An evening with PORTLAND YOUTH PHILHARMONIC and IMANI WINDS Celebrating 100 years!  To honor their centennial celebration, the Portland Youth Philharmonic Orchestra welcomes Grammy-Winning “groundbreaking…fearless…vital” (Carnegie Hall) Imani Winds to perform Jeff Scott’s Paradise Valley Serenade, a brand-new work for wind quintet and orchestra recently premiered by the winds of the Detroit Symphony.   Also on the program is Amy […]

The Jack Soref Trio will be celebrating the music of guitar hero Django Reinhardt, and the very special acoustic guitars which have always made his music sing. Django's virtuosic playing, and beautiful compositions gave birth to a rich musical universe, that the Jack Soref Trio delights in being a part of. The band will be […]

HISTORIC ISAIAH THOMAS AWARD RETURNS In every community there are people who unselfishly devote their time and energies to the benefit of others. They do this without expecting reward or acknowledgment, only hoping that their efforts may help to build a better community and greater opportunities for all residents. Isaiah Thomas was a man of […]

Special Guest: TAYLOR DAYNE Saturday, April 6, 2024 7:00 PM 21+ Tickets: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=204265  $40 - General Admission $75 - VIP SOLD OUT $50 - Door *VIP Ticket pricing includes access to tables & food, and access to a VIP-Only cash bar

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 12:00-1:00 Three talented and diverse young musicians will be showcasing their art on the historic 1864 Hook Organ at Mechanics Hall. The event will feature music composed specifically for the organ, as well as orchestral pieces transcribed for this magnificent instrument. Whether you are a seasoned organ music lover or a […]

Every other year, NEHA hosts a Red Tie Soiree to raise funds to support our mission while also honoring and celebrating members of our community who have made a lasting impact on the New England bleeding disorders community. Please join us for this special evening on Saturday, April 20, from 6 PM to 11 PM, at Mechanics Hall in […]

Join us on Thursday, April  25th,  for a spectacular night of musical performances at Beyond the Frames: A Musical Celebration! This two-hour concert celebrates the addition of our three newly unveiled portraits and honors the portrait subjects: William & Martha Brown, Frederick Douglass, and Sojourner Truth. Don't miss performances by: The Mechanics Hall “family” of […]

Join us for an afternoon of great music and conversation that erases the stigma surrounding mental illness. The program includes Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 1, Faure Pavane, and the final movement of Tchaikovsky Symphony No 5. The orchestra will be led by Music Director & Conductor Ronald Braunstein, an award-winning musician who lives with bipolar […]

Joined by the New England Repertory Orchestra and professional soloists, Clark University and Mechanics Hall invite choirs from Worcester and Surrounding Areas in Central Massachusetts for a day of rehearsal at Mechanics Hall culminating in the performance of the Fauré Requiem with the Clark University Chamber Chorus and Clark Sinfonia that same evening. Choir Registration FREE ADMISSION […]

Presented by the Modern Mechanics Guild, a group of young professionals dedicated to innovation and enriching their community just as the original Mechanics Association did. Professional yoga instructor Bridget Vaglio from River & Stone Yoga shares the striking Mechanics Hall stage with musician Laura Cabral to guide you through a truly unique multi-sensory practice. $15 […]

A night of unforgettable melodies and cinematic grandeur! Get ready to embark on an epic cinematic journey like never before! On May 4th, 2024, the Worcester Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of music director Roderick Macdonald, invites you to a spellbinding film music concert that will ignite your senses and transport you to galaxies far, […]

THE ANNUAL FLETCHER FAMILY CONCERT Directed by Chris Shepard, The Worcester Chorus is one of America’s oldest and longest-running choral ensembles. Initially delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, their long-awaited performance of Bach’s Mass in B minor will take place on stage at historic Mechanics Hall in the 2023-2024 Season. For this performance, The Worcester Chorus will be […]

MARC-ANDRÉ HAMELIN “A performer of near-superhuman technical prowess” (The New York Times), pianist Marc-André Hamelin is known worldwide for his unrivaled blend of consummate musicianship and brilliant technique in the great works of the established repertoire, as well as for his intrepid exploration of the rarities of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. He regularly performs around […]

