Role

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Composer Conductor  

Birth

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1988 in Paris, France

 

Thomas Dunford is a French classical music artist who has made a name for himself as one of the most talented lutenists of his generation. Born in Paris in 1988, Dunford grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to classical music from a young age. His father, Alain Dunford, is a renowned lutenist and his mother, Marie-Claire Alain, was a celebrated organist. Dunford began playing the lute at the age of nine and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He studied under his father and also received training from other notable lutenists such as Hopkinson Smith and Paul O'Dette. Dunford's early performances were well-received and he began to gain recognition as a rising star in the classical music world. In 2006, Dunford won first prize at the prestigious International Young Artists' Presentation (PIPA) competition in Antwerp, Belgium. This was a major milestone in his career and helped to establish him as a serious contender in the classical music scene. He went on to win several other awards and accolades, including the Musica Antiqua Bruges International Competition in 2008 and the Early Music Network International Young Artists' Competition in 2009. Dunford's talent and hard work paid off when he was invited to perform at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. He has also performed at numerous festivals, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Festival de Saintes, and the Festival Oude Muziek Utrecht. One of Dunford's most notable performances was his debut at the BBC Proms in 2015. He performed as a soloist with the Academy of Ancient Music, playing works by Dowland, Purcell, and Handel. The performance was widely praised by critics and cemented Dunford's reputation as one of the most talented lutenists of his generation. Dunford has also collaborated with many other musicians and ensembles, including the soprano Anna Prohaska, the countertenor Philippe Jaroussky, and the viola da gamba player Jordi Savall. He has recorded several albums, including a solo album of works by Bach, a duet album with Jaroussky, and an album of works by Dowland with the ensemble Les Arts Florissants. In addition to his performing career, Dunford is also a dedicated teacher and has given masterclasses at several institutions, including the Royal Academy of Music in London and the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris. He is passionate about passing on his knowledge and skills to the next generation of musicians and is committed to promoting the lute as a viable and important instrument in the classical music world. Overall, Thomas Dunford is a highly talented and accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant impact on the world of early music. His virtuosic playing, dedication to his craft, and commitment to promoting the lute have earned him a well-deserved reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative musicians of his generation.

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