St. Olaf Choir Concert
2025-02-04 19:30 (America/New_York) | MA
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.

“We seek to be a transforming force in society through choral performance, bringing understanding, mercy, justice, peace, and hope to a world that desperately cries out for these things.” – Anton Armstrong

Tickets

Tier 1: $45
Tier 2: $37
Tier 3: $30
STUDENTS: $10
*Please note, Balcony seating is not accessible by elevator and may not be suitable for those with mobility concerns

For more than a century, the St. Olaf Choir, conducted by Dr. Anton Armstrong, 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.
The St. Olaf Choir was founded in 1912 by F. Melius Christiansen, whose work established the ensemble’s standard of excellence and its tradition of bringing music to audiences outside of campus. Christiansen chose spiritually profound music and pushed student musicians to perfect a tone that was disciplined, controlled, and free of excessive vibrato. That sound — securely in tune, controlled in pitch, smooth in delivery — became the choir’s hallmark.
When Armstrong took the helm in 1990, his vast knowledge of music and his ability to articulate a vision to singers and audiences alike took the St. Olaf Choir to the next level, adding more flavor to its signature sound and further expanding its repertoire to include music of the Pacific Rim, Africa, and Latin America.
Under Armstrong’s leadership, the choir continues to expand its touring horizons, engaging capacity audiences in major concert halls throughout the United States and worldwide. The ensemble has toured internationally 16 times. Most recently the St. Olaf Choir toured South Africa for three weeks in 2024, performing alongside Tuks Camerata, Quava Vocal Group, and other standout choral ensembles.

Anton Armstrong, Tosdal Professor of Music at St. Olaf College, became the fourth conductor of the St. Olaf Choir in 1990. He is a graduate of St. Olaf College and earned advanced degrees at the University of Illinois and Michigan State University. He is editor of a multicultural choral series for Earthsongs Publications and co-editor (with John Ferguson) of the revised St. Olaf Choral Series for Augsburg Fortress Publishers. In June 1998, he began his tenure as founding conductor of the Oregon Bach Festival Stangeland Family Youth Choral Academy. ] In January 2006, Baylor University selected Anton Armstrong from a field of 118 distinguished nominees to receive the Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching and spent February–June 2007 in residency at Baylor University as a visiting professor. In October 2009, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Michigan State University. In June 2013, Dr. Armstrong received the Saltzman Award from the Oregon Bach Festival. The festival’s highest honor, the Saltzman Award is bestowed upon individuals who have provided exceptional levels of leadership to the organization. Dr. Armstrong is a highly sought-after clinician and guest conductor, and works with many of the world’s most prestigious organizations and ensembles.

Courage to Dream: A Black History Month Celebration
2025-02-08 17:30 - 21:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Buy Tickets!

“Courage to Dream” will tell the courageous faith stories of Black and Brown immigrants who have journeyed to Worcester County in search of a better life. Through performances by local artists, actors, choirs, and culinary creatives, we will celebrate their resilience and contributions.
In addition to several powerful performances, an Art Gallery will be open before and after the show, displaying artwork from local artists celebrating African American History.
The show will begin at 6PM with a musical play featuring local actors and performers.
A small expo with local food vendors from the diaspora and local community service vendors will be open pre and post show until 9PM
Artists include:

Kirosha – Local recording artist and founder of Kingdom Voices & Music
Amanda Shea – Award winning poet
Mandel Ropario – Extraordinary instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, producer
5th Blend – Local a cappella group
Kings Kids – Worcester County Community Children’s Gospel Choir
SLA Voce
AND MORE!

Sponsored by:

Swinging through the Decades of Jazz
2025-02-10 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Swinging through the Decades of Jazz
Daniel Kelly Quintet
6th Grade Culture LEAP

Monday, February 10, 2025
9:30am & 11:30am

The “Swinging through the Decades of Jazz” program immerses Worcester Public School 6th-grade students in the rich history and cultural evolution of jazz music in the United States. From its roots in African traditions to the influence of diverse cultures, students will explore how jazz became one of America’s most celebrated musical genres.
🎤 Students will enjoy a live concert performance tracing the development of jazz — from early styles to modern interpretations — while learning to analyze key techniques like call-and-response. By understanding how these musical elements create unity and spark interest, students will connect with jazz on a deeper level.
Through Culture LEAP Field Trips, Worcester students gain access to inspiring, educational arts experiences that expand their understanding of music, culture, and history. Mechanics Hall is honored to be part of this vital program that fosters creativity, curiosity, and cultural appreciation in young learners.
Please Note: This is a School Event and Not Open to the Public.
Teachers interested in attending can contact their school administration for more information. Parents who want their child to participate should reach out to their child’s teacher to learn more about how the Culture LEAP Field Trips are integrated into their school’s curriculum.
Mechanics Hall is honored to be part of this vital program that fosters creativity, curiosity, and cultural appreciation in Worcester’s young learners.
Together, we’re keeping the arts alive and thriving in Worcester classrooms!

Daniel Kelly – a composer, pianist and jazz educator who has been called “stunningly original” with “a visionary imagination.” His music draws inspiration from literature, visual art and journalism, captivating audiences across the country. A prolific composer and tireless musical explorer, Kelly continually seeks out new avenues for his creativity.
Kelly is the recipient of the Chamber Music America/ASCAP Adventurous Programming Award, Chamber Music America Residency Partnership Grant, New York State Arts Council Individual Artist Grant and the Aaron Copland Fund. He is the co-founder and co-Artistic Director of Connection Works, an artist-run non-profit organization based in Brooklyn. Kelly has toured throughout Southeast Asia and India as part of the Kennedy Center and US State Department sponsored Jazz Ambassador program. Other notable international performances include benefit concerts for orphan children in the Kangemi slums of Nairobi, Kenya and a concert for the president of Costa Rica.

Love and Romance: A Night of Italian Opera
2025-02-12 19:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Program Details
Composer/organist/pianist Leonardo Ciampa creates a lush landscape, pulling from treasured works including:
Puccini – La rondine and Mannon Lescaut
Verdi – La Traviata and Il trovatore
Donizetti – Maria di Rohan and Lucia di Lammermoor
Mascagni – Cavalleria rusticana and L’amico Fritz
Mechanics Hall presents Love and Romance: A Night of Italian Opera.
What better way to set the mood for Valentine’s Day, than an evening of luscious Italian opera in the Great Hall at Mechanics Hall? Maestro Leonardo Ciampa has assembled an impressive sextet of singers, prepared to share a distinctive program of arias and ensembles from the great Italian operas – providing something for everyone to savor. Enjoy charcuterie and items from our full bar at your choice of table or theatre seating.