Dr. Ted Conna Memorial Concert Featuring Timothy Terranella, Conductor, and Soloist William Ryan, Concertmaster Additional Performances by: JOMP Jazz Ensemble, Sinfonietta Strings, Clarinet Ensemble, and String Quartet Joy of Music’s original purpose of giving children a joyful and solid foundation for life-long musical growth, regardless of income, is still at the heart of the vital and […]

Sol y Canto’s mission is to create music and performances that move, delight, excite and connect – connect the audience to the richness of Latin American culture; connect individuals, Hispanic and non-Hispanic, to each other through shared experience of music, poetry, humor and a joyful, playful vibe; and connect us all to our hopes and […]

Join us for the Hope & Healing Celebration, Worcester’s premier fundraising gala to support the lifesaving work of UMass Memorial Health. The 2024 Fund-a-Need beneficiary is the UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center, the only full-service pediatric hospital in Central Massachusetts, committed to providing children and families access to the care they need close to home. […]

Tickets & Information

Featuring WGBH/WCRB’s Brian McCreath as emcee, Lawrence Isaacson as resident conductor, Stephen Bulla as guest conductor and selected Boston Symphony Orchestra and Pops brass players, the concert series will be nothing less than … spectacular! Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to experience the power and beauty of brass music live in person either […]

Presented by the Worcester Regional Research Bureau In 1987, when Tom Green, a distinguished civic leader, former Vice President of Norton Company, and a founder of The Research Bureau passed away, we honored his memory by establishing the Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards for outstanding public servants. Since 1988, The Research Bureau has recognized […]

Saturday, June 1 Doors: 3:30pm | Show: 4:00pm Theme: Lift Every Voice: Songs of Hope The Many Voices Mechanics Hall Youth Singers are thrilled to present our 2024 Spring Season Lift Every Voice: Songs of Hope. This program represents diverse musical perspectives calling for peace, human connection, and love. Where words fail, music can transcend all […]

Join us for A Joyful Noise, a concert to benefit Neighborhood Strings, on June 6, 2024 at Mechanics Hall. The evening of sparkling music, tantalizing desserts, and libations includes a world-premiere by acclaimed composer Kareem Roustom, performances by WCMS, Neighborhood Strings, and a host of guest artists. Guest artists come from Community MusicWorks, Boston String Academy, and The Newport […]

Please join us for this event which features a speaking program, salutes to area businesses and a networking breakfast.  More than 200 area professionals attend. REGISTER   Salutes: 100 Years Table Talk Pies, Inc.  100 Years American Heart Association Matt Vaccaro, President & Owner, Worcester Bravehearts Mary McGovern, President, Country Bank Alex Guardiola, President and CEO, […]

Buy Tickets Thursday, July 20 DOORS: 6:15PM SHOW: 7:00PM “Contemporary and timeless” — NEW YORK TIMES   In two decades on the road Jeffrey Foucault has become one of the most distinctive voices in American music, refining a sound instantly recognizable for its simplicity and emotional power, a decidedly Midwestern amalgam of blues, country, rock’n’roll, […]

Sunday, June 30 4:00PM - 11:00PM Tickets and Information

FREE ADMISSION - Registration Encouraged Wednesday, July 10 12PM - 1PM Bring your own lunch, or lunches will be available for purchase Mechanics Hall Principal Organist, Peter Krasinski will be performing with Richard Watson on the trumpet at this special noontime concert. Hailed by the Boston Globe as an “exceedingly gifted” trumpeter, and complimented by […]

Friday, July 12 7pm - 8pm: Lesson 8pm - 11pm: Open Dance Mechanics Hall Members: FREE Nonmembers: $10 Buy Tickets Not a member? No worries, JOIN TODAY! 18+ Join Laura Leones of Fiesta Dance Company of Westborough. Laura will give instruction in Salsa and Bachata from 7:00-8:00 and then the dance floor of our beautiful […]

"Anybody can write music of a sort. But touching the public heart is quite another thing." - John Philip Sousa Wednesday, July 17th 7:00 PM Students & Seniors: $10 | Adults: $20 Buy Tickets The John Philip Sousa Foundation is proud to present the 15th biannual edition of the John Philip Sousa National High School […]

