Mechanics Hall is proud to announce its 2025 Worcester Organ Performance Series. This year’s series begins April 16 with a free concert by Salvatore Pronestì, and continues May 1 with Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid, a silent film with live musical accompaniment by Peter Krasinski, Mechanics Hall Principal Organist.
Each of the five planned events will showcase the historic and iconic “Hook Organ,” which Elias and George Hook installed at Mechanics Hall in 1864. Since its restoration in 1982, the Hook Organ has become one of the most popular and respected organs in the United States, and is currently the oldest unaltered four-keyboard pipe organ in the western hemisphere located at its original installation site.
“The ‘Hook Organ’ is also known as the ‘Worcester Organ,’ a name that acknowledges the community who funded its original installation in 1864, and over 100 years later, its restoration,” said Kathleen Gagne, executive director of Mechanics Hall. ”It is an honor to steward this instrument on behalf of the Worcester community, and that requires more than simply dusting. This massive mechanical instrument needs to be played, and it takes an extraordinary player to give it the exercise it needs.”
“I feel a wonderful responsibility to have this instrument sing for the people of Worcester and beyond,” said Krasinski. Because of the organ, he noted that Mechanics Hall has, “become something of a mecca for organists and musicians to visit. The Hall is famous for its acoustics, so it’s a beautiful situation with a restored mechanical organ, with great acoustics, in a great city.”
In the spirit of welcoming the public to enjoy the Worcester Organ, the Organ Performance Series features four free concerts in 2025.
Wednesday, April 16, Italian organist and organ builder Salvatore Pronestì will perform a program titled “The Brilliance of Italian Style: New Horizons of Works and Improvisations.” Pronestì is known for his elegant playing style, orchestral transcriptions, and imaginative improvisations. This performance will showcase the versatility and expressive power of the organ through a blend of original compositions, improvisations, operatic transcriptions, and cinematic tributes.
Registration and tickets are not required – entry is free and open to the public, with cabaret-style seating on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 11:30am, and performance from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. Attendees may bring their own lunch, and additional food and beverage options will be available for purchase.
Thursday, May 1, Series Artistic Director Krasinski takes the bench himself to provide live, improvised accompaniment for the 1921 silent film The Kid. Written, produced, directed by, and starring Charlie Chaplin, The Kid is one of the most beloved films of the silent era – a heartwarming tale of resilience, love, emotion, and comedy. Krasinski will give a talk back following the performance, sharing information about the Organ, offering insight into his process, and answering audience questions.
Krasinski said that his style of accompaniment for silent films is made possible by decades of experience with music theory, performance, and the instrument’s repertoire. “I genuinely do improvise. I avoid pre-composed music because I feel that takes away from the film. I like to let the movie tell me what to do, and I’m so blessed to be able to let that music fall out of me.”
Gagne agreed and added, “Peter is well known for his improvisation, and he also an exquisite classical organist. His talent has floored me many times over the years.”
Doors for this all-ages event will open at 6:30pm, and the show will begin at 7:00pm. Admission is free for Mechanics Hall members, and there is a suggested minimum donation of $10 for non-members. Concessions will be available for purchase, and seating will be general admission in the Great Hall.
The Worcester Organ Performance Series will also include the three free concerts noted below, which are presently in development. An announcement with further details will follow once finalized.
Wednesday, August 13: “Artist Showcase” with the Worcester Chapter, American Guild of Organists
Wednesday, August 20: “Youth Showcase” with Gavin Klein, College of the Holy Cross Organ Scholar, Class of
2026.
Wednesday, December 17: “Holiday Performance” with Mechanics Hall Principal Organist Peter Krasinski
The Worcester Organ Performance Series takes place in the Great Hall of Mechanics Hall, located on the 3rd floor of 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.
For more information about the Worcester Organ, visit: https://mechanicshall.org/the-worcester-organ/
For more on the Worcester Organ Performance Series, visit: https://mechanicshall.org/worcester-organ- performance-series/.
Worcester County Mechanics Association is a 501c3 non-profit organization established in 1842 Mechanics Hall built 1857