Palaver Strings is a musician-led string ensemble and nonprofit organization based in Portland, ME. Our mission is to strengthen and inspire community through music. In our musician-led model, Palaver’s musicians share artistic and administrative leadership, guided by a passion for engaging new audiences, addressing social justice issues, and amplifying underrepresented voices. Equally committed to performance and education, Palaver presents a full season of live performances and serves over 325 students each year through the Palaver Music Center in Portland.

As a musician-led ensemble, Palaver operates collaboratively and democratically, with our 13 Co-Artistic Directors sharing musical and administrative leadership. Our adventurous musical programming is shaped directly by individual musicians, who bring their unique interests and experiences to the table. We all share a passion for expanding the possibilities of the string orchestra medium, embracing cross-genre projects, unconventional venues, new and reimagined music, and community collaborations. Palaver uses music to address social justice issues, promote education and dialogue, and amplify underrepresented voices. Education is central to our mission, and we strive to share these values with students of all ages and backgrounds through the Palaver Music Center.