Phantasia was formed in early 2023 by lutenist Chris Hirst and violinist Emma-Marie Kabanova, when both were struggling to find players of period instruments in their area. Phantasia specialise in dynamic performances of music from the 18^th and early 19^th centuries, using instruments of that era. Baroque and classical violin is combined with theorbo (a type of large bass lute) and mandora (a later type of lute), which can be played alone or in combination for variety.

Chris and Emma-Marie are particularly interested in resurrecting lesser-known music, discovering “forgotten gems” and bringing them to new audiences. They also play a good amount of “period folk” – traditional tunes which were written down or composed in the 18^th century, yet sound very much like the airs and reels you would hear in a Dublin or Edinburgh pub today. Phantasia therefore has something to interest aficionados of both classical and folk music.

Individually, Chris and Emma-Marie have performed all over the world with some of the leading period instrument groups and orchestras, and have made many recordings and videos. One solo theorbo video was picked up by ClassicFM and has since gone viral 4 times, with a total of over 7 million views – the most watched and shared theorbo video on the entire internet. Phantasia enjoy performing at intimate venues and interacting with the audience, so are looking forward to coming to Ventnor Arts Club. Being as it is December, there may well be a sprinkling of Christmas content…