Adult: $25
Senior: $20
VIP Package: $120
Includes: Reserved, romantic Table for 2 in premium seating section, charcuterie for 2 and a sweet treat!
Seating and bar service begin at 7:00 pm, with the first singers taking the stage at 7:30 pm.
Reserve tickets now

15% off Mechanics Hall Member tickets

Maestro Ciampa will be joined by a selection of talented singers, including:

British soprano Letitia Stevens has been praised for her expressive performances, warm, rich tone and comic timing. Show MoreMs. Stevens recently returned to singing soprano, after many years singing mezzo-soprano: her first soprano role was Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte with Connecticut Lyric Opera, November 2017, a role she recently reprised with Opera51, “a wonderful Queen of the Night!… high Fs are amazing!” In October 2021 she premiered a set of songs, Les quatre éléments written for her by composer Leonardo Ciampa; at Mechanics Hall. In April 2023 she was the soprano soloist in the world-premiere of Requiem for William, also by Ciampa. She has appeared as soloist with Boston Bel Canto Opera and Greater Worcester Opera, and has given recitals in Boston, at the Shaftesbury Fringe (Dorset, UK) and in France. Her first post-COVID production was with Cambridge Chamber Ensemble, covering Isabells in Wagner’s Forbidden Love. Immediately pre-COVID she was fortunate to sing Madame Herz/Goldentrill in Der Schauspieldirektor with Rhode Island Opera on Tap, as well as excerpts of Queen of the Night and Countess. In July 2019 she gave return recitals at Rozet and Marthon in south-west France, about which Charente Libre wrote, “…she ignited the room with a majestic interpretation…”. In early 2019 she appeared as Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus with Lyric Opera Studio, Weimar and before that she sang Cleopatra in Handel’s Giulio Cesare with The Connecticut Virtuosi & Connecticut Lyric Opera. In 2018-2020 she was a semi-finalist in: The American Prize, in both Opera and Art Song divisions; Talents of the World Competition and Harold Haugh Light Opera Competition.

Montreal Family Photos

Baritone Michael Meraw has performed with companies across North America (including: Pacific Opera Victoria, the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, the Banff Centre, Edmonton Opera, the Richard Eaton Singers, Symphony Regina, the National Arts Centre, the Thirteen Strings, Opéra Atelier, Opera in Concert, Montreal Opera, Seattle Opera, Virginia Opera, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra), in repertoire ranging from Monteverdi and Handel, to Webern and Szymanowski. Show MoreNot only has Meraw garnered critical acclaim in the standard repertoire, winning praise for his Figaro in Rossini’s Barber of Seville and Orff’s Carmina Burana, but he has also brought lesser-known works to new audiences through his incisive portrayals of such roles as King Roger by Szymanowski (“Meraw did well as Roger, with nervy urgency and gripping delivery of his increasingly anguished lines…” — Geoff Chapman, The Toronto Star) and Sir John A. MacDonald in Somers’s Louis Riel (“Dealing with a vocal part that veers from sprechgesang to dramatic declamation, baritone Michael Meraw showed great vocal cut and thrust, in addition to contributing a striking stage presence.” — Richard Turp, Opera Canada). Mr. Meraw has performed many of the standard baritone parts in oratorio including Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Handel’s Messiah, Judas Maccabeas, Joshua and Israel in Egypt, and the Requiems of Brahms and Fauré. A regular recitalist, his repertoire spans the baritone repertoire in English, French, German, Italian and Russian. As well as his regular voice studio at New England Conservatory and his responsibilities as the Artistic Director of NEC’s Undergraduate Opera Studio, Mr. Meraw has become a regular Master clinician and adjudicator at several festivals in China, as well as at AIMS in Graz. Many of his students have gone onto success, winning positions in young artist programs and artist contracts in the United States, Canada and Europe. Michael’s students can include La Scala, the Chatelet, L’Opera Comique in Paris, Minnesota Opera, St. Louis Opera, Montreal Opera, BBC Proms, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra among their recent credits.

Native of Kyiv, Ukraine, Olga Lisovska holds degrees from Middlebury College, École Normale de Musique d’A. Cortot in Paris, France and L’Institut des Sciences Politiques in Paris, France. Hailed as “soprano extraordinaire” by WBUR, Olga is a critically acclaimed classical soprano, whose career involves both singing on prestigious concert stages, including Carnegie Hall, teaching & coaching, and producing performances/events/festivals.Show More Olga produced award-winning operas at Commonwealth Lyric Theater, a Boston-based opera company, and Talents of the World’s Annual Music Festival at Carnegie Hall. As a performer, Ms. Lisovska’s concerts have been featured on Ukrainian, Italian and American TV and radio, including on the Today Show and WBUR. Olga is also a founder of a nonprofit organization, Music, Arts and Fashion Productions, whose mission is to promote the arts and to educate. Ms. Lisovska is a sought-after voice teacher since 2001. As diction and public speaking coach she has been working with Tanglewood Festival Chorus at Boston Symphony, AstraZeneca pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, with Odyssey Opera, and New England Conservatory, among others. Being a passionate connector, Olga serves as Managing Partner at Sky International Center, the largest international social, cultural and business network of 25,000 members in New England. Since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Olga co-founded Sky Philanthropy, a non-profit organization, which supports people in crisis. Sky Philanthropy produced two Boston Ukrainian Festivals, which were attended by over 3,000 people (in 2022) and 5,000 people (in 2023) and were featured in major news outlets. Ms. Lisovska has been giving performance lectures about Ukrainian music and song literature to audiences ranging from children, to students in universities, to adults and seniors.

Teddy Edgar is a Boston-based tenor and actor, hailed by a Boston critic to be “ready for prime-time”! He started his extensive training in Music Theatre and Vocal Performance at the elite Walnut Hill School for the Arts, located in Natick, MA.Show More Teddy won several awards in high school, including: First Place for Music Theatre (twice) and Second Place at NATS, First Place for the Opera Division at The Peter Elvins Competition, and Finalist for both The Hal Leonard Competition and The Classical Singer Competition. At Oklahoma City University, Teddy earned his Bachelor of Music as a double major in Music Theatre and Vocal Performance. Teddy recently received his Master of Music in Opera Performance from Boston Conservatory at Berklee in May 2023. Professional credits include Giuseppe Zangara in Assassins by Stephen Sondheim with Lyric Stage Boston, Chef Louis in Disney’s The Little Mermaid by Alan Menken with Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston, Farmer in Oklahoma by Rodgers and Hammerstein with Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston, and the Ensemble of Pippin by Stephen Schwartz. Represented by Take 3 Talent Agency and Brilliant Talent Management.

