Nicolas Altstaedt

Thomas Dunford

Presented by Musica Viva Australia
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#### In 2026, Musica Viva Australia invites you to look forward to five concerts at Newcastle City Hall, featuring favourites and new friends. Read more about [Musica Viva's Season 2026](https://civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/annual-seasons/mva2026) program.

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. A regular collaborator with everyone from Les Arts Florissants to his own band of all-stars, the Jupiter Ensemble, he has been dubbed the ‘Eric Clapton of the lute’ by BBC Music Magazine. It is with great delight that Musica Viva Australia presents Thomas Dunford’s 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.  
  
  
  
**ARTISTS**  
  
**Nicolas Altstadt** cello  
  
**Thomas Dunford** lute  
  
  
  
**PROGRAM**  
  
**Marais** _La Rêveuse_  
  
**Forqueray** _La Leclair_  
  
**JS Bach** Cello Suite No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007 (excerpts)  
  
**Forqueray** _Fêtes champêtres_  
  
**Marais** _Le Badinage_  
  
**Marais** _Les Folies d'Espagne_  
  
**JS Bach** Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011 (excerpts)  
  
**Pärt** _Spiegel im Spiegel_  
  
**Duparc** Cello Sonata in A minor: _Lento_  
  
**Forqueray** _La Buisson_  
  
**Marais** _Les Voix Humaines_  
  
**Marais** _Grand Ballet_  
  
**Marais** _Le Tourbillon_  
  
 

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Running time 2 hrs, inc interval. Running times are approximate and subject to change without notice.   
  
  
  
All ages permitted.

Student Rush tickets only available in the hour prior to the concert from the Ticket Office. Proof of current study must be produced.   
  
  
  
Special thanks to Ensemble Patrons Bruce & Charmaine Cameron for their generous support of this tour.

Nicolas Altstaedt • Thomas Dunford

Event Description

Nicolas Altstaedt & Thomas Dunford

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Performing Artists