Wednesday, July 31 12:00 PM FREE ADMISSION - Registration Encouraged This young musician will showcase his art on the historic 1864 Hook Organ at Mechanics Hall. The event will feature music composed specifically for the organ, as well as orchestral pieces transcribed for this magnificent instrument. Whether you are a seasoned organ music lover or […]

Join Resident Organist Peter Krasinski as he shows you the inner workings of our historic E. & G.G. Hook Organ. This organ is the oldest organ in the Western Hemisphere that has not been moved from its original installation location. Marvel at this working organ, installed and dedicated in 1864. Members: FREE Non-Members: $12 Buy […]

TAKE3 Seamlessly merging hits from Elvis and the Beatles to Bach and Beethoven, TAKE3 lives at the intersection where pop, rock and classical fusion collide. Described by audience goers as a mini–Trans Siberian Orchestra experience, TAKE3 is nothing short of exhilarating and has electrified audiences at venues and performing arts centers throughout the U.S. Their unmistakable style […]

Saturday, August 17, 2024 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Doors open at 5pm) Buy Tickets   The pageant is produced by Pride Worcester. The pageant aims to showcase the diversity of and give a voice to the local LGBTQ+ community. All participants will be scored against each other with the top two serving as First […]

Cecily DeMarco will showcase her art on the historic 1864 Hook Organ at Mechanics Hall. The event will feature music composed specifically for the organ, as well as orchestral pieces transcribed for this magnificent instrument. Whether you are a seasoned organ music lover or a newcomer to the genre, this event promises to be a […]

The Queer Met Gala of Massachusetts is back! Tickets for #QueerAF2024 are finally here - get yours today. This year’s theme is “I’m with the Banned.” Our books won’t be banished. Our voices won’t be silenced. We won’t be erased. Friday, September 6th 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM 13+ Buy Tickets on Eventbrite Queer AF, […]

Come let’s dance to rich highlife, hiplife, and afro beats at Mechanics Hall with live performances from Amerado, Sista Afia, Ofori Amponsah and others. New England Ghana Festival (NEGFEST) 2024 is a vibrant celebration of Ghana's rich cultural heritage, bringing together a dynamic fusion of arts, music, and dance. This extraordinary festival serves as a […]

Join Laura Leones of Fiesta Dance Company of Westborough. Laura will give instruction in Salsa and Bachata from 7:00-8:00 and then the dance floor of our beautiful Great Hall will open for social dance from 8:00-11:00. Laura came to Latin Dance in 2017 as a student and later instructor at Tumbao Latin Dance in Worcester […]

Tuesday, September 17 7pm-9pm Ages 16 and up Painting: Worcester Skyline (Photo coming soon!) Join Mechanic Hall’s own Jessica Bode as you are guided through the steps to create your own masterpiece. We provide the supplies but you might want to bring an apron.   Cash bar and concessions available. $20 for Members $45 for […]

Beyond the Frames: A Series in Jazz features three performances that, through jazz, musically illuminate the remarkable lives and legacies of Sojourner Truth, William and Martha Brown, and Frederick Douglass, the subjects of the Great Hall’s newest portrait installations. The performances will captivate jazz fans, history buffs, artists, poets and storytellers, and, well, everyone!! Series […]

We're proud to present the 2024 Mechanics Hall Celebration of Excellence and 181st Annual Meeting of the Worcester County Mechanics Association, featuring Master Mechanic Award presentations to Gloria D. Hall and Stacey Luster. Free Admission ~ All Are Welcome Register Today Tuesday, September 24 5:00 - 7:00 PM Doors Open/Registration and Networking 4:30 pm Program […]

WBJ’s 25th Annual 40 Under Forty Awards is a celebration of the rising young leaders from throughout Central Massachusetts. Since 1999 WBJ has recognized over 900 high achieving men and women, and they’ve gone on to accomplish even bigger things over the last 25 years. Not only will a new class of honorees debut this […]

Registration & More Information Jeff Greene was born in 1954 in Worcester, Massachusetts. His father ran a business selling used textile machinery and his mother was a religious school teacher. His parents taught and instilled in him a strong set of economic values that would become the basis of a long and fortuitous career in […]