Heather Gallagher’s work has been hailed as “standout” (Lawrence A. Johnson, The Miami Herald), “vivid and convincing” Angelo Mao, Boston Classical Review and “great fun”, Jim Lowe, The Barre Montpellier Times. Credits include, La Tragedie de Carmen (Carmen, Seaglass Opera), Whaling Women (Ruth Post, world premiere, Seaglass Opera), the grammy nominated recording of Haroun and the Sea of Stories (Soraya, BMOP), Patience (Lady Saphir, Odyssey Opera) and Ourland (The Policewoman, world premiere, San Jose Chamber Orchestra). Show MoreMs. Gallagher is an Emerging Opera Alumnus with Boston Lyric Opera where she performed a number of comprimario roles, including Mercedes in director Calixto Bieitos staging of Carmen (San Francisco Opera). As a creator and producer she has mounted a number of successful pandemic era productions online and in person through Cultural Wasteland with the help of dramaturg, Peter Schiepers. CW productions include, The Heart Cannot Hold, Letters from New York: the Music of Chris DeBlasio, Britten + Auden, “Crazy B&%ch!”: Classical Music’s Difficult Women, Tom Lehrer for President: An Election Eve Cabaret and a chamber concert version of Das Lied von der Erde. Ms. Gallagher is a soloist in the all professional ensemble at First Church Boston under the direction of Gigi Mitchell Velasco. In her spare time she enjoys baking, biking and creating a fumetti photo style running comic called, Les Familles des Animaux.

Described as having “a comfortable mastery of vocal technique”, internationally accredited Lucas Hickman is a lyric tenor hailing originally from Carlisle, Massachusetts. Show MoreHis performance credits include Turiddu in Cavalleria rusticana with Opera51, Tito in La clemenza di Tito with Metrowest Opera, Cavaradossi in Tosca with Opera51, Nemorino in L’elisir d’amore with the Monterrey Summer Opera Academy, and Bardolfo in Falstaff with the International Summer Opera Festival of Morelia. He also performed with companies such as Boston Lyric Opera, San Antonio Opera, Boston Symphony Orchestra and Opera Vermont. He received his Masters Degree in Voice from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and Bachelors of Music from Ithaca College. A first year Resident Artist with Austin Opera, he will be joining the chorus and covering the role of Pinkerton in their upcoming production of Madame Butterfly.

Leonardo Ciampa
Born in Boston in 1971, composer/organist/pianist LEONARDO CIAMPA is a musician of international acclaim. He is director of music at Our Lady of the Angels and Emanuel Lutheran Church in Worcester, MA, Founding Director of the Organ Festival of Worcester, and Maestro di Cappella Onorario of the Basilica in Gubbio, Italy. Show More
Previously, he served as Artistic Director of “Music for a Great Hall” at Mechanics Hall, Composer-in-Residence at Mechanics Hall, founding director of Arts MetroWest, and artistic director of organ concerts at MIT.
As an organist, Ciampa has toured Europe extensively, performing in Italy, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, and in major festivals such as Festival Perosiano, Festival Organistico Lauretano, and Pistoia Musica Antica. He has given recitals at cathedrals in Vienna, New York City, Boston, and Lucca; basilicas in Rome, Turin, Loreto, and Absam; and abbeys in Dürnstein and Camaiore.
His compositions include Suite Siciliana (commissioned for the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra’s 25th season), several cantatas, organ symphonies (including the Worcester Organ Symphony), and numerous organ works performed by organists across the U.S. Notable premieres include Missa Pamphyliana in Gubbio and Suite Divina at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC.
As a pianist, Ciampa has performed at Zankel Hall (Carnegie Hall) and Mechanics Hall and marked Chopin’s 200th birthday with a six-recital series in Boston. An avid writer, he is the author of books on bel canto, Don Lorenzo Perosi, and Beniamino Gigli.

Free tickets also available through Vettix.org, an organization that provides tickets to events which reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build life-long memories and encourage service members and veterans to stay engaged with local communities and American life.

Salsa Social
2025-02-14 20:00 - 23:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
This Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14, 2025, join us at Mechanics Hall for an evening of timeless elegance, music, and connection. Whether you are planning a romantic outing for two or seeking a vibrant evening among friends, this special celebration offers an experience to cherish in the heart of Worcester.

The festivities commence at 8:00 PM with a dance lesson in Salsa and Bachata led by the talented Laura Leones. Her expertise and engaging style will guide both seasoned dancers and newcomers alike, ensuring all can step onto the dance floor with confidence and grace.
At 9:00 PM, Mechanics Hall comes alive with the rhythms of Willie Colon y El Grupo Chevere. Renowned for their exceptional performances throughout Massachusetts since 1994, their lively and sophisticated music will fill the Great Hall, creating a joyous atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the unmatched ambiance of Mechanics Hall, a historic venue that has brought people together for generations. With its exquisite acoustics and welcoming charm, the Hall is the perfect setting for an evening of dance, music, and community. We invite you to make this Valentine’s Day an occasion to remember.
Mechanics Hall Members: FREE
Nonmembers: $10 online $15 at door
Audience: 18+
Cash bar and concessions available.
BUY TICKETS
🕗 8:00 PM: Salsa & Bachata dance lesson with the amazing Laura Leones—perfect for beginners and seasoned dancers alike!
🎶 9:00 PM: Live music and dancing with the incredible Willie Colon y El Grupo Chevere.

This event is eligible for free tickets under the Card to Culture Program
Mechanics Hall is proud to participate in the Card to Culture program through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Limited number of tickets available. Use promo code CARD2CULTURESALSA to redeem. For eligibility requirements, please see Mechanicshall.org/cardtoculture
Free tickets also available through Vettix.org, an organization that provides tickets to events which reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build life-long memories and encourage service members and veterans to stay engaged with local communities and American life.

