Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Phantasm is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of early music, particularly music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The ensemble was founded in 1994 by Laurence Dreyfus, a British viol player and musicologist, who remains the group's artistic director. Dreyfus had previously played with several other early music ensembles, including the Consort of Musicke and the Purcell Quartet, before deciding to form his own group. He named the ensemble Phantasm after the title of a piece by the English composer John Dowland, whose music has been a particular focus of the group's repertoire. The core members of Phantasm are Laurence Dreyfus on treble viol, Emilia Benjamin on treble and tenor viols, Jonathan Manson on tenor viol, and Markku Luolajan-Mikkola on bass viol. The group has occasionally expanded to include additional musicians, such as harpsichordist Kah-Ming Ng and soprano Emma Kirkby. Phantasm has performed extensively throughout Europe, North America, and Asia, and has been praised for its virtuosic playing and sensitive interpretations of early music. The group has recorded numerous albums for the Linn Records label, including several that have won critical acclaim and awards. One of Phantasm's most notable performances was its 2007 concert at Wigmore Hall in London, which featured a program of music by Dowland and his contemporaries. The concert was recorded and released as a live album, which was named one of the best classical recordings of the year by The Guardian. Phantasm has also collaborated with other musicians and ensembles, including the vocal ensemble Stile Antico and the viol consort Fretwork. In 2017, Phantasm and Fretwork released a joint album titled "Byrd: In Chains of Gold," which featured music by the English composer William Byrd. In addition to its performances and recordings, Phantasm has also been involved in music education and outreach. The group has given masterclasses and workshops at universities and music schools around the world, and has worked with young musicians through programs such as the National Youth Recorder Orchestra in the UK. Overall, Phantasm has established itself as one of the leading ensembles in the field of early music, and has earned a reputation for its innovative programming and exceptional musicianship. The group continues to perform and record, and remains committed to bringing the music of the past to new audiences.

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