Harshitha Krishnan is a Grammy nominated performing and recording artist, music educator, and social justice advocate of Indian origin from Lagos, Nigeria. Hailing from a strong background in western classical music, she embraced soul, R&B, alternative, jazz, Indian folk and other world music styles, creating her own distinctive and eclectic sound: a fusion of Indian […]

George Gershwin premiered his “Rhapsody in Blue” 100 years ago, in 1924. His innovative work provides a jazzy showcase for piano soloist Father Sean Duggan, who last appeared with the orchestra in Bach’s Keyboard Concerto #1 in 2023. This afternoon “Classics Lite” concert is great opportunity for families to experience a live orchestra concert together. […]

Beyond the Frames: A Series in Jazz features three performances that, through jazz, musically illuminate the remarkable lives and legacies of Sojourner Truth, William and Martha Brown, and Frederick Douglass, the subjects of the Great Hall’s newest portrait installations. The performances will captivate jazz fans, history buffs, artists, poets and storytellers, and, well, everyone!! Series […]

Join Laura Leones of Fiesta Dance Company of Westborough. Laura will give instruction in Salsa and Bachata from 7:00-8:00 and then the dance floor of our beautiful Great Hall will open for social dance from 8:00-11:00. Laura came to Latin Dance in 2017 as a student and later instructor at Tumbao Latin Dance in Worcester […]

A free educational program offered to 5th and 6th grade students Working with cultural and educational partners, Mechanics Hall brings enriching history, cultural, and performance experiences to children through a variety of programs. Beyond the Frames: Stories of Hope celebrates stories of Hope, Resilience, and Courage through narratives of the historic figures depicted in Mechanics […]

Blending classic soul power with a folk songwriter lyricism, New England’s Ali McGuirk has the rare ability to silence a room with just a few words of a song. With a voice that is raw and sultry and a style rooted in improvisation, her sets are a hypnotic and intimate journey. “With all the hooks […]

In today's rapidly evolving global economy, the need for a skilled workforce has never been more critical. Access to workforce is essential to maintain competitive advantage and ensure sustainable growth in an increasingly complex market. Join the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce on Friday, October 11th for their Game Changers Business Conference and Expo Workforce: […]

Philip Glass Ensemble The Philip Glass Ensemble (PGE) comprises the principal performers of the music of Philip Glass. In 1968, Glass founded the PGE in New York City as a laboratory for his music. Its purpose was to develop a performance practice to meet the unprecedented technical and artistic demands of his compositions. In pioneering […]

Experience the Fall Concert of the Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers, marking their third season. 

A lovely evening of hot finger food and conversation with friends, supporters and WYO families celebrating the start of WYO's 77th Season. Hosted by the WYO Board of Dirctors, we hope you will join us for this wonderful kick-off! Ticket Information: Adult tickets are $20 online in advance, $25 at the door. Tickets are complimentary […]

Beyond the Frames: A Series in Jazz features three performances that, through jazz, musically illuminate the remarkable lives and legacies of Sojourner Truth, William and Martha Brown, and Frederick Douglass, the subjects of the Great Hall’s newest portrait installations. The performances will captivate jazz fans, history buffs, artists, poets and storytellers, and, well, everyone!! The […]

For the first THE COMPLETE BACH presentation of our 2024-2025 Season, Hartford’s premiere professional choir CONCORA (Connecticut Choral Artists), directed by Chris Shepard, will perform three of Bach’s cantatas in the acoustically perfect space of Worcester’s historic Mechanics Hall. Cantatas: BWV 71 – Gott ist mein König BWV 119 – Preise, Jerusalem, den Herrn BWV […]

BACHtoberfest 2024 Free entry, RSVP required Register For THE COMPLETE BACH’s inaugural organ performance, international sonic artist Peter Krasinski will be presenting “Th Expanded Bach “– a multimedia immersive experience for the audience, on one of the most auspicious organs in the world – Worcester’s own Hook Brothers Organ, built in 1864. The performance will […]