Artists:

Club 321 Featuring Duke Robillard
2025-02-20 19:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Artist: Duke Robillard
Mechanics Hall’s Club 321 is proud to present legendary blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter Duke Robillard for an unforgettable evening of live music. Known for his unmatched mastery of the blues guitar and his ability to traverse swing, jazz, rockabilly, and Chicago blues, Duke has solidified his place as one of the most versatile and celebrated artists in contemporary blues. Audiences of all ages—whether lifelong blues enthusiasts, casual listeners, or music lovers seeking a sophisticated night out—are invited to experience this New England blues icon in an intimate and artful setting.
This performance is part of Club 321, an affordable, sophisticated live music series that delivers exceptional monthly concerts on Thursday evenings. Located in the heart of downtown Worcester at Mechanics Hall, the series creates a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends or stepping up your date night. Duke Robillard’s music will set a mood of timeless artistry, transporting the audience through soulful grooves, swinging rhythms, and masterful guitar work that celebrate the rich legacy of American blues.

“One of the great players” – BB King

“Robillard is a soloist of stunning force and originality.” – the New York Times

“One of God’s guitarists.” – The Houston Post

“Most everything Duke Robillard has done as a guitarist during the past four-plus decades…bears witness to his musical intelligence and his dedication to his craft”. – Downbeat

Buy Tickets
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Tickets: $20 Advance | $23 Door
Members: 15% discount off single ticket (enter your promo code when checking out)
Time: Doors 6:15pm | Show 7:00pm
Audience: 18+
Cash bar and refreshments available for purchase

This event is eligible for free tickets under the Card to Culture Program
Mechanics Hall is proud to participate in the Card to Culture program through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Limited number of tickets available, limit of 2 per order. Use promo code CARD2CULTURE321 to redeem. For eligibility requirements, please see Mechanicshall.org/cardtoculture
Free tickets also available through Vettix.org, an organization that provides tickets to events which reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build life-long memories and encourage service members and veterans to stay engaged with local communities and American life.

Mechanics Hall is walking distance from all downtown locations. The accessible entrance to Mechanics Hall is located on Waldo Street. Elevators are located in the ground-floor lobby and provide access to the second and third floors. All concerts take place in Washburn Hall on the second floor. If you need assistance, please contact the Mechanics Hall Ticket Office, Wednesday through Friday from 11:00am to 5:00pm, by calling 508-752-5608.

Dead of Winter Horror Festival
2025-02-22 - 2025-02-23 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
The Dead of Winter Horror Festival is an annual event combining the essences of film festivals and conventions. Dead of Winter showcases the best of the New England Horror community, no matter what art form, in one amazing night

Tickets & Information

Mechanics Hall Guided Tour
2025-02-26 08:00 - 17:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
NEXT TOUR DATE: Monday, June 9, 2025
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am

Open to the Public – Limited Availability
Admission: $10
FREE for Mechanics Hall Members
Join us for a guided tour of Mechanics Hall, Worcester’s treasured landmark and architectural gem. Internationally recognized for its superb acoustics and breathtaking beauty, Mechanics Hall is one of the world’s great concert halls and a premier venue for performances, recordings, weddings, business events, and more.
As part of this special tour, Mechanics Hall Principal Organist Peter Krasinski will provide a live demonstration and discussion on The Worcester Organ, the Hall’s historic tracker pipe organ, also known as The Hook Organ. Built in 1864, this magnificent instrument remains one of the finest surviving examples of its kind. Experience its power and grandeur as Peter Krasinski shares insights into its history, mechanics, and breathtaking sound.
The accessible entrance is located on Waldo Street, with elevators available in the ground-floor lobby for access to all levels. If you need assistance, please contact Mechanics Hall Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, at 508-752-5608. Not sure what this line really means? I propose we change it to, “view more about accessibility here” and link to the /accessibility page.
Mechanics Hall, built in 1857, is owned and operated by the Worcester County Mechanics Association (est. 1842) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore its rich history and hear the magnificent 1864 Hook Organ in action!

Tickets

Worcester Chamber Music Society Presents Voices Rising
2025-02-27 19:30 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Program
Allison Loggins-Hull | Homeland
Carlos Simon | An Elegy: A Cry From the Grave
Carlos Simon | Warmth from Other Suns ♦ listen
Jessie Montgomery | Strum
James Lee III | Abraham’s Sons, In Memory of Trayvon Martin
Adolphus Hailstork | String Quartet No. 2,“Variations on Swing Low Sweet Chariot”

Pre-concert talk: 7:00 PM
Post-concert dessert reception & cash bar
Tickets & more information available at: https://worcesterchambermusic.org/

In collaboration with Worcester Black History Project’s art show I’ve Known Rivers: Black Americans and Labor on display February 1-29 at the Worcester Center for Crafts

Central Massachusetts Heart and Stroke Ball
2025-03-01 17:00 - 22:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Together, we are relentlessly focused on the heart of our community. Through the Heart of Central MA Heart Ball campaign, we celebrate our collective success in driving change, funding science and improving health outcomes for everyone, everywhere. That means taking our efforts beyond the ballroom, working every day to help every heart.
For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has made bold moves to save lives and pioneer scientific discoveries. We haven’t done it alone. We reach our goals working with organizations and individuals who share our vision for better health. The Heart of Central MA campaign unites supporters with a shared purpose to raise the critical funds we need to ensure our work continues. Throughout our campaign we celebrate our milestones, we thank our sponsors, and we honor our heroes. We come together to achieve something bigger than ourselves. We live fierce and fight for all.

Tickets & Information

Event Inquiries:
Sabrina Webb
sabrina.webb@heart.org
351.213.9594

Worcester Chamber Music Society presents: Animal Adventures
2025-03-02 15:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
FREE ADMISSION – Reservation Required

Mechanics Hall comes alive with the voices of a wolf, a boy, a cat, a duck, and a bird in Prokofiev’s beloved story of Peter and the Wolf, followed by delightful depictions of a catalogue of fantastical beasts in Saint-Saën’s Carnival of the Animals. Artwork by students from Abby Kelly Foster School, a meet and greet with the musicians, and refreshments round out the multisensory experience of Worcester Chamber Music Society’s always popular Family Concert.

More Information

Salsa Social
2025-03-07 20:00 - 23:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Join us on March 7, 2025, for an unforgettable evening at Mechanics Hall’s Salsa Social with Camelia Latin Dance Band!
The festivities kick off at 8:00 PM with an energizing Salsa and Bachata dance lesson led by the talented Laura Leones perfect for both seasoned dancers and beginners. At 9:00 PM, the historic Mechanics Hall comes alive with the vibrant rhythms of Camelia Latin Dance Band, creating an inviting atmosphere for an evening of dance, music, and community.

Ticket Information:

• Mechanics Hall Members: FREE
• Nonmembers: $10 online, $15 at the door
• Audience: 18+

A cash bar will be available. Come experience a night of rhythm and fun in a venue steeped in tradition!
Not a member? No worries, JOIN TODAY!

