Upcoming events.


Screen Door Festival at Bay Chamber Concerts: Finale
Aug
18

Screen Door Festival at Bay Chamber Concerts: Finale

The culmination of a week of music-making, conversation, and a collective ‘tuning in’ of our new home, our closing gala features performances by artists performing at Screen Door 2024, led by spectacular international vocal talents, GRAMMY award winning tenor, Karim Sulayman and special guest artist, mezzo soprano Devony Smith, a performer widely known for her breathtaking command of a wide variety of operatic and concert repertoire. The concert also features Palaver Strings, Toomai String Quintet, violinist Stefan Jackiw, clarinetist Yoonah Kim, bassoonist Brad Balliett, flutist Nicholas Southwick, and pianists Danny Zelibor, Henry Kramer and Rachel Breen

The celebratory program includes Copland’s magical Appalachian Spring Suite and an opportunity to sing together as a community of festival artists, supporters and audience members.

Tickets: Age 35+: $38 | 22-34: $20 | 21 & Under: Pay What You Wish

View Event →
Screen Door Festival at Bay Chamber Concerts: Visions and Miracles
Aug
17

Screen Door Festival at Bay Chamber Concerts: Visions and Miracles

The acclaimed Portland-based, musician-led chamber orchestra returns to Screen Door as ensemble in residence. Responding to the collective vision that established Bay Chamber’s new home, their program features pieces beloved by the ensemble. 

Palaver Strings has distinguished itself with their sense of musical adventure and eagerness to engage with music and collaborators from many different genres and traditions. Their program features Kevin Puts’ Oboe Concerto, with soloist, James Austin Smith, one of the finest musicians of his generation. Pulitzer Prize-winning Kevin Puts has gained international acclaim for his “plush, propulsive” music (The New York Times). His opera based on The Hours played recently to enourmous acclaim at the Metropolitan Opera House. 

A gorgeous program of transporting music performed by an ensemble whose concerts never fail to thrill and surprise. 

Tickets: Age 35+: $38 | 22-34: $20 | 21 & Under: Pay What You Wish

View Event →
Screen Door Festival at Bay Chamber Concerts: Bach for Breakfast
Aug
15

Screen Door Festival at Bay Chamber Concerts: Bach for Breakfast

Joining us for this special edition of Bach for Breakfast, our performer and scholar of historical music and performance practice, John McKean, “virtuosic” “dazzling" and “brilliant” oboist (The New York Times), James Austin Smith, musical omnivore and innovating teaching artist, bassoonist Brad Balliett, and our much loved resident ensemble, Palaver Strings for our ongoing exploration of Bach’s music.

Zoot coffee and muffins are available before the concert.

Tickets: Age 35+: $38 | 22-34: $20 | 21 & Under: Pay What You Wish

View Event →
Screen Door Festival at Bay Chamber Concerts: Opening Night
Aug
14

Screen Door Festival at Bay Chamber Concerts: Opening Night

A grand opening concert featuring many of the performers appearing throughout the week including Palaver Strings, Toomai String Quintet, oboist James Austin Smith, clarinettist Yoonah Kim, violinist Livia Sohn, cellist Joshua Roman, Boyd Meets Girl, pianist Henry Kramer, baritone Jesse Blumberg, tenor Karim Sulayman, jazz vocalist Sarah Elizabeth Charles and pianist Jarrett Cherner.

Tickets: Age 35+: $38 | 22-34: $20 | 21 & Under: Pay What You Wish

View Event →
A Change is Gonna Come
Aug
10

A Change is Gonna Come

Featuring Grammy award-winning tenor Nicholas Phan, this program explores our country’s rich legacy of protest songs. Repertoire includes traditional songs of protest and music inspired by social movements and historical events, including Nico Muhly’s Stranger, Akenya Seymour’s Fear the Lamb, and a new commission by Errollyn Wallen. Spanning genres, eras, and movements, A Change Is Gonna Come provokes conversation, confronts our past and present, and celebrates the act of protest as one of our most precious rights.

View Event →
A Change is Gonna Come
Aug
8

A Change is Gonna Come

Featuring Grammy award-winning tenor Nicholas Phan, this program explores our country’s rich legacy of protest songs. Repertoire includes traditional songs of protest and music inspired by social movements and historical events, including Nico Muhly’s Stranger, Akenya Seymour’s Fear the Lamb, and a new commission by Errollyn Wallen. Spanning genres, eras, and movements, A Change Is Gonna Come provokes conversation, confronts our past and present, and celebrates the act of protest as one of our most precious rights.

We have just 10 spots for Palaver's upcoming performance on Thursday, August 8th, at 4:00pm in Tiverton, RI. 

Guests are invited to make a contribution of at least $25 to the musicians. BYOB

RSVP with the button below to claim yours (first come, first serve).

