Portland-based Palaver Strings presents Witnessing Change, a multimedia, place-based performance exploring the transformation of Portland’s Munjoy Hill neighborhood over the last fifty years.

At this time of immense change in Portland, with a shifting community and signs of gentrification, Palaver takes a look into the complex demographic changes that have shaped Portland’s beautiful Munjoy Hill neighborhood over the last 50 years. Palaver Strings will premiere two new pieces by local composers Noah Fishman and Abby Swidler, who will collaborate with dance artist Riley Watts and incorporate interviews with Munjoy Hill residents. Music for the evening will include these new compositions as well as Tchaikovsky’s evocative Serenade for Strings. This performance was recorded in the historic ballroom in Mechanics’ Hall, which has served as an important gathering space for Portland’s growing community. The building reflects the city’s history and is a monument to the creative people behind it. With this performance, we invite audience members to engage with the diverse stories of their neighbors and reflect on the role we all play in creating community.

This program is co-presented with Palaver Strings, Mechanics’ Hall, and the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization and will be streamed virtually on June 3 at 7pm ET from Palaver’s YouTube channel. This performance is ‘pay what you wish’ and you can visit their event page here to make your contribution.

Palaver Strings is a musician-led string ensemble and nonprofit organization based in Portland, ME, whose mission is to strengthen and inspire community through music. Palaver’s musicians share artistic and administrative leadership, guided by a passion for engaging new audiences, addressing social justice issues, and amplifying underrepresented voices through classical music. Each year, Palaver presents over 40 live performances featuring diverse musical programming, cross-genre projects, and community collaborations. Equally committed to education, Palaver offers music instruction to over 325 students per year through the Palaver Music Center in Portland, ME.

Membership with Mechanics’ Hall is free for students and starts at just $50 a year for individual memberships, which includes use of the library, free and discounted access to programs, and much more. Consider becoming a member today and help support programs like this.