8pm – 9pm: Lesson
9pm – 11pm: Open Dance

This event is eligible for free tickets under the Card to Culture Program
Mechanics Hall is proud to participate in the Card to Culture program through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Limited number of tickets available. Use promo code CARD2CULTURESALSA to redeem. For eligibility requirements, please see Mechanicshall.org/cardtoculture
Free tickets also available through Vettix.org, an organization that provides tickets to events which reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build life-long memories and encourage service members and veterans to stay engaged with local communities and American life.

Worcester Youth Orchestras Presents: 7th Annual Four Orchestras Festival
2025-03-08 15:00 - 16:30 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
WY Symphony & Philharmonic Orchestras
Burncoat High School Orchestra
​Shrewsbury High School Orchestra

Purchase Tickets (pay what you can)

Music Worcester presents: Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields & Jeremy Denk, Piano
2025-03-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
The Academy

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is one of the world’s finest chamber orchestras, renowned for fresh, brilliant interpretations of the world’s greatest orchestral music.
Founded in 1958 by Sir Neville Marriner, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields has evolved into a musical powerhouse, an orchestra renowned across the world for its commitment to the musical freedom of its players and the sharing of joyful, inspiring performances.

Jeremy Denk, piano

Jeremy Denk is one of America’s foremost pianists, proclaimed by the New York Times as “a pianist you want to hear no matter what he performs”. Also a New York Times bestselling author, Jeremy is the recipient of both the MacArthur ‘Genius’ Fellowship and the Avery Fisher Prize, and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Read More
In the 2024/25 season, Jeremy continues his collaboration with longtime musical partners Joshua Bell and Steven Isserlis, with performances at the Tsindali Festival and Wigmore Hall, following on from his multi- concert artist residency at the Wigmore in 2023/24. He also returns to the Lammermuir Festival in multiple performances, including the complete Ives violin sonatas with Maria Wloszczowska, and a solo recital featuring female composers from the past to the present day. He performs this same solo programme on tour across the US, as well as continuing his exploration of Bach in ongoing performances of the complete Partitas. Jeremy is known for his interpretations of the music of American visionary Charles Ives, and in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the composer’s birth, Nonesuch Records will release a collection of his Ives recordings later this year.
Highlights of Jeremy’s 2023/24 season included premiering a new concerto written for him by Anna Clyne, co-commissioned and performed by the Dallas Symphony led by Fabio Luisi, the City of Birmingham Symphony led by Kazuki Yamada, and the New Jersey Symphony led by Markus Stenz. He also reunited with Krzysztof Urbański to perform with the Antwerp Symphony, and with the Danish String Quartet for their festival Series of Four. Jeremy has performed frequently at Carnegie Hall, and in recent years has worked with such orchestras as Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and San Francisco Symphony. Meanwhile, he has performed multiple times at the BBC Proms and Klavierfestival Ruhr, and appeared in such halls as the Köln Philharmonie, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and Boulez Saal in Berlin. He has also performed extensively across the UK, including recently with the London Philharmonic, Bournemouth Symphony, City of Birmingham Symphony, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, BBC Symphony, and Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
Denk is also known for his original and insightful writing on music, which Alex Ross praises for its “arresting sensitivity and wit.” His New York Times Bestselling memoir, Every Good Boy Does Fine, was published to universal acclaim by Random House in 2022, with features on CBS Sunday Morning, NPR’s Fresh Air, The New York Times, and The Guardian. Denk also wrote the libretto for a comic opera presented by Carnegie Hall, Cal Performances, and the Aspen Festival, and his writing has appeared in the New Yorker, the New Republic, The Guardian, Süddeutsche Zeitung and on the front page of the New York Times Book Review.
Denk’s latest album of Mozart piano concertos was released in 2021 on Nonesuch Records. The album, deemed “urgent and essential” by BBC Radio 3. His recording of the Goldberg Variations for Nonesuch Records reached No. 1 on the Billboard Classical Charts, and his recording of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata Op. 111 paired with Ligeti’s Études was named one of the best discs of the year by the New Yorker, NPR, and the Washington Post, while his account of the Beethoven sonata was selected by BBC Radio 3’s Building a Library as the best available version recorded on modern piano.

Program

Copland Quiet City
Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 1
John Adams Shaker Loops
Haydn Symphony No. 29 in E Major

Buy Tickets

Spring 2025 Brown Bag Concert Series featuring Cassandre McKinley
2025-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Admission: Free & Open to the Public

Time: Doors 11:30am | Show Noon

Audience: All Ages

Artist: Cassandre McKinley
Known for her powerful and versatile voice, Cassandre McKinley effortlessly blends Soul, Jazz, Blues, R&B, Pop, and Country into a sound uniquely her own. Her impassioned live performances and gift for storytelling have earned her widespread acclaim, making her a must-see artist for any music fan.
“There’s a music style called jazzsoul (we made it up) and our anointed queen is Boston native Cassandre McKinley.” – The Boston Globe

The Brown Bag Concert Series, presented by Mechanics Hall and 90.5 FM WICN, has been a beloved tradition in Worcester since 1983. These hour-long concerts by acclaimed regional and national performers are held in the Great Hall on select Wednesdays from noon to 1pm. Bring your own “brown bag” lunch, and enjoy wonderful music while eating your lunch! Cabaret-style seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. All concerts are free, open to the public, and subject to change.
The accessible entrance to Mechanics Hall is located on Waldo Street. Elevators are located in the ground-floor lobby and provide access to the second and third floors. Please note, there is no elevator access to the balcony. All concerts take place in the Great Hall on the third floor. If you need assistance, please contact the Mechanics Hall Ticket Office, Wednesday through Friday from 11:00am-5:00pm, by calling 508-752-0888.
Whenever possible, Brown Bag Concerts are also broadcast live on WICN 90.5FM, and streamed live on WICN.org.

Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy
2025-03-13 - 2025-03-15 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
⭐ The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy is a chilling cocktail experience in Worcester that brings four of his stories off the page and onto the stage as told through the Poe Historians while pairing them with four classic cocktails.