View Event →
A Change is Gonna Come
Aug
7

A Change is Gonna Come

Featuring Grammy award-winning tenor Nicholas Phan, this program explores our country’s rich legacy of protest songs. Repertoire includes traditional songs of protest and music inspired by social movements and historical events, including Nico Muhly’s Stranger, Akenya Seymour’s Fear the Lamb, and a new commission by Errollyn Wallen. Spanning genres, eras, and movements, A Change Is Gonna Come provokes conversation, confronts our past and present, and celebrates the act of protest as one of our most precious rights.

Doors at 7:00pm / Music at 8:00pm

View Event →
Opera Maine: Verdi's Aida
Jul
28

Opera Maine: Verdi's Aida

Opera Maine’s production of Aida is poised to be the most significant artistic and cultural event of the greater Portland area in 2024. Audiences will be enthralled by Verdi’s gorgeous music as epic love transcends ancient borders.

Under the direction of Dona D. Vaughn and performed by world-class singers and the Opera Maine Orchestra and Chorus, all under the baton of Maestro Israel Gursky. This is a rare opportunity for opera lovers and first-timers to hear this masterpiece!

Run Time: 2.5 hrs with 1 intermission.
Sung in Italian with English translation projected above the stage. Opera in four acts, with one intermission.

There will be a pre-curtain presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Merrill on July 25 and 1:30 p.m. on July 28 with Opera Maine dramaturg, Calien Lewis. Free entry with your ticket.

View Event →
Opera Maine: Verdi's Aida
Jul
25

Opera Maine: Verdi's Aida

Opera Maine’s production of Aida is poised to be the most significant artistic and cultural event of the greater Portland area in 2024. Audiences will be enthralled by Verdi’s gorgeous music as epic love transcends ancient borders.

Under the direction of Dona D. Vaughn and performed by world-class singers and the Opera Maine Orchestra and Chorus, all under the baton of Maestro Israel Gursky. This is a rare opportunity for opera lovers and first-timers to hear this masterpiece!

Run Time: 2.5 hrs with 1 intermission.
Sung in Italian with English translation projected above the stage. Opera in four acts, with one intermission.

There will be a pre-curtain presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Merrill on July 25 and 1:30 p.m. on July 28 with Opera Maine dramaturg, Calien Lewis. Free entry with your ticket.

View Event →
Palaver String Quartet at the Krystal Gallery and Salon
Jul
21

Palaver String Quartet at the Krystal Gallery and Salon

Join us for an enchanting afternoon with the Palaver String Quartet at the beautiful Krystal Gallery & Salon. Immerse yourself in the harmonious melodies of classical music performed by talented musicians. Get ready to be swept away by the elegant sounds of the string quartet in this intimate setting. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a memorable afternoon of music and artistry. See you there!

View Event →
Candlelight: The Best of the Beatles
Jul
13

Candlelight: The Best of the Beatles

⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Portland. Get your tickets now to discover the music of The Beatles at First Parish in Portland, Unitarian Universalist under the gentle glow of candlelight.

View Event →
Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen
Jul
13

Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Portland, ME. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Queen at First Parish in Portland, Unitarian Universalist under the gentle glow of candlelight.

View Event →
RECLAIMING SPIRIT: Explorations into grief, gratitude, & spirituality
Jul
12

RECLAIMING SPIRIT: Explorations into grief, gratitude, & spirituality

We spend our whole lives fighting for life, but we never practice dying. In fact, we are ill-prepared for coping with the magnificent loss of loved ones, or even our own life. This project is an ongoing musical reflection of an honest look at my personal journey into the depths of grief, and how that was and is still necessary in order for any regeneration to begin. These stages cannot be rushed, and the many surprises along the way unfold on griefʻs own time. It is a truly magical place of darkness and light, which we all know of but do not necessarily speak of. Thank you all for the support along one of the loneliest paths.

View Event →
between us
Apr
28

between us

Palaver Strings joins forces with the Grammy award-winning Attacca Quartet for a unique collaborative performance. Selected musical works explore themes of togetherness and collective vision, in human communities, physical space, and the natural world. Caroline Shaw’s Plan & Elevation responds to the landscape of Dumbarton Oaks and ideas of space and proportion. Paul Wiancko’s Only Ever Us reflects on human connection, while Under the Sea Wind, co-composed by Dana Lyn and Kyle Sanna for Palaver Strings, explores the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems. The program concludes with Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings, an iconic staple of string chamber repertoire, featuring the combined forces of both ensembles. 

