In 1972, as a young guitarist studying Musicology and Spanish at Monash University, John Griffiths became interested in this extinct instrument and its music. He took a plunge and commissioned a vihuela from Melbourne, guitar maker Peter van Ree. The first public performance in Australia was to follow on 7 September, 1974, featuring the newly-made vihuela in a concert at the Union Theatre at Monash. 

John Griffiths has gone on to become one of the leading scholars and performers of the vihuela in the world today. He has performed in many countries and he has written extensively on the instrument and its music. His research has extended the frontiers of knowledge about the vihuela and vihuela music, and his recordings and performances have focussed on bringing into public view many unknown corners of its repertoire. This combined activity led to a distinguished academic career as head of Early Music and Professor of Music for over three decades at the University of Melbourne, to being president of the Sociedad de la Vihuela in Spain and other accolades such as election as an honorary life member of the American Musicological Society and admission to the Order of Australia and the Order of Isabel the Catholic in Spain. 

This performance celebrates 50 years of playing the vihuela. It also doubles as an occasion to launch his most recent CD Enríquez de Valderrábano, Silva de Sirenas (Contrastes Records) in Australia. John will present a selection of his favourite music, some of the best known vihuela music combined with other charming works that is at the heart of John’s performing repertoire. Works by Milán, Mudarra, Narváez, Daza and Valderrábano.