The youngest cellist ever to win First Prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition, Zlatomir Fung is poised to become one of the preeminent cellists of our time. Astounding audiences with his boundless virtuosity and exquisite sensitivity, the 24-year-old has already proven himself a star among the next generation of world-class musicians. TICKETS   As Artist-in-Residence with the […]

Be part of THE COMPLETE BACH series by joining our BACHtoberfest Choir! This collaborative choral performance featuring The Worcester Children’s Chorus will offer our audience the opportunity to hear a consortium choir perform these cantatas from the stage at historic Mechanics Hall. TICKETS Cantatas: 62      Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland 122    Das neugeborne Kindelein  50      Nun […]

The Women’s Initiative hosts annual fundraising and member events to drive awareness of our philanthropic and leadership group, highlight our support of adolescent girls, and raise funds to increase our impact. This event is a celebration of women’s philanthropy, leadership, and empowerment of adolescent girls, Stepping Up for Girls is the Women’s Initiative’s signature fundraiser […]

Join Laura Leones of Fiesta Dance Company of Westborough. Laura will give instruction in Salsa and Bachata from 7:00-8:00 and then the dance floor of our beautiful Great Hall will open for social dance from 8:00-11:00. Laura came to Latin Dance in 2017 as a student and later instructor at Tumbao Latin Dance in Worcester […]

The ACE Gala marks a night to celebrate all we have accomplished together since 2006 as we look forward to an even brighter future.

The Idea Swap is the annual event for New England-based nonprofit cultural organizations and touring artists to network and share ideas for touring projects. This year, we will convene back at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA. 

Admission: Free & Open to the Public Time: Doors 11:30am | Show Noon Audience: All Ages Jazz violin and vocalist. Born and educated in Japan, Tomoko Iwamoto majored in electrical engineering at Keio University, but spent a lot of time playing jazz saxophone and singing in the R&B band. She graduated from college in 1988, […]

The incredible talent and wit of Nellie McKay returns to Club 321! “Thanks to (McKay), the Great American Songbook has a living, breathing present as well as a glorious past” – Boston Globe Sister Orchid is Nellie’s seventh album, starting with Get Away From Me (“a tour de force” – The New York Times), including […]

Warren Miller is going big for 75 years! Stacked with unbelievable action and unexpected stories, Warren Miller’s 75 will bring fans to powder stashes and chutes around the world, from Canada, Colorado, California, and Utah to Finland, Japan, Austria, and New Jersey. Catch a diverse lineup of snowsports legends, Olympic hopefuls, world champions, X Games […]

Saturday November 16, 2024 at 3:00 PM, the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra comes to Mechanics Hall to perform their greatest hits, including “In The Mood”, “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, “American Patrol”, “A String Of Pearls”, “Little Brown Jug”, “Pennsylvania 6-5000”, Tuxedo Junction”, and of course their theme song “Moonlight Serenade” as they continue their national […]

Maxim Vengerov Universally hailed as one of the world’s finest musicians, and often referred to as the greatest living string player in the world today, Grammy Award winner Maxim Vengerov also enjoys international acclaim as a conductor and has held teaching positions in the world’s leading conservatoires throughout his career. From his first public debut […]

Admission: Free & Open to the Public Time: Doors 11:30am | Show Noon Audience: All Ages Trío Búho is a latin jazz group featuring pianist José Soto, bassist Greg Loughman, and percussionist Gen Yoshimura. Together, they have forged a new and distinctive voice, rooted both in the rhythms and songs from across Latin America and […]

MABE is turning 50 years! You are cordially invited to register for MABE’s 50th Birthday Celebration. Come honor bilingual education’s past, present, and future with us! Dance to live music from The Hartt Salsa All-Stars, memorialize history, & enjoy appetizers on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 5:30pm in Mechanics Hall, Worcester, MA. Cash bar open. […]

The WY Jazz Program is pleased to host the Empire State Youth Jazz Orchestra for an afternoon jazz exchange concert! Each ensemble will perform their own selections and conclude with joint performances with both ensembles. Light refreshments served and cash bar available. Featuring: Worcester Youth Jazz Ensemble Dan Gabel, Director of Jazz Empire State Youth […]