  • Egos flos Campi a 7 Jacobus Clemens non Papa 

  • Plan and Elevation Caroline Shaw

  • Under the Sea Wind Dana Lyn/Kyle Sana 

  • Only Ever Us Paul Wiancko 

  • Serenade for Strings Antonin Dvorak

View Event →
between us
Apr
27

between us

Palaver Strings joins forces with the Grammy award-winning Attacca Quartet for a unique collaborative performance. Selected musical works explore themes of togetherness and collective vision, in human communities, physical space, and the natural world. Caroline Shaw’s Plan & Elevation responds to the landscape of Dumbarton Oaks and ideas of space and proportion. Paul Wiancko’s Only Ever Us reflects on human connection, while Under the Sea Wind, co-composed by Dana Lyn and Kyle Sanna for Palaver Strings, explores the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems. The program concludes with Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings, an iconic staple of string chamber repertoire, featuring the combined forces of both ensembles. 

  • Egos flos Campi a 7 Jacobus Clemens non Papa 

  • Plan and Elevation Caroline Shaw

  • Under the Sea Wind Dana Lyn/Kyle Sana 

  • Only Ever Us Paul Wiancko 

  • Serenade for Strings Antonin Dvorak

View Event →
between us
Apr
26

between us

Palaver Strings joins forces with the Grammy award-winning Attacca Quartet for a unique collaborative performance. Selected musical works explore themes of togetherness and collective vision, in human communities, physical space, and the natural world. Caroline Shaw’s Plan & Elevation responds to the landscape of Dumbarton Oaks and ideas of space and proportion. Paul Wiancko’s Only Ever Us reflects on human connection, while Under the Sea Wind, co-composed by Dana Lyn and Kyle Sanna for Palaver Strings, explores the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems. The program concludes with Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings, an iconic staple of string chamber repertoire, featuring the combined forces of both ensembles. 

  • Egos flos Campi a 7 Jacobus Clemens non Papa 

  • Plan and Elevation Caroline Shaw

  • Under the Sea Wind Dana Lyn/Kyle Sana 

  • Only Ever Us Paul Wiancko 

  • Serenade for Strings Antonin Dvorak

View Event →
between us
Apr
25

between us

Palaver Strings joins forces with the Grammy award-winning Attacca Quartet for a unique collaborative performance. Selected musical works explore themes of togetherness and collective vision, in human communities, physical space, and the natural world. Caroline Shaw’s Plan & Elevation responds to the landscape of Dumbarton Oaks and ideas of space and proportion. Paul Wiancko’s Only Ever Us reflects on human connection, while Under the Sea Wind, co-composed by Dana Lyn and Kyle Sanna for Palaver Strings, explores the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems. The program concludes with Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings, an iconic staple of string chamber repertoire, featuring the combined forces of both ensembles. 

  • Egos flos Campi a 7 Jacobus Clemens non Papa 

  • Plan and Elevation Caroline Shaw

  • Under the Sea Wind Dana Lyn/Kyle Sana 

  • Only Ever Us Paul Wiancko 

  • Serenade for Strings Antonin Dvorak

View Event →
between us
Apr
24

between us

Palaver Strings joins forces with the Grammy award-winning Attacca Quartet for a unique collaborative performance. Selected musical works explore themes of togetherness and collective vision, in human communities, physical space, and the natural world. Caroline Shaw’s Plan & Elevation responds to the landscape of Dumbarton Oaks and ideas of space and proportion. Paul Wiancko’s Only Ever Us reflects on human connection, while Under the Sea Wind, co-composed by Dana Lyn and Kyle Sanna for Palaver Strings, explores the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems. The program concludes with Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings, an iconic staple of string chamber repertoire, featuring the combined forces of both ensembles. 

  • Egos flos Campi a 7 Jacobus Clemens non Papa 

  • Plan and Elevation Caroline Shaw

  • Under the Sea Wind Dana Lyn/Kyle Sana 

  • Only Ever Us Paul Wiancko 

  • Serenade for Strings Antonin Dvorak

View Event →
visions and miracles
Mar
23

visions and miracles

This one-hour program brings together music that is transcendent in nature, drawing inspiration from dreams, medieval chant, renaissance polyphony, spirituality, and the power of silence. Anchored by Christopher Theofanidis’ otherworldy composition of the same name, Visions and Miracles takes us on a journey through the gentle sound worlds of Arvo Part, Max Richter, and Caroline Shaw, interspersed with excerpts of Mendelssohn’s Sinfonia No. 1. With mesmerizing harmonies and moments of joy, grief, and gentleness, Visions and Miracles is evocative and reflective, grounding and transcendent.

  • Summa for Strings Arvo Pärt

  • Entr’acte Caroline Shaw

  • Sinfonia No. 1 Felix Mendelssohn

  • Visions and Miracles Christopher Theofanidis

  • On the Nature of Daylight Max Richter

  • Fiddle Set Maya French/Jamie Oshima

View Event →
visions and miracles
Mar
22

visions and miracles

This one-hour program brings together music that is transcendent in nature, drawing inspiration from dreams, medieval chant, renaissance polyphony, spirituality, and the power of silence. Anchored by Christopher Theofanidis’ otherworldy composition of the same name, Visions and Miracles takes us on a journey through the gentle sound worlds of Arvo Part, Max Richter, and Caroline Shaw, interspersed with excerpts of Mendelssohn’s Sinfonia No. 1. With mesmerizing harmonies and moments of joy, grief, and gentleness, Visions and Miracles is evocative and reflective, grounding and transcendent.

