The Portland String Quartet has been leading the way for chamber music performance and education in Maine since it's inception in 1969.
"We are indeed fortunate that this venerable group widely respected for its technique, versatility and musicality, continues to thrive and calls Maine its home base."
- Morton Gold, Portland Press Herald
Your Portland String Quartet
Callie Brennan | Violin
Callie Brennan was raised in Maine, where she spent her childhood writing short stories, practicing fiddle tunes, and tracking mud all through the house. At twelve years old she began studying with Ronald Lantz, who is to thank for her constant cracking of jokes. She attended the PSQ summer chamber music workshop at St. Joseph’s throughout her high school years, and it was because of this experience that she decided to pursue music as a career.
Callie received a Bachelor’s degree in violin performance from the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she studied with Lina Bahn and Harumi Rhodes. In her third year she traveled abroad to Sydney, Australia, studying under the tutelage of Ole Bohn at the Sydney Conservatorium. In 2016 she moved to London where she completed two Master’s degrees in music and violin performance at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and indulged in far too much tea.
During her time abroad Callie performed alongside the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle, collaborated with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and recorded a film soundtrack at Abbey Road Studios. She was invited to play in Scotland, Spain, Italy, and France, in venues such as The Barbican Stage, Royal Festival Hall, and the Sydney Opera House; more recently, Red Rocks Amphitheater and Boettcher Hall in Denver. She has appeared on stage with artists such as Bela Fleck, the Wu Tang Clan, Kristin Chenoweth, Father John Misty, Amos Lee, The Indigo Girls, Leslie Odom Jr., and many others.
Back in the States, she held title positions with the Spartanburg Philharmonic (Concertmaster), the West Virginia Symphony (principal 2nd), and the Fort Collins Symphony (principal 1st), and section positions in the Colorado Ballet and Colorado Music Festival. Also appearing regularly with the Colorado Symphony and Colorado Opera, she (unfortunately) never did find the time to ski the Rockies - a reality she’ll never be able to live down.
Callie has an extensive background in chamber music and has trained with ensembles such as the Portland String Quartet, Takács Quartet, Heath Quartet, Endellion Quartet, Chilingarian Quartet, and the Zodiac Trio. She has enjoyed several solo appearances with orchestra, performing the Walton Violin Concerto in Waterloo, London, and more recently, Mozart’s third concerto for violin with the Spartanburg Philharmonic, a concert sponsored by the Habisreutinger Stradivari Foundation.
Having recently moved back to Maine, Callie now holds a position with the Portland Symphony Orchestra and has fulfilled her long-time dream of joining the PSQ. When not practicing or dashing off to rehearsal, she spends her time trail running, beach walking, and eating alarming amounts of chocolate.
Brianna Fischler | Viola
Brianna Fischler is a versatile musician and dedicated educator, excelling as a violinist and violist. Armed with a B.M. in Violin Performance from Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, Brianna honed her craft under the tutelage of the esteemed Bayla Keyes.
With an impressive background, Brianna's musical journey includes being an alumna of Kinhaven Music School and participating in renowned programs such as the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Aspen Music Festival, National Orchestral Institute, Garth Newel Music Center, and Three Bridges International Chamber Festival. Her performances have graced illustrious venues like The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, National Sawdust, Bay Chamber Concerts, and Tanglewood.
Brianna's dedication to excellence has been shaped by her experiences in masterclasses with luminaries like Ani Kavafian and Pinchas Zukerman.
A passionate advocate for music education, Brianna is a founding member and serves as the Education Coordinator of Palaver Strings, a dynamic chamber ensemble based in Portland, ME, committed to community engagement through music. Her commitment to nurturing young talent led her to become certified in Early Childhood Music Learning Theory and the Suzuki Method. She shares her expertise as a faculty member at the Palaver Music Center, in addition to mentoring students from her thriving private studio.
In 2022, Brianna achieved a significant milestone by joining the esteemed Portland String Quartet, adding a new dimension to her illustrious career. Beyond her musical pursuits, she resides in Portland, ME, where she finds joy in the company of her loyal sheepadoodle and feline companion.
Kelly Knox | Cello
Known for her expressive versatility and commitment to musical connection, cellist Kelly Knox is an accomplished performer and dedicated educator based in Boston. She is the cellist of the Portland String Quartet, a faculty member at the All Newton Music School, and serves as the Teaching Artistry and CEPS (Community Engagement and Professional Studies) Coordinator at the New England Conservatory.
An active soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player, Kelly has performed extensively across the United States and internationally in Italy, China, Peru, and Ecuador. Her orchestral experience includes positions with the Evansville Philharmonic, Owensboro Symphony, Peoria Symphony, Terre Haute Symphony, and The Orchestra Now. She regularly performs with the Portland Symphony Orchestra and has appeared as a soloist on Chicago’s 98.7 WFMT, at Stanford University’s Bing Concert Hall, and with the St. Philip Neri Chamber Players performing Haydn’s Cello Concerto in D Major. Her recording and film credits feature an appearance in Bradley Cooper’s Oscar-nominated film Maestro and an orchestral project with viral singer-songwriter JVKE in collaboration with Microsoft.
Kelly is dedicated to community engagement and creating accessible pathways to connection through music. In 2017, she co-founded MúsicaOcupa, an international chamber music festival dedicated to democratizing classical music in Quito, Ecuador. As the Didactic Outreach Coordinator and a Performing Artist, she played a pivotal role in organizing, executing, and performing in concerts and educational experiences that brought classical music into schools, public spaces, and unconventional venues.
With over 18 years of teaching experience, Kelly has shared her love and knowledge of the cello through private lessons, group classes, and masterclasses to students ranging from age 5 to 70+. She completed her pedagogy training in violin and cello with Mimi Zweig, Susan Moses, and Helen Shively Ford at Indiana University’s prestigious String Academy, where she also served as Faculty Cello Instructor. She holds a Performance Diploma and Master’s Degree from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where she studied with Peter Stumpf, a second Master’s from Bard College, and a Bachelor’s Degree from Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts.