Introducing Chatter PDX, a new performing arts series in Portland, Oregon. Inspired by the success of the innovative Chatter series in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which has captivated audiences for over 15 years, Chatter PDX brings a unique blend of music, spoken word, coffee, and reflection to the vibrant cultural landscape of Portland.
September 27, 2026
SUNDAY
@ 10:30 am
Pacific Center, 851 SW 6th Ave, PDX
Adults – $20
Students and under 30 – $10
18 and under / Arts for All – $5
Schubert Octet
Franz Schubert Octet in F Major, D. 803
James Shields clarinet
Ben Greanya bassoon
Joseph Berger horn
Shintaro Taneda, Mathea Goh violin
Haojian Wang viola
Trevor Fitzpatrick cello
Kaden Henderson bass
Prudence Brooks spoken word
UPCOMING SHOWS
October 4, 2026
The Overlook
Bonnie Miksch Rhapsody Imbued for bass clarinet and string quartet*
Forbes Graham Crossing
Reena Esmail Selections from This Is It
Shelley Washington Middle Ground
James Shields bass clarinet
THE OVERLOOK
Yezu Woo, Monica Davis violin
Angela Pickett viola
Laura Metcalf cello
Dan Raphael spoken word
*commissioned by Chatter PDX
October 11, 2026
Transformations :: Tucker & Dvořák
**Akshaya Tucker Melting
Antonín Dvořák Piano Trio No. 4, Op. 90 "Dumky"
James Shields clarinet
Shintaro Taneda violin
Trevor Fitzpatrick cello
Maria Garcia piano
Alex Dang spoken word
**chatterWORKS composer-in-residence
October 18, 2026
Forest Wanderings :: Brahms Horn Trio
James Shields Sonata in One Movement
Johannes Brahms Horn Trio in E-Flat Major, Op. 40
James Shields clarinet
Joseph Berger horn
Margot Schwartz violin
Judith Gordon piano
Jeff Alessandrelli spoken word
October 25, 2026
Constellations :: Osberg, Shields, Tucker & Poulenc
**Kimberly Osberg WORLD PREMIERE for Wind Quintet + Piano**
Akshaya Tucker* Hold Sacred
James Shields Anemos Arcturus
Francis Poulenc Sextet for Piano and Winds
Zach Galatis flute
Karen Wagner oboe
James Shields clarinet
Joseph Berger horn
Kai Rocke bassoon
Maria Garcia piano
July Westhale spoken word
*commissioned by Chatter PDX
**chatterWORKS Composer-in-Residence
November 1, 2026
Kindled :: Brahms & Piazzolla
Astor Piazzolla Oblivion
Johannes Brahms Piano Trio No. 2
Searmi Park violin
Pansy Chang cello
Monica Ohuchi piano
Laura Weeks spoken word
November 8, 2026
Dvořák & Bunch
Kenji Bunch Duos for Violin and Viola
Antonín Dvořák Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major
Angella Ahn violin
Anthea Kreston violin
Kenji Bunch viola
Jason Duckles cello
Monica Ohuchi piano
Tina Chang spoken word
November 15, 2026
Hommage à Schumann
György Kurtág Hommage à R. Schumann
Rebecca Clarke I'll Bid My Heart Be Still for Viola and Piano
Lepo Sumera Quasi Improvisata for Clarinet and Piano
Robert Schumann Märchenerzählungen
James Shields clarinet
Kenji Bunch viola
Monica Ohuchi piano
Penelope Scambly Schott spoken word
November 22, 2026
Martinů :: La revue de cuisine
Francis Poulenc Clarinet Sonata
Francis Poulenc Sonata for Clarinet and Bassoon
Amanda Harberg Aria
Bohuslav Martinů La revue de cuisine
James Shields clarinet
Carin Miller bassoon
TBA trumpet
Greg Ewer violin
Trevor Fitzpatrick cello
Maria Garcia piano
Laura Winter spoken word
November 29, 2026
From the Diary of Virginia Woolf
Dominick Argento From the Diary of Virginia Woolf
Hannah Penn voice
Maria Garcia piano
Armin Tolentino spoken word
The Chatter Experience
Chatter performances occur weekly at 10:30am and give audiences the opportunity to hear a wide variety of classical chamber music and spoken word performed by local artists.
Coffee and mingling with the audience and performers before and after the show is an essential part of the Chatter PDX experience!
SUNDAYS
@ 10:30am
Doors open at 9:30am
Music starts at 10:30am
Open seating – first come, first serve
Credit: 45th Parallel / Rachel Hadiashar
MEET OUR TEAM
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