Sunday, November 24, 2024 Tickets $17 General Admission $12 Seniors, Student & Alumnae Admission Boston Conservatory Orchestra, conducted by Bruce Hangen, highlights an array of Italian composers from throughout the ages, representing opera, ballet, film, and concert music. The program also features Capriccio Italien by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky—an acknowledgment of the many composers […]

Join the Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR) as they host their 19th Annual Holiday Celebration. Buy Tickets Admission is Free

Admission: Free & Open to the Public Time: Doors 11:30am | Show Noon Audience: All Ages Contemporary Soul/Jazz. One of the hottest and most soulful saxophonists to be based in Massachusetts, Myanna plays music that mixes together jazz improvisation with funky rhythms, expressive playing and catchy tunes. Her music, whether it is an original or […]

Join us for an unforgettable End-of-the-Year Recognition Celebration hosted by The Latin American Business Organization (LABO)! We warmly invite all LABO members, local businesses, and community leaders to come together for a night of celebration, connection, recognition and culture. This special evening will honor five outstanding Latin business owners and leaders, highlight LABO’s accomplishments, and […]

The Worcester Chorus Directed by Chris Shepard, The Worcester Chorus is one of America’s oldest and longest-running choral ensembles. Attending their annual performance of Handel’s Messiah at historic Mechanics Hall on the first weekend of December each year is a holiday tradition for many families and choral music fans in the Greater Worcester community and beyond. The […]

The Holiday Royal tea is BACK at Mechanics Hall, and it's going to be the best one yet!

Admission: Free & Open to the Public Time: Doors 11:30am | Show Noon Audience: All Ages This annual holiday concert serves up the spirit of the season in a big way. Navy Band Northeast, a 35-musician ensemble based on board NAVSTA Newport and one of 11 official U.S. Navy bands worldwide, team with the NEC […]

Michelle Willson is known as Evil Gal to blues lovers around the globe. "It is impossible not to be moved by this performer...with her lush, sultry & robust voice, Willson can get a rise out of a stone statue"--MSN music – all music guide. She’s known as Queen of the Vibe Tribe to listeners of […]

Sold out for 43 years, this annual holiday extravaganza features the Massachusetts Symphony, vocal soloists, and chorus, performing holiday favorites. Also on the program is a french horn soloist, audience sing alongs, and a visit from Ol' Saint Nick. Cabaret table seating and balcony seating.

Experience the magic of the holiday season with Dance Prism Ballet’s 42nd season of The Nutcracker, a timeless ballet that captures the wonder and joy of Christmas.

Experience the magic of the holiday season with Dance Prism Ballet’s 42nd season of The Nutcracker, a timeless ballet that captures the wonder and joy of Christmas.

Wednesday, December 18th 12:00PM - 1:00PM FREE ADMISSION -- Eventbrite Registration (Optional) MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!

“The newest Worcester tradition!” Join Cara Brindisi and friends in the Great Hall to celebrate the longest night of the year, as we welcome winter & the holidays with warmth, light, and music!

WYO features young musicians from over 60 towns and 72 schools in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island representing the finest talent from public, private and community music school programs. The third oldest youth orchestra in the country, WYO presents its annual Family Holiday Pops at Mechanics Hall. Featuring the Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Worcester […]

Everyone's favorite comedian Bob Marley is back at Mechanics Hall

Everyone's favorite comedian Bob Marley is back at Mechanics Hall

Reflections in Words and Music The Annual Arthur M. & Martha R. Pappas Foundation Concert The special event with Yo-Yo Ma pairs repertoire from the center of his musical firmament with reflections on how it has shaped his thinking about art, human nature, and our search for meaning. Together, the cellist’s music and words ask […]

Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass - The Annual Stoddard Concert The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass is America’s premier large brass ensemble. A group that always reflects the diverse makeup of men and women in the American culture, RMPBB is dedicated to the notion that music is a gift to be enjoyed by everyone. The […]

For more than a century, the St. Olaf Choir has set the gold standard for choral singing, performing for millions around the world. Composed of 75 mixed voices, the St. Olaf Choir is hailed as one of the nation’s premier a cappella ensembles, renowned for its artistry and beauty of sound.