Baroque as you’ve never heard it before at Kilkenny Arts Festival

Cathy Desmond talks to Liam Byrne, who is to bring the sound of the viola da gamba to Kilkenny as part of the city’s arts festival.

LIAM Byrne made an unusual musical choice growing up in the US. While most teenagers picked up a guitar, Byrne’s instrument of choice was more Renaissance than rock’n’roll.

“I discovered the viola da gamba at 18. What drew me to it was the incredibly beautiful and resonant sound that was very malleable.”