Nicolas Altstaedt & Thomas Dunford

This performance is currently available as part of a Musica Viva Australia 2026 Season Subscription. Single tickets on sale at 9AM AEST on Wednesday 15 October.

In the intricate weave of sounds that make up a baroque ensemble, the lute is central. It’s fitting, then, that French-American lutenist Thomas Dunford is at the centre of some of the most exciting early music-making of the moment. Now this charismatic artist makes his Australian debut.

Thomas Dunford shares the stage with multi-award-winning cellist Nicolas Altstaedt. Since Altstaedt first performed for Musica Viva Australia, his star has continued to soar, as soloist, as conductor and as artistic catalyst to festivals and ensembles worldwide. It is a precious treat to hear him in recital.  

What will these two originals create when they step on stage together? Anything could happen. But you can expect to be delighted by the genial invention of Louis XIV favourite Marais, dazzled by the virtuosic riffs of his rival Forqueray, and consoled by Bach’s Cello Suites Nos. 1 and 5. Expect the unexpected too, as they perform music closer to our time by Henri Duparc, Arvo Pärt and more. 

Thomas is one of the best of the young generation – I’d almost be ready to call him a genius. Willliam Christie of Les Arts Florissants

Altstaedt has technique to burn, near perfect intonation, superb control of extreme registers and harmonics, and is physically at ease with his instrument `... one hung on every note as if they were the words of a master storyteller. The Australian