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.
Cost
Standard Tickets
$75 Adult
$65 Concession
$60 Members
$55 Youth (under 18)
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Save up to $20 per ticket, when you purchase tickets to 3 or more concerts
All tickets include entry to the Art Museum and the Homestead & Arthur Boyd Studio
Location
170 Riversdale Road, Illaroo
Plan Your Visit
Strictly No BYO
Artist Bios
Liam Byrne spends most of his time playing either very old or very new music on the viola da gamba. An obsession with the instrument’s most obscure 16th and 17th century repertoire is a recurring theme in his work, whether in devising baroque performance installations for the Victoria & Albert Museum or in creating new electronic works with Icelandic composer Valgeir Sigurðsson. Liam’s solo performances frequently combine old viol music with new works written for him by composers such as David Lang, Nico Muhly, and Edmund Finnis, among many others. He was awarded the prestigious Glenn Gould Bach Fellowship in 2024.
Melbourne-based viola da gamba specialist Laura Vaughan is one of Australia’s most engaging and expressive early music performers. Known for her vivid musicianship and warm stage presence, she has become a dynamic voice within the country’s early music scene. After studies with Miriam Morris at the University of Melbourne and with Wieland Kuijken and Philippe Pierlot at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, Laura forged a vibrant performing career across Australasia. A versatile musician, she moves fluently between the viola da gamba, violone, lirone, and baryton, performing an expansive repertoire that spans centuries.
The Boyd Music Series
The Boyd Music Series presents a collection of the world’s leading chamber musicians and renowned soloists from eastern and western classical traditions, featuring Australian debut performances.
The series is curated by Genevieve Lacey and developed in collaboration with Sydney Opera House’s Utzon Music Series. Returning for its second year in 2026, there will be six evocative concerts set against the backdrop of Bangli / the Shoalhaven River with CzechMate, Sunny Kim’s Ensemble Ochaye, duo Liam Byrne and Laura Vaughan, Ensemble Offspring, and the Australian Guitar Quartet.
