Artist in Residency Series: Palaver Strings
Portland-based Palaver Strings, a musician-led string ensemble, will perform and engage visitors at “pop-up studios” beginning this September at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. Visitors to the Museum & Theatre will experience music performances, exhibits about music appreciation, and music-related workshops. Audience participation is strongly encouraged.
The first pop-up on Saturday, September 10 from 2 pm to 4 pm will consist of interactive activities that provide children and families up-close experiences with classical musicians and instruments. Admission during these performances is Pay What You Can to ensure finances are not barriers to participation. Free for Museum & Theatre members.
Palaver Strings Artist in Residency series is made possible by generous support from the Sam L. Cohen Foundation.
The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is supported in part by an American Rescue Plan Act grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support general operating expenses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Artist Statement
Over the years, we noticed that our most profound musical experiences often happen outside the concert hall - in hospitals, daycares, classrooms, and schools. We wanted to play not only for our community but with our community, using the power of music to create a space for dialogue and creativity. Palaver is excited to partner with the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine as we bring interactive musical activities directly to young people and families.
About Palaver Strings
Palaver Strings is a musician-led string ensemble and nonprofit organization based in Portland, ME. Founded in 2014, Palaver has established itself as a forward-thinking ensemble whose mission is to strengthen and inspire community through music. In their 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. Each year, Palaver presents a full series of live performances featuring diverse musical programming, cross-genre projects, and community collaborations.
Palaver Strings Artist in Residency Dates/ Details
Session 1 - September 10, 2022 | 2 pm to 4 pm - Pay What You Can
An afternoon at the Museum & Theatre with Palaver Strings
Join Palaver Strings on September 10 from 2 pm to 4 pm for an afternoon of interactive musical experiences inspired by Museum & Theatre exhibits. The afternoon will start with a performance of Ferdinand the Bull in Maddy's Theatre. Children and families can then visit “pop-up” stations throughout the museum featuring music presented in various ways, from storytelling in Beautiful Blackbird to making art in From the Mountains to the Sea. Listen, interact, and enjoy at your own pace. The Museum & Theatre will offer a Pay What You Can ticketing option for this play session to eliminate barriers families might face in taking full advantage of our new facility and this event. Free for Museum & Theatre members.
Space is limited. Reserve your Museum Visit today.
Session 2 - November 16, 2022 | 2 pm to 4 pm
Art & Music with Palaver Strings and Kifah Abdullah
Join Palaver Strings on November 16 from 2 pm to 4 pm for an afternoon with Palaver musicians and local artist Kifah Abdulla. Visitors are invited to participate in an art-making activity inspired by music.
Session 3 - March 15, 2023 | 2 pm to 4 pm
Make Your Own Instrument with Palaver Strings
Join Palaver String for a music-making experience. Children and families will learn how to make an instrument using recycled materials. Through this experience, students will learn how sound travels through everyday items they can find at home. This session will include a presentation and performance featuring Palaver musicians and their instruments.