Tickets for Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy in Worcester Available Here!
🎫 Standard Admission – includes entry to the experience + 4 cocktails

Highlights
✨ Step into the world of Edgar Allan Poe in this 4-part chilling cocktail experience
🍸 Sip on delicious themed cocktails that are paired with each story
😱 Hear Edgar Allan Poe’s work reimagined, as told by the Poe Historians

Description
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the dark and mysterious world of Edgar Allan Poe. This exclusive speakeasy will transport you to a bygone era as you sip on expertly crafted cocktails inspired by four of Poe’s most beloved stories. Led by the speakeasy’s lead mixologist and Poe historians, this immersive evening promises to be a chillingly unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to bring Poe’s tales to life, one sip at a time, and get your tickets for Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy in Worcester!
Showtimes: 6PM, 8PM, 10PM
JUST ADDED: 12 PM & 2 PM

Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers Spring Concert 2025
2025-03-15 16:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Saturday, March 15
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Pay What You Wish
In a heartwarming choral concert titled “Rising Together,” the youth voices of the Mechanics Hall MVYS program come together to inspire audiences with a message of hope and collective strength centered around The Transformative Power of Unity. Guided by a team of talented and experienced music educators, these young performers will demonstrate their dedication to musical excellence and the profound impact of music as a tool for connection and transformation.
Through a vibrant selection of songs, the performance highlight’s themes of individuality, empathy, and the courage to face life’s challenges. The children will showcase the power of unity by sharing stories of personal growth and resilience through music, reminding us all of the incredible achievements possible when we support and uplift one another.
This concert is more than a performance—it’s a reflection of the MVYS program’s mission to nurture young talent, foster a lifelong love for music in families, and create accessible opportunities for all communities to experience the joy of music.

Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers
Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers is an all-city choir founded in 2022. MVYS invites Worcester’s children to enjoy this unique singing experience on stage at one of the nation’s most renowned concert halls. Open to 4th through 7th graders from every Worcester neighborhood, this non-traditional, non-auditioned chorus gives children the opportunity to practice and perform in Mechanics Hall – their very own “home” concert hall. Under professional direction, children learn to sing a variety of music, build friendships, and work toward excellence – together and in harmony!

Thank you to our supporting partners

ICHSA Northeast Semi Final
2025-03-16 15:00 - 18:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
The Varsity Vocals International Championship of A Cappella is the only international tournament that showcases the art of student a cappella singing. Our programs include both The Varsity Vocals International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) and The Varsity Vocals International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA), and both are dedicated to providing top-notch a cappella groups with valuable feedback from our highly qualified judges. Our young vocalists also have the opportunity to showcase their talent to an international audience and develop relationships with each other, cultivating the art of a cappella singing and a lifelong love of music.

Varsity Vocals has been the home of a cappella since 1995. We give singers in high school and college (and beyond!) the opportunity to interact, compete, learn from each other, get feedback from the pros, and perform in fantastic venues around the globe. We believe that competition fosters growth — both in vocal performance and personal development. Our singers work hard and pull together to create incredible music and form lasting relationships.

General Admission
$20 In Advance
$25 Door

https://mechanicshall.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ACAPPELLA-VID-Video.mp4

Spring 2025 Brown Bag Concert Series featuring Harshitha Krishnan
2025-03-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Admission: Free & Open to the Public

Time: Doors 11:30am | Show Noon

Audience: All Ages

Artist: Harshitha Krishnan
Harshitha Krishnan, a Grammy®-nominated performing and recording artist of Indian origin from Lagos, Nigeria, is known for her eclectic sound that fuses Indian folk traditions with contemporary western genres like jazz, soul, and R&B, Harshitha’s performances are a soulful exploration of diverse global sounds and textures. Experience a musical journey that blends emotion with rich cultural influences, celebrating both artistry and messages of positive social change.

The Brown Bag Concert Series, presented by Mechanics Hall and 90.5 FM WICN, has been a beloved tradition in Worcester since 1983. These hour-long concerts by acclaimed regional and national performers are held in the Great Hall on select Wednesdays from noon to 1pm. Bring your own “brown bag” lunch, and enjoy wonderful music while eating your lunch! Cabaret-style seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. All concerts are free, open to the public, and subject to change.
The accessible entrance to Mechanics Hall is located on Waldo Street. Elevators are located in the ground-floor lobby and provide access to the second and third floors. Please note, there is no elevator access to the balcony. All concerts take place in the Great Hall on the third floor. If you need assistance, please contact the Mechanics Hall Ticket Office, Wednesday through Friday from 11:00am-5:00pm, by calling 508-752-0888.
Whenever possible, Brown Bag Concerts are also broadcast live on WICN 90.5FM, and streamed live on WICN.org.

Mechanics Hall presents Club 321 with The Mercy Brothers
2025-03-20 19:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Artist: The Mercy Brothers
Mechanics Hall’s Club 321 is thrilled to present an electrifying night of live music featuring Michael Dinallo and Barrence Whitfield on Thursday, March 20th, 2025. Michael Dinallo, a celebrated guitarist and producer, has made his mark in blues, Americana, and soul music with a rich career spanning collaborations with legends like Eddie Floyd and John Prine. Joining him is Barrence Whitfield, a soul and R&B powerhouse renowned for his explosive stage presence and dynamic vocal style, often compared to greats like Little Richard and Wilson Pickett. This event is ideal for music lovers of all ages, including blues enthusiasts, fans of soulful performances, and those seeking a vibrant cultural experience.
Set in the intimate Washburn Hall at Mechanics Hall, Club 321 offers a unique atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and inviting—perfect for an exciting night out with friends or a memorable date night. Audiences will be treated to an evening of high-energy blues, soulful grooves, and timeless artistry, celebrating the rich traditions of American music while showcasing the unique talents of these two exceptional artists. Don’t miss this chance to experience two legendary performers in the heart of downtown Worcester.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Tickets: $20 Advance | $23 Door
Members: 15% discount off single ticket (enter your promo code when checking out)
Time: Doors 6:15pm | Show 7:00pm
Audience: 18+
Cash bar and refreshments available for purchase

This event is eligible for free tickets under the Card to Culture Program
Mechanics Hall is proud to participate in the Card to Culture program through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Limited number of tickets available, limit of 2 per order. Use promo code CARD2CULTURE321 to redeem. For eligibility requirements, please see Mechanicshall.org/cardtoculture
Free tickets also available through Vettix.org, an organization that provides tickets to events which reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build life-long memories and encourage service members and veterans to stay engaged with local communities and American life.

Mechanics Hall is walking distance from all downtown locations. The accessible entrance to Mechanics Hall is located on Waldo Street. Elevators are located in the ground-floor lobby and provide access to the second and third floors. All concerts take place in Washburn Hall on the second floor. If you need assistance, please contact the Mechanics Hall Ticket Office, Wednesday through Friday from 11:00am to 5:00pm, by calling 508-752-5608.

