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