Palm Strings

This quartet has evolved and participated in educational outreach programs and performed for numerous events. Faculty members of the United States Navy War College called them "a class act" and "the best we've heard."

For 2008, the quartet was honored to perform with the legendary Beach Boy, Brian Wilson and his band at Warner Theater in Washington, DC performing his entire "That Lucky Old Sun" album. Their 2007 season included debut performances at the Library of Congress, Mattawoman Creek "Arts in Park" Festival, and the Lurman Summer Concert Series. They've also performed for the White House Military Office and the French and Italian embassies.

Members have studied chamber music at the University of Maryland, Temple University, and Yale, together with various prestigious ensembles including the Juilliard and Sunrise string quartets. These musicians continue to be acknowledged for their technique and exciting repertoire.

Click below to view songlists:

Pop/Rock/Jazz/Modern

Traditional/Jewish

Media Samples

More Information

Neil Puzon, Violinist and Founder

Neil Puzon, a founding member of the St. Charles String Quartet, studied violin with Nancy McAllister at the Wilmington Academy of Music in Wilmington, NC. Mr. Puzon continued his violin studies and chamber music at the University of Maryland at College Park. He has performed at Howard University, Lisner Auditorium, George Mason Center for the Arts, and the Kennedy Center. He performs in chamber music recitals throughout Southern Maryland and around DC.  Currently, Mr. Puzon resides in St. Charles, MD and enjoys teaching violin at his music studio.

Tara Planeta, Violinist

Tara Planeta is delighted to resume the 2nd Violin position with the quartet since her recent return to the DC metro region. Ms. Planeta earned her Masters Degree in Music Performance with Orchestral Emphasis from Arizona State University in 2003, and has performed with orchestras across the nation including the Arizona Opera, Phoenix Symphony, Las Vegas Philharmonic, Richmond Symphony, National Philharmonic, and is a current member of the Roanoke Symphony.  Ms.Planeta has had the privilege of sharing the stage with stars such as Wynonna Judd, Art Garfunkel, Aaron Neville, Natalie Cole, & Liza Minelli. Chamber music has been a part of Ms.Planeta’s life since childhood, and she has studied with renowned coaches at numerous venues ranging from universities to summer festivals. In addition to performing, Ms.Planeta also teaches privately, has studied Educational Leadership at the doctoral level, and maintains a studio of all ages/levels.  In her spare time, Ms.Planeta enjoys spending time her dog and horses.

Erik Klevjer, Violist

Erik Klevjer studied viola performance at Walnut Hill, New England Conservatory, Peabody Conservatory, and Catholic University with principal violists of the Baltimore Symphony and Philadelphia Orchestra. Erik has completed tours in Cuba, Italy, and Mexico, and performed with the Baltimore Symphony. He has also participated in the Aspen Summer Music Festival, and was both a student and counselor at the Greenwood Music Camp in Massachusetts.  Erik has also taught and performed with the D.C. Youth Orchestra Program.  Erik has been performing with the Quartet since 2006.

Kirill Romanov, Cellist

Kirill Romanov began his cello studies at the Gnesiny Music School in Moscow studying with Igor Dmitriev.  He continued his studies with Victor Simon of the Moscow Conservatory and with John Gevorkian of the Yerevan Conservatory.  He studied chamber music with members of the Julliard String Quartet in 2003.  He earned first place at the Cogen Concerto Competition in 2003 and the winner of the 2003 American Arts Festival in New York City. Mr. Romanov has performed at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater, and the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Currently Mr. Romanov resides in Rockville, MD and enjoys performing original vocals and acoustic guitar with his band, Force-Major.