Phantasy

As the first installment of our Sandbar Series, Phantasy features five string artists in a chamber music program on October 25th, 2026 at 3:00 PM at First Congregational Church in Chatham.

Artists:

Hannah O'Brien and Bree Fotheringham, violins, Sam Kelder and Jesse MacDonald, violas, and Timothy Paek, cello.

Program:

George Walker | String Quartet No. 1

Vaughan Williams | Phantasy Quintet

Beethoven | String Quintet “The Storm”

About the Program:

In the String Quartet No. 1, George Walker explores the expressive possibilities of the quartet through contrasting textures, rhythmic energy, and sharply defined instrumental personalities.

Ralph Vaughan Williams took a life-long interest in English folk song and music of the Tudor period, incorporating their elements into his own works. His Phantasy is a continuous work in four sections – Prelude, Scherzo, Alla Sarabande and Burlesca, that explore as many moods and textures as possible from a simple musical phrase.

Beethoven's String Quintet in C major, Op. 29, composed in 1801, belongs to the composer's early period. The addition of a second viola gives the ensemble a warm, resonant middle register and allows Beethoven to explore textures unavailable to the standard string quartet.