Thomas Dunford Essentials

In the first two decades of his career, pre-eminent 21st-century lutenist Thomas Dunford developed a reputation for expressivity in his playing and adventurousness in his interpretative choices. Born in France, he has performed on major stages around the world, tackling lute classics and interpreting or rearranging Baroque works for the instrument; he has also collaborated with artists outside the early classical music sphere. His 2012 debut album, Lachrimæ, expertly explored the wider body of work of John Dowland—the composer most closely associated with Dunford’s instrument. Dunford has also recorded collections devoted to Bach and Vivaldi, as well as to lesser-known composers like the 17th-century lute virtuoso Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger.