The Thornton Academy String Quartet will perform at the Oasis of Music beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston. Their program will include the first movement of Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 6 in B flat Major, Op. 18, plus arrangements of pop and movie arrangements.

Under the direction of Sarah Hoag, these students take their involvement with their school’s orchestra program to a deeper level of engagement with their music-making, of which the string quartet is of the most demanding and rewarding forms.

The musicians’ bios read as follows

Kaitlyn Walsh began playing violin at age 8 and went on to study under Sarah Hoag during her high school years. She is an active member of the Thornton Academy String Quartet, Jazz Band, Dance Company, and Concert Choir. She plans to study Music Education in college next year. She has played in a number of performances with the Lonesome Highway Band, has participated in multiple District and All-State festivals, and is very excited to pursue a career in music. Gianna Stone started playing the violin at 8 years old, beginning private lessons a year later with Margaret Hopkins. They have been playing for 7 years now, taking part in many solo, duet, and chamber opportunities. They also take part in symphony orchestra and enjoy playing in Thornton Academy’s orchestra and string quartet. Gianna values playing the violin and appreciates the opportunities that it has given them. Paul Solomon is a senior at Thornton Academy in Saco, ME. He’s been playing the viola since 4th grade, and singing since 6th grade. Paul has been a part of the TA String Quartet since 2019, and has had so much fun playing with Sarah and his fellow instrumentalists over the past 3 years. He plans on pursuing musical theater in either Boston or NYC in the fall. Madeline Darigan has been enthralled with the performing arts throughout her life, exploring everything from bluegrass to opera. She began playing cello in 8th grade, and has also enjoyed playing jazz trombone and being a dedicated singer. Her love for music has led her to participate in District, All-State, Eastern region, and National festivals and witness the incredible community art can foster. She is now preparing to pursue a degree in vocal performance.

The Oasis of Music is a weekly music series of performances of roughly thirty minutes, running from September to May. Admission is free, with donations accepted. The musical genres vary greatly, in largely, but not exclusively, acoustic formats. COVID restrictions of optional mask-wearing and social distancing are observed. The concerts are held in the downstairs chapel. For more information, call 207-344-3106.