Music Worcester presents: Jeremy Denk, Bach Keyboard Partitas
2025-03-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Internationally celebrated pianist Jeremy Denk will perform the complete collection of Bach’s Keyboard Partitas on stage at historic Mechanics Hall for the first performance of Bach’s Birthday Bash 2025.

Jeremy Denk, piano

Jeremy Denk is one of America’s foremost pianists, proclaimed by the New York Times ‘a pianist you want to hear no matter what he performs.’ Denk is also a New York Times bestselling author, winner of both the MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and the Avery Fisher Prize, and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

In the 2023-24 season, Denk premieres a new concerto written for him by Anna Clyne, co-commissioned and performed by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra led by Fabio Luisi, the City of Birmingham Symphony led by Kazuki Yamada, and the New Jersey Symphony led by Markus Stenz. He also returns to London’s Wigmore Hall for a three-concert residency, performing Bach’s Solo Partitas, as well as collaborating with the Danish String Quartet, and performing works by Charles Ives with violinist Maria Włoszczowska. He further reunites with Krzysztof Urbański to perform with the Antwerp Symphony and again with the Danish String Quartet in Copenhagen at their festival Series of Four.

In the US, he performs a program focusing on female composers, and continues his exploration of Bach with multiple performances of the Partitas. His collaborations include performances with violinist Maria Włoszczowska in Philadelphia and New York, and, in the Summer, returning to perform with his longtime collaborators Steven Isserlis and Joshua Bell. He closes the season with the San Diego Symphony and Rafael Payare with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4.

Denk is also known for his original and insightful writing on music, which Alex Ross praises for its “arresting sensitivity and wit.” His New York Times Bestselling memoir “Every Good Boy Does Fine” was published to universal acclaim by Random House in 2022, with features on CBS Sunday Morning, NPR’s Fresh Air, The New York Times, and The Guardian. Denk also wrote the libretto for a comic opera presented by Carnegie Hall, Cal Performances, and the Aspen Festival, and his writing has appeared in the New Yorker, the New Republic, The Guardian, Süddeutsche Zeitung and on the front page of The New York Times Book Review.

Buy Tickets

Adult: $45-$69
Student: $17.50
Youth: $7.50

Tickets include free parking

Music Worcester presents: The Worcester Chorus: Bach Secular Cantatas BWV 213 & 214
2025-03-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
For its first Bach Birthday Bash performance, The Worcester Chorus will perform Bach’s Secular Cantatas on stage at historic Mechanics Hall.

BWV 213 – Laßt uns sorgen, laßt uns wachen
BWV 214 – Tönet, ihr Pauken! Erschallet, Trompeten!

The Worcester Chorus
The Worcester Chorus, under the sponsorship of Music Worcester, Inc., has the unique distinction of being one of the most outstanding on-going choral groups in the United States. Founded in 1858 to singat the first annual Worcester Music Festival in the newly-built Mechanics Hall, the 100-member group includes both amateur and professional singers from Worcester County and throughout Southern New England.

Its repertoire includes not only the western world’s finest choral masterpieces, but also contemporary literature, arrangements of American folk songs, classics from the musical theater and commissioned works. Each year the Chorus performs with orchestras and soloists in Mechanics Hall and throughout Greater Worcester, including an annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. The Worcester Chorus has also made guest appearances at world famous venues (including Carnegie Hall) throughout the Northeast and overseas.

Buy Tickets

Adult: $45-$69
Student: $17.50
Youth: $7.50

Tickets include free parking

Music Worcester presents: Handel + Haydn Society: Concerti for Two Harpsichords
2025-03-22 20:00 - 22:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Boston’s Grammy-winning Handel and Haydn Society will perform Bach’s Concerti for Two Harpsichords in this highlight presentation of 2025’s Bach Birthday Bash series on stage at historic Mechanics Hall, featuring harpsichordist Ian Watson.

Handel + Haydn Society | Ian Watson

H+H performed the “Hallelujah” chorus from Handel’s Messiah in its first concert in 1815, gave the American premiere in 1818, and ever since has been both a musical and a civic leader in the Boston community. During the Civil War, H+H gave numerous concerts in support of the Union Army (H+H member Julia Ward Howe wrote “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”) and on January 1, 1863, H+H performed at the Grand Jubilee Concert celebrating the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation. Two years later, H+H performed at the memorial service for Abraham Lincoln.
Today, H+H’s Orchestra and Chorus delight more than 50,000 listeners annually with a subscription series at Symphony Hall and other leading venues. Through the Karen S. and George D. Levy Education Program, H+H supports seven youth choirs of singers in grades 2–12, and provides thousands of complimentary tickets to students and communities throughout Boston, ensuring the joy of music is accessible to all. H+H has released 16 CDs on the CORO label and has toured nationally and internationally. In all these ways, H+H fulfills its mission to inspire the intellect, touch the heart, elevate the soul, and connect all of us with our shared humanity through transformative experiences with Baroque and Classical music.

Buy Tickets

Adult: $65-$89
Student: $25
Youth: $25

Tickets include free parking

Music Worcester presents: Worcester Bach Collective: Cantatathon BWV 28, 36, 40, 64, 133
2025-03-23 16:00 - 18:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
The many members of the Worcester Bach Collective will join together to conclude our Bach’s Birthday Bash 2025 Series with a performance of these Cantatas from the stage at historic Mechanics Hall.

Cantatas:
BWV 36 – Schwingt freudig euch empor
BWV 133 – Ich freue mich in dir
BWV 40 – Darzu ist erschienen der Sohn Gottes
BWV 64 – Sehet, welch eine Leibe
BWV 28 – Gottlob! nun geht das Jahr zu Ende
Tickets grant admission to enjoy complimentary cake and champagne during the intermission.

Worcester’s Trinity Lutheran Church Choiris directed by Mark Mummert.

Mark Mummert (b. 1965) is Cantor at Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA), Worcester, MA where he leads the music in all worship services, conducts the Trinity Choir, Trinity Choristers, Trinity Junior Choristers, and is artistic director of the Music at Trinity fine arts series.

Mark is also the Assistant Director / Accompanist for The Worcester Chorus of Music Worcester, Inc., (Dr. Chris Shepard, Artistic Director) and the director of The Worcester Chorus Women’s Ensemble.
Prior to moving to Worcester, Mark was the 2015 Distinguished Visiting Cantor at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. Mark served as the Director of Worship at Houston’s Christ the King Lutheran Church (2008-2015) and as Seminary Musician at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (1990-2008).

