On Sunday, March 23, at 3 and 6 p.m., lutist Thomas Dunford will return to Princeton University Concerts (PUC) in a set of hour-long appearances for the Performances Up Close series in Richardson Auditorium. The audience is seated on stage in these informal events.

Following his appearance with the Jupiter Ensemble as part of PUC’s 2022-23 season, Dunford returns with a solo program of works by J. S. Bach, Joan Ambrosio Dalza, John Dowland, Girolame Kapsberger, Marin Marais, and Erik Satie.

“We are thrilled to have Thomas Dunford back,” said PUC Director Marna Seltzer. “He is a rock star in the world of early music, and one of many musicians on our series who is not only a fierce ambassador for their instrument but also a consummate musician. We look forward to hearing his sensitive and exciting playing in our Up Close format.”

In the intimate spirit of PUC’s Performances Up Close concerts, capacity is limited and tickets ($40 general/$10 students) are expected to sell quickly; patrons are encouraged to buy them soon. Reduced cost tickets are available for those who qualify for PUC’s Admit All ticket access program for low-income patrons. Visit puc.princeton.edu or call (609) 258-2800.

Before the 3 p.m. concert, patrons can attend a pre-concert Speed Dating event at Maclean House at 1 p.m. This event is part of PUC’s Do-Re-Meet series of social events for music lovers, and is an opportunity to meet fellow concertgoers over facilitated 8-minute dating sessions, facilitated by co-host Risa Grimaldi of TheSinglesGroup.com, while enjoying catered hors d’oeuvres from Olsson’s Fine Foods. Tickets to Do-Re-Meet include the full experience — both the social event and the concert — for $50/General and $25/Students. Reduced cost tickets for this Do-Re-Meet experience are available for those who qualify for PUC’s Admit All ticket access program for low-income Patrons.

The community is also invited to listen to Dunford’s music in a mindful, meditative state through a free and unticketed Live Music Meditation on Monday, March 24 in the Princeton University Chapel. Although early arrival is recommended, entry and meditation instruction will begin at 12:30 p.m. Meditation instruction will be provided by Matthew Weiner, Associate Dean in the Princeton University Office of Religious Life. The event will conclude by 1:45 p.m. with a group conversation with the artist about the experience of listening to music mindfully.