Violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte and lutenist Thomas Dunford fathom the depths of musical melancholy and scale the heights of virtuosity, exploring the rich musical landscape of 17th-century England, a time when the brilliance and exuberance of the Italian style was making its mark on English composition.

Mad Lover

Smith Square Hall

BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert curated by Thomas Dunford, exploring solo lute music old and new, joined by percussionist Keyvan Chemirani.

Thomas Dunford and Friends

LSO St Luke's

An intimate and absorbing solo recital performed by the brilliant lutenist Thomas Dunford. BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert.

Thomas Dunford: Solo Recital

Experience the virtuosity of Thomas Dunford as he makes his San Francisco Performances debut, offering a captivating journey through renaissance and baroque music. Known for his luminous interpretations, Dunford will present cherished works by Satie, showcasing his versatility and mastery of the lute. His program includes pieces by Dowland, Satie, Marais, Bach, Kapsberger, and Dalza, each meticulously arranged by Dunford himself. Often hailed as the Eric Clapton of the lute by BBC Music Magazine, Dunford's artistry spans from the 16th century to contemporary jazz, reflecting his broad musical interests and exceptional talent. Born in Paris and trained at the Conservatoire de Paris and Schola Cantorum in Basel, Dunford has graced prestigious stages worldwide, from Carnegie Hall to Wigmore Hall, and collaborated with renowned ensembles and soloists. His debut solo CD, Lachrimae, received critical acclaim, earning the Caecilia prize, while his second CD, Labirinto d’Amore, was awarded the Choc from Classica magazine. This performance promises an evening of exquisite music, highlighting Dunford's profound connection to his instrument and his ability to bring historical compositions to life with modern sensibility.

EPSG:4326

Thomas Dunford Lute

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, San Francisco

Parisian lute virtuoso Thomas Dunford, often hailed as "The Eric Clapton of the lute" by BBC Magazine, brings centuries-old music to life with a modern pulse. Dunford's illustrious career has seen him share the stage with musical legends such as Bobby McFerrin and Anne-Sophie von Otter, and perform at prestigious venues including La Comédie Française, Carnegie Hall, and the Berlin Philharmonic. In 2018, he founded the acclaimed Jupiter Ensemble, which quickly gained recognition with their debut dedicated to Vivaldi.

In this performance, part of the University of Chicago's Early Music Series, Dunford will present a program that spans the rich tapestry of early music. The repertoire includes masterpieces by John Dowland, such as "A Dream" and "Lachrimae," and selections from J.S. Bach's Suite for Cello in G Major, BWV 1007. The concert will also feature Marin Marais' "Les voix humaines" and "L’americaine," as well as well-known melodies by Erik Satie, including "Gymnopédie 1" and "Gnossienne." Additionally, works by Girolamo Kapsberger and Joan Ambrosio Dalza will be performed, showcasing the diverse and intricate beauty of the lute's repertoire.

Dunford's ability to make historical music resonate with contemporary audiences promises an evening of profound musical exploration and exquisite artistry.

Thomas Dunford, lute

Logan Center

### Event Description: Thomas Dunford, Lute

**Date and Time:**  
Sunday, March 23, 2025  
3:00 PM EDT - 6:00 PM EDT

**Location:**  
Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall  
Princeton University

**Event Overview:**  
Join us for an intimate and captivating performance by Thomas Dunford, often hailed as "The Eric Clapton of the lute" by BBC Magazine. This event is part of our "Performances Up Close" series, where the audience is seated onstage alongside the musicians, creating a unique and immersive experience.

**Program:**  
Thomas Dunford will present a program of works for solo lute, showcasing his exceptional talent and deep understanding of historical performance. The repertoire includes:

- **John Dowland:**  
  - A Dream  
  - The King of Denmark’s Galliard  
  - Melancholy Galliard  
  - Mrs. Winter’s Jump  
  - Lachrimae  
  - Frog Galliard

- **Erik Satie:**  
  - Gymnopédie No. 1  
  - Gnossienne No. 1

- **Marin Marais:**  
  - Les Voix Humaines in D Major from Suite No. 3  
  - L’Americaine in E Major from Suite d’un Goût Etranger

- **J.S. Bach (arr. Dunford):**  
  - Suite for Cello in G Major, BWV 1007

- **Girolamo Kapsberger:**  
  - Toccata VI from Primo Libro d’intavolatura de lauto

- **Joan Ambrosio Dalza:**  
  - Calata alla Spagnola from Quarto Libro d’intavolatura de lauto

**Ticket Information:**  
This event is currently available as part of a Deluxe Package Subscription or through the Princeton University Student Early Bird program. Single tickets will go on sale on Monday, August 5 at noon Eastern time.

**Additional Information:**  
- **Venue & Accessibility:** Get directions, see parking and accessibility info, and download seating charts.
- **Subscription:** Purchase this event at a discount as part of a curated subscription or make-your-own series package.

**Contact:**  
For more information, please contact Princeton University Concerts at 609-258-2800.

**Add to Calendar:**  
03/23/2025 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM America/New_York

Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience Thomas Dunford's masterful lute performance in an up-close and personal setting.

Thomas Dunford, Lute

Alexander Hall

A violin, a lute, and the dazzling alchemy of two kindred spirits delving into the somber waters of 17th - century English melancholy . The Mad Lover is an inconsolable lover, a tutelary figure around whom the violinists of Charles II's court gravitated, following in the footsteps of the flamboyant Nicola Matteis. Arriving from Italy with his radiant virtuosity and free-flowing style, Matteis revolutionized England, and his captivating melodies still resonate in popular music today. This sensitive and moving program is performed by two virtuoso musicians, among the most talented of the new baroque music scene: violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte and lutenist Thomas Dunford.

Joan Ambrosio Dalza

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 7, 2027

Mad Lover · Opéra Orchestre National Montpellier

Past events

Oct 28, 2026

Mad Lover · Sinfonia Smith Square

Apr 16, 2026

Thomas Dunford and Friends · London Symphony Orchestra

About

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