  • Summa for Strings Arvo Pärt

  • Entr’acte Caroline Shaw

  • Sinfonia No. 1 Felix Mendelssohn

  • Visions and Miracles Christopher Theofanidis

  • On the Nature of Daylight Max Richter

  • Fiddle Set Maya French/Jamie Oshima

View Event →
visions and miracles
Mar
21

visions and miracles

This one-hour program brings together music that is transcendent in nature, drawing inspiration from dreams, medieval chant, renaissance polyphony, spirituality, and the power of silence. Anchored by Christopher Theofanidis’ otherworldy composition of the same name, Visions and Miracles takes us on a journey through the gentle sound worlds of Arvo Part, Max Richter, and Caroline Shaw, interspersed with excerpts of Mendelssohn’s Sinfonia No. 1. With mesmerizing harmonies and moments of joy, grief, and gentleness, Visions and Miracles is evocative and reflective, grounding and transcendent.

  • Summa for Strings Arvo Pärt

  • Entr’acte Caroline Shaw

  • Sinfonia No. 1 Felix Mendelssohn

  • Visions and Miracles Christopher Theofanidis

  • On the Nature of Daylight Max Richter

  • Fiddle Set Maya French/Jamie Oshima

View Event →
psq 3
Feb
18

psq 3

  • Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Portland String Quartet and Jewish Community Alliance “Music at the J” series co-present PSQIII.

Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op 1
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges

Break Away
Jessie Montgomery

String Quartet No. 7 in F major, Op. 59 No. 1, “Rasumovsky”
Ludwig van Beethoven

View Event →
noisefloor
Jan
27

noisefloor

Noisefloor is a unique collaboration between Palaver Strings and the contemporary dance company little house dance, presented by Portland Ovations and State Theatre. In this interdisciplinary performance, twelve musicians and eight dancers join forces, premiering a new composition by Courtney Swain written specifically for choreography by Heather Stewart. This project seamlessly integrates the media of music and dance, involving dancers in the composition process and including musicians in little house’s movement language. Noisefloor plays with the subjectivity of human experience, including visual and auditory perception and the logic of dreams. Musicians and dancers will move throughout the stage and surrounding areas, expanding the audience’s audiovisual field. Noisefloor is an immersive physical, visual, and musical experience.

View Event →
candlelight: a tribute to coldplay
Jan
19

candlelight: a tribute to coldplay

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Portland, ME. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay at First Parish in Portland under the gentle glow of candlelight.

  • "Clocks"

  • "Shiver"

  • "Speed of Sound"

  • "Trouble"

  • "Fix You"

  • "Paradise"

  • "Something Just Like This"

  • "Yellow"

  • "My Universe"

  • "The Scientist"

  • "Sky Full of Stars"

  • Encore: "Viva la Vida"

View Event →
candlelight: vivaldi four seasons & more
Jan
19

candlelight: vivaldi four seasons & more

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Portland, ME. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Vivaldi and more at First Parish in Portland under the gentle glow of candlelight.

  • “The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 1 RV 269: “Spring”” – Vivaldi

  • “The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2 RV 315: “Summer”” – Vivaldi

  • “Thaïs: Méditation” – Jules Massenet

  • “The Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas: Verano Porteño” – Astor Piazzolla

  • “The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 3 RV 293: “Autumn”” – Vivaldi

  • “The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 4 RV 297: “Winter”” – Vivaldi

View Event →
sing for your slumber
Jan
11

sing for your slumber

About Sing for your Slumber: Music is central to our spirit here and in 2018, we launched a series called SING FOR YOUR SLUMBER.  It’s a simple idea...we invite touring musicians to get off the road for some real R&R at TOURISTS if they’ve got an empty date in our neck of the woods. We provide rooms, meals, and our unrivaled hospitality in exchange for a stripped-down set for fellow guests and local neighbors in our intimate Lodge, 200-year-old farmhouse bar, or outside under the stars. 

It’s a super easy, low-stakes gig, an opportunity to just chill and play - the more broken, spontaneous, and honest, the better. They don’t need to do their “show”, but instead can try out some new tunes, play a bunch of Hall & Oates covers, whatever...it’s all welcome. This vibe has produced some very special experiences for artists and audiences alike.

All Sing For Your Slumber shows are free, but we do encourage donations that go directly to the artists. Admission/seating is limited and first-come, first-served.

View Event →