Diatribe Stage - The Harmonic Labyrinth

Aoife Ní Bhriain, violin

Liam Byrne, viola da gamba

New settings of music by Tommy Potts and St. Columbe alongside world premieres of other original works

From very old to very new music, this afternoon programme of works for violin and viola da gamba displays the versatility and virtuosity of two extraordinary musicians on NMD 2024’s multi-venue Diatribe Stage.

Violinist Aoife Ní Bhriain and viola da gamba player Liam Byrne’s contributions to the music world encompass a remarkable spectrum. Born to a family of musicians, Ní Bhriain is regarded not only as one of Ireland's foremost fiddle players but also a violinist of international stature, while Byrne – widely acclaimed as the leading viol player of his generation – is both a leader of Europe’s early-music scene and a pioneer of new music. Following countless appearances and recordings respectively with the world’s most renowned musicians and ensembles, their collaboration for NMD includes new settings of music by Tommy Potts and St. Columbe, alongside groundbreaking original works.