Upcoming events.
but there is this | lewiston, me
But There Is This explores our journey through life and our quest for meaning, even when it remains elusive. In works by Corigiliano, Mustonen, Yoshimatu, and Shostakovich, fragments of themes and ideas emerge over time, slowly and imperfectly revealing themselves as part of a larger whole. Each piece takes us on a journey through extreme emotions which are rarely resolved, challenging us to perceive beauty in the small details that make up our lives, even when the whole remains unclear. This program reminds us, in the words of Barabara Ras, that “there is the voice you can still summon at will, like your mother’s/it will always whisper, you can’t have it all, but there is this.”
photo by titilayo ayangade
but there is this | portland, me - family concert
But There Is This explores our journey through life and our quest for meaning, even when it remains elusive. In works by Corigiliano, Mustonen, Yoshimatu, and Shostakovich, fragments of themes and ideas emerge over time, slowly and imperfectly revealing themselves as part of a larger whole. Each piece takes us on a journey through extreme emotions which are rarely resolved, challenging us to perceive beauty in the small details that make up our lives, even when the whole remains unclear. This program reminds us, in the words of Barabara Ras, that “there is the voice you can still summon at will, like your mother’s/it will always whisper, you can’t have it all, but there is this.”
photo by titilayo ayangade
but there is this | portland, me
But There Is This explores our journey through life and our quest for meaning, even when it remains elusive. In works by Corigiliano, Mustonen, Yoshimatu, and Shostakovich, fragments of themes and ideas emerge over time, slowly and imperfectly revealing themselves as part of a larger whole. Each piece takes us on a journey through extreme emotions which are rarely resolved, challenging us to perceive beauty in the small details that make up our lives, even when the whole remains unclear. This program reminds us, in the words of Barabara Ras, that “there is the voice you can still summon at will, like your mother’s/it will always whisper, you can’t have it all, but there is this.”
photo by titilayo ayangade
songbook | los angeles, ca
Featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist Vuyo Sotashe and Grammy-nominated pianist Chris Patishall, Songbook celebrates the rich musical heritage of Sotashe’s home country, South Africa. The program includes traditional folk songs in Zulu, Sepedi, and Xhosa, a string quartet by Bongani Ndodana-Breen, choral works by Michael Moreane and Bheki Mseleku, and originals by Vuyo Sotashe, all presented in fresh arrangements for voice, piano, and strings by Chris Patishall. Songbook explores connections between American jazz, South African traditional music, and European classical music, moving fluidly between traditions in a spirit of exploration and joy.
photo by titilayo ayangade
songbook | las vegas, nv
Featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist Vuyo Sotashe and Grammy-nominated pianist Chris Patishall, Songbook celebrates the rich musical heritage of Sotashe’s home country, South Africa. The program includes traditional folk songs in Zulu, Sepedi, and Xhosa, a string quartet by Bongani Ndodana-Breen, choral works by Michael Moreane and Bheki Mseleku, and originals by Vuyo Sotashe, all presented in fresh arrangements for voice, piano, and strings by Chris Patishall. Songbook explores connections between American jazz, South African traditional music, and European classical music, moving fluidly between traditions in a spirit of exploration and joy.
photo by titilayo ayangade
songbook | las vegas, nv
Featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist Vuyo Sotashe and Grammy-nominated pianist Chris Patishall, Songbook celebrates the rich musical heritage of Sotashe’s home country, South Africa. The program includes traditional folk songs in Zulu, Sepedi, and Xhosa, a string quartet by Bongani Ndodana-Breen, choral works by Michael Moreane and Bheki Mseleku, and originals by Vuyo Sotashe, all presented in fresh arrangements for voice, piano, and strings by Chris Patishall. Songbook explores connections between American jazz, South African traditional music, and European classical music, moving fluidly between traditions in a spirit of exploration and joy.
photo by titilayo ayangade
songbook | new york, ny
Featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist Vuyo Sotashe and Grammy-nominated pianist Chris Patishall, Songbook celebrates the rich musical heritage of Sotashe’s home country, South Africa. The program includes traditional folk songs in Zulu, Sepedi, and Xhosa, a string quartet by Bongani Ndodana-Breen, choral works by Michael Moreane and Bheki Mseleku, and originals by Vuyo Sotashe, all presented in fresh arrangements for voice, piano, and strings by Chris Patishall. Songbook explores connections between American jazz, South African traditional music, and European classical music, moving fluidly between traditions in a spirit of exploration and joy.
photo by titilayo ayangade
songbook | portland, me
Featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist Vuyo Sotashe and Grammy-nominated pianist Chris Patishall, Songbook celebrates the rich musical heritage of Sotashe’s home country, South Africa. The program includes traditional folk songs in Zulu, Sepedi, and Xhosa, a string quartet by Bongani Ndodana-Breen, choral works by Michael Moreane and Bheki Mseleku, and originals by Vuyo Sotashe, all presented in fresh arrangements for voice, piano, and strings by Chris Patishall. Songbook explores connections between American jazz, South African traditional music, and European classical music, moving fluidly between traditions in a spirit of exploration and joy.
photo by titilayo ayangade
songbook | waterville, me
Featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist Vuyo Sotashe and Grammy-nominated pianist Chris Patishall, Songbook celebrates the rich musical heritage of Sotashe’s home country, South Africa. The program includes traditional folk songs in Zulu, Sepedi, and Xhosa, a string quartet by Bongani Ndodana-Breen, choral works by Michael Moreane and Bheki Mseleku, and originals by Vuyo Sotashe, all presented in fresh arrangements for voice, piano, and strings by Chris Patishall. Songbook explores connections between American jazz, South African traditional music, and European classical music, moving fluidly between traditions in a spirit of exploration and joy.
photo by titilayo ayangade
An Evening of Serenades: The PSQ in Trio
Ludwig van Beethoven - Serenade in D major, Op. 8 for String Trio
Barbara Strozzi, arr. - Che si può fare
Ernő Dohnányi - Serenade in C major, Op. 10, for String Trio
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
Screen Door Festival at Bay Chamber Concerts: Musical Storytelling
Palaver Strings presents a FREE program specifically for children (ages 4-10) and families with a storybook theme. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of exploration through active listening, musical expression, movement, and mindfulness.
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
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
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
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.
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).
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
psq 3
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