In this rare and captivating collaboration, two of the world’s finest viola da gamba players perform an atmospheric musical journey across the centuries.
Liquid Threads celebrates the unique sonority of two bass viols in dialogue — a sound at once intimate and powerful, with a unique expressive depth. Liam Byrne (Berlin) and Laura Vaughan (Melbourne) will perform the intricate and colourful musical language of the 17th century together with striking contemporary works. Sumptuous music for two lyra viols by Ferrabosco II, Hume and Byrd, the vivid imaginings of the eccentric and passionate Sainte-Colombe, and the spare, glowing polyphony of Locke and Gibbons interlace with new sound worlds from some of today’s most inventive composers. Icelandic composer Hildur Guðnadóttir brings her atmospheric, immersive style to the viol, while Australian composers Alice Chance and Brooke Green contribute evocative works written especially for this collaboration.
“Byrne has done more than perhaps any living performer to drag the viol out of the musty early-music attic” – The New York Times
“Laura Vaughan’s luscious depth of sound resonates across the centuries” – ClassikON
This performance is made possible with the support of the Sydney Opera House Trust.
