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Phantasia was formed in early 2023, when Chris and Emma-Marie came across each other having previously struggled to find people who play period instruments in the area. They both had an interest in re-discovering lesser known music and finding "forgotten gems" so decided to concentrate initially on repertoire of the 18th and early 19th centuries. This encompasses the late Baroque, Classical and early Romantic eras which gives a good range of variety in a programme, whilst still concentrating on historically informed performances on instruments from that time. Further variety is provided by Chris switching instruments between theorbo and mandora, both of which can be played alone and combined with the violin.
The particular types of theorbo (German theorbo, d-minor tuning) and mandora (early 19th century model) are very rare, with only a few examples in the world. Emma-Marie uses different violins and bows as appropriate to the era of music being played.
Chris and Emma-Marie have since performed regular concerts which were very well received, and are booking in many more for the future. They are also well aware of the importance of gaining an online presence and both already had Youtube and social media channels with a good following - see links at the bottom of the page. One of the Phantasia showcase videos was recently featured by ClassicFM, the largest online platform for classical music in the world. Chris has been a regular ClassicFM artist for the last few years as a soloist with great success, now Phantasia are reaching a wider audience as well.
Both Chris and Emma-Marie had dabbled in folk music before, and wanted to incorporate a strong element of "period folk" in their programme. They have enjoyed exploring British folk music of the 18th century so far, and this is always popular with audiences, especially when playing a real foot tapper! Projects for 2024 include expanding into the 17th century with a performance of Biber's complete Mystery Sonatas with harpsichordist David Gostick, over 3 concerts and requiring 7 violins! Phantasia have recently been awarded a grant from the Continuo Foundation for a new innovative project combining 18th century and contemporary music - see news page for more details.
Danish/British violinist Emma-Marie Kabanova has studied at Goldsmith’s College, the Novosibirsk Conservatory and at the Malmo Academy of Music in Sweden. Recent concerts include appearances with the Oxford Alternative Orchestra UK, The National Chamber Orchestra of Moldova, and at festivals in the UK, Hungary and Turkey. Formerly based in Moscow, Emma-Marie was a guest Principal with the Moscow Baroque Soloists and the artistic director of Globus Music baroque ensemble; in 2019 the ensemble presented the first historically informed performance of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ oratorio in Russia and created collaborative projects with artists of the Bolshoi Theatre, the Helikon Opera and with ballet dancers from the best companies in Moscow. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine Emma-Marie found it impossible to stay in Russia and returned to the UK.
Chris Hirst studied the lute first at Birmingham Conservatoire then at the Guildhall in London. During this time he set up his own chamber group, with whom he toured and did many concerts. Following this Chris was a freelance lutenist for several years, highlights include 2 opera seasons with Musica nel Chiostro in Italy, a series of concerts in Brazil as a soloist, touring with the Uccellino Ensemble in France and many concerts and theatrical productions with groups such as the Parley of Instruments, Fiori Musicali, Barber Opera and Ex Cathedra. When Classic FM posted a video of Chris’s performance of an allegro by E. G. Baron played on the German theorbo, it became an internet sensation, going viral four times with almost 7 million views in total. This video was also featured by major stations on all 6 continents around the world and is the most viewed, liked and shared theorbo video on the entire internet. Chris also composes and performs contemporary music on the mandora with his group Quatrapuntal.
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