Thomas Dunford, lute

Often dubbed “the Eric Clapton of the lute,” Thomas Dunford is universally acclaimed by critics for his exceptionally elegant and gentle touch. 

Whether performing Baroque works or modern arrangements, the French lutenist excels at capturing the essence of each piece while adding his own personal touch.

Returning to Montreal after an enthusiastic reception by Festival audiences in 2022, Thomas Dunford offers us a concert featuring a varied repertoire, unfolding from the Renaissance to the Modern period.

His performance includes melancholy pieces by John Dowland (1563-1626), such as Lachrimae and Melancholy Galliard, whose emotional depth still resonates today. Dunford will also present his own lute arrangements of piano pieces from Erik Satie (including his famous Gymnopédie No. 1) and of Bach’s Cello Suite BWV 1007, allowing us to rediscover great classics in a new light.

John Dowland (1563 – 1623)
The king of Denmark’s galliard
Mrs. Winter’s jump
Lachrimae
Frog galliard

Erik Satie (1866-1925)
Gymnopédie No 1
Gnossienne No 1
Arrangement by T. Dunford

Marin Marais (1656-1728)
Les voix humaines in D major
Arrangement by T. Dunford

Thomas Dunford, lute