Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers perform their spring concert March 15 at Mechanics Hall.
WORCESTER, MA March 6, 2025 – The Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers (MVYS) will perform their spring concert “Rising Together” at Mechanics Hall Saturday, March 15, 2025. From 4:00-5:00pm, the Great Hall will be filled with a musical message of individuality, empathy, and collective strength through unity.
When it comes to making musical selections for each season’s concerts, MVYS Artistic Director Reagan Paras said he takes inspiration from the performers themselves. “When a singer feels connected to the music, the performance becomes that much more meaningful. I ask them what they care about, what they want to say to the world, then we develop a repertoire that authentically honors the mosaic of cultures represented in the ensemble,” Paras said. “This spring, we’re excited to showcase the remarkable talents of our young performers while celebrating the values of resilience, unity, and community.”
“These messages of hope and collective strength aren’t just on display through the lyrics – they’re exemplified through the performers themselves,” added Christon Carney, Managing Director of MVYS. “Many students have never performed on stage, and some didn’t know anyone else in the room at the first rehearsal. It has been deeply rewarding to support their development and witness how they support each other. They’re ready to perform, so I hope the audience is ready to share in their joy, it’s truly contagious!”
MVYS membership is open to all fourth through eighth graders living or attending school in Worcester – no audition, tuition, or fees are required to participate. Attending MVYS performances is similarly accessible, with tickets to these public concerts available on a “Pay What You Wish” model at the door or in advance through MechanicsHall.org. Donations to the MVYS program are encouraged, and proceeds from the spring concert will continue supporting MVYS initiatives.
The Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers will perform their Spring Concert on their home stage: the Great Hall of Mechanics Hall. The Great Hall is on the third floor of Mechanics Hall, located at 321 Main Street, Worcester. The Great Hall is accessible by elevator from the Waldo Street entrance, or by stairs from both the Main Street and Waldo Street entrances.
About Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers
Founded in 2022, MVYS is an all-city, non-auditioned chorus open to fourth through eighth graders from every Worcester neighborhood. Under professional direction and with Mechanics Hall – one of the world’s most renowned concert halls – as their “home stage,” children learn to sing a variety of music, build friendships, and work toward excellence, together and in harmony. There is no cost to participate in the chorus. Any fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh grader living or attending school in Worcester is welcome to participate. Learn more at https://mechanicshall.org/many-voices-mh-youth-singers/.
About MVYS Artistic Director Reagan G. Paras
Reagan G. Paras, serves as an Associate Professor for Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. A passionate conductor, singer, and educator, he has directed performance tours across the United States and abroad. In addition to being the Artistic Director for Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers, he serves as Music Director for The Salisbury Singers, one of the premier choral ensembles in MA. Throughout the summer, he conducts the Kodály Music Institute Choir, which is comprised of music educators from across the globe. Reagan was recently elected to represent the United States as a Conducting Fellow for the American Choral Directors Association’s International Choral Exchange Program. In summer 2024, he conducted across Europe with American Music Abroad performing in esteemed venues in Hungary, Czech Republic, and Austria.
About MVYS Managing Director Christon Carney
Christon Carney is a multi-faceted tenor, educator, and arts advocate based in Worcester, MA. A native of Nashville, TN, he holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the New England Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Lipscomb University.
Christon made his operatic debut with Nashville Opera and has since performed with companies such as Boston Lyric Opera, taking on roles as a principal artist, outreach performer, and chorister. As a concert soloist, he has appeared with the Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra, the Nashville Symphony, and Nashville’s Heimermann Chorale. With over a decade of choral experience, he has premiered new works, sung with distinguished vocal ensembles, and performed as a featured soloist.
Recognized for his artistry and impact in the community, Christon was honored as a 40 Under 40 award recipient by the Worcester Business Journal. He has performed throughout the region for a variety of notable events, including the Salisbury Singers 50th Anniversary, Holiday Pops with the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, Worcester Frederick Douglass Readings, Catch the Fire at the Worcester Center for Crafts, and many more. As a recitalist, he has presented programs for Music at Trinity, College of the Holy Cross, the College Church Concert Series, and Mechanics Hall’s Concerts Plus Series, among others.
In addition to his performance career, Christon is a dedicated educator, fostering the next generation of musicians. He serves as the Education and Outreach Manager at Mechanics Hall and teaches voice at JMS School of Singing in Shrewsbury and Pakachoag Music School in Worcester.
About Mechanics Hall
Steeped in the rich history of 19th century Worcester, Mechanics Hall is internationally regarded as one of the world’s great concert halls. Regionally, it is a meeting place beloved for the central New England location, its architecture, and the legacy of prominent figures engaged. The world’s most renowned orchestras and performers – including the London Philharmonic, Yo-Yo Ma, Ella Fitzerald, and Linda Ronstadt – have taken the Hall’s stage. Among the many luminaries who have spoken at Mechanics Hall are Charles Dickens, Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, and Mark Twain. In addition to serving as a premiere venue and recording site, Mechanics Hall offers inspiring cultural experiences for diverse audiences through a variety of creative initiatives, including free concerts, community events, a youth chorus, and collaborative programs with local colleges and nonprofit organizations.
Mechanics Hall is a nonprofit organization owned and operated by the Worcester County Mechanics Association, est. 1842. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Learn more at MechanicsHall.org.