Grammy-nominated. Praised internationally. Based in Portland.

Artist Biography

About Palaver Strings

Palaver Strings is a Grammy-nominated musician-led string chamber ensemble based in Portland, Maine. Founded in 2014, the ensemble operates without a conductor — each musician is an equal voice in the musical conversation, the artistic direction, and the organization's leadership.

The word "palaver" originates from the West African tradition of the palaver hut — a communal space where people gather to resolve disagreements, share knowledge, and build consensus. Palaver Strings was built on that idea: that music done right builds the kind of community that makes the music worth doing.

The ensemble has performed at Carnegie Hall, toured nationally, and received international critical attention from The Guardian, Gramophone, Boston Globe, Musical America, WBUR, The Arts Desk, Classical Music Magazine, and Maine Public Radio. In 2024, their album A Change is Gonna Come received a Grammy nomination for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album.

Palaver Strings also operates the Palaver Music Center (PMC), a community music school for ages 0 through 12+ in Portland — taught by professional musicians whose standard is set by a Grammy-nominated ensemble that performs nationally. PMC runs two tracks under one roof: a pathway track for students pursuing serious musical advancement, and a community track for long-term musical participation and belonging. Sliding-scale tuition, financial aid for all families, and programs embedded in community partner sites throughout the city.