Mark is also a tenor chorister with CONCORA (Connecticut Choral Artists), a professional choral ensemble based in Hartford, CT.

Mark is a composer of portions of the first musical setting of Holy Communion in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), the commended worship book of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He is the editor of Psalm Settings for the Church Year (2008, Augsburg Fortress) and Music Sourcebook for Lent and Three Days (2010, Augsburg Fortress). His numerous compositions for Christian worship are available from Augsburg Fortress.

Mark’s recording Reformation Chorales Reformed (2017) includes organ works by J. S. Bach, Mendelssohn, Distler, and Clarke. The album is available for download and for streaming on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and YouTube.
Mark was principal musician for the 2005 National Convention of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly and Worship Jubilee, and visiting scholar for Emory University’s Candler School of Theology’s “The Singing Church” Project in 2012.

As a singer, Mark has performed professionally with The Worcester Chorus, Choral Arts Philadelphia, the Bach Society Houston, and the Houston Chamber Choir. Mark’s voice can be heard on the Grammy nominated recordings, soft blink of amber light and Rothko Chapel.

Mark studied organ with Earl Ness and John Binsfeld and voice with Robert Grooters at Temple University’s Esther Boyer College of Music. He is currently pursuing vocal studies with Jane Shivick. Mark maintains an active private studio of voice, piano, and organ students.

Buy Tickets

Adult: $35
Student: $17.50
Youth: $7.50

Tickets include free parking

Spring 2025 Brown Bag Concert featuring Jazz Streams
2025-03-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Admission: Free & Open to the Public

Time: Doors 11:30am | Show Noon

Audience: All Ages

Artist: Jazz Streams
Join us for a Brown Bag Concert featuring Jazz Streams, a talented ensemble known for their blend of mainstream and contemporary jazz. The concert will take place on Wednesday, March 26th from 12:00–1:00 PM in the Great Hall. Presented by Mechanics Hall and 90.5 FM WICN, the Brown Bag Concert Series has been a beloved Worcester tradition since 1983, offering free, hour-long performances by acclaimed regional and national artists. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own lunch and enjoy cabaret-style seating, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Jazz Streams features an accomplished lineup of musicians who have made significant contributions to the New England jazz scene. Trombonist Rich Ardizzone is a classically trained performer with experience in Latin jazz, big bands, and a variety of ensembles. Guitarist Rich Falco is a seasoned performer, educator, and jazz historian with a career spanning international tours, concert productions, and numerous accolades. Bassist Jerry Wilfong is an active Boston-area musician who has worked with a wide range of jazz artists and recorded extensively. Drummer Bill MacGillivray has been a fixture in the Worcester music community for decades, performing in jazz, rock, and blues groups while also serving as a dedicated music educator.
Rich Ardizzone, trombone Show More is a classically trained trombonist with a bachelor’s degree in performance from Boston University and a Master of Education degree from Tufts University. He has performed with the Paul Fontaine/Jimmy Mosher Big Band, the Brass Menagerie and a variety of Salsa and Latin bands. While playing professionally in the Boston area in the early 1960’s he was a member of Conjunto Azul, a Latin Jazz ensemble that played at the legendary Paul’s Mall as the house band. He has performed over the years (so many years…) in Worcester with Sonic Explorers, the Rich Falco Quartet and JOMP Faculty. He is the retired Associate Director at Joy of Music in Worcester where he still teaches.
Rich Falco, guitar Show Morecontinues to share much with the jazz world. He is a performing guitarist, a university professor on the WPI faculty as Director of Jazz Studies (retired), a jazz concert producer who presented more than 60 jazz concerts and workshops, a frequent high school clinician and presenter at regional, national and international jazz education conferences, a popular jazz festival adjudicator, Jazz Worcester Festival co-founder and executive director, a jazz historian and private guitar instructor. As a performing artist and educator, he has conducted more than a dozen international concert tours to East, Central and West Europe as well as North Africa, The Caribbean and Canada. He has been recognized with several awards including “Jazz at Sunset Performance Award”, the “Boots Mussulli Jazz Educator Award” and the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the International Association for Jazz Education.
Jerry Wilfong, double bassShow More is an active Boston area freelance bassist. Jerry studied in the early seventies at Berklee College of Music, and later with bassist Joe Holovnia. He has attended master’s classes by bassists John Clayton, Jr. and Harvie S. Jerry performed regularly around New England in a variety of styles with many jazz ensembles, including groups led by Paul Broadnax, Stan Strickland, Garrison Fewell, Steve Soares, Rich Falco, Ferdinando Argenti, Jane Miller, Maggie Galloway, Monica Hatch, and Jim Porcella. He is recorded on CD’s by Sai Ghose, Steven Kirby, John Wilkins, Phill Argyris and Chris Taylor, and has toured Russia, Romania, and France. Jerry has performed with distinguished jazz artists Leni Stern, John Stowell, Richie Cole, Joe Hunt, Greg Abate, Gray Sargent, and Jon Wheatley.
Bill MacGillivray, drumsShow More is a long-time member of the Worcester music community. After studying drum set with Fred Buda and Joe Hunt at Berklee College of Music in the early ‘70s, Bill has played with many classic Worcester rock, blues, and jazz bands including Crockett, Mitch Chakour, The Trailers, Wilbur and the Dukes, and the Russo Brothers Jazz Quintet. He has also performed with Boston artists James Montgomery, WC Handy award winners Paul Rishell and Annie Raines, the Boston Music Award winning Dennis Brennan Band, and folk artist Carol Noonan. Bill has been the percussion consultant for the Worcester Public Schools since ’87. He teaches drums and percussion at Burncoat High School and Burncoat Middle School, as well as Notre Dame Academy, and Worcester State University. He is also a coach for the Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra.

The Brown Bag Concert Series, presented by Mechanics Hall and 90.5 FM WICN, has been a beloved tradition in Worcester since 1983. These hour-long concerts by acclaimed regional and national performers are held in the Great Hall on select Wednesdays from noon to 1pm. Bring your own “brown bag” lunch, and enjoy wonderful music while eating your lunch! Cabaret-style seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. All concerts are free, open to the public, and subject to change.
The accessible entrance to Mechanics Hall is located on Waldo Street. Elevators are located in the ground-floor lobby and provide access to the second and third floors. Please note, there is no elevator access to the balcony. All concerts take place in the Great Hall on the third floor. If you need assistance, please contact the Mechanics Hall Ticket Office, Wednesday through Friday from 11:00am-5:00pm, by calling 508-752-0888.
Whenever possible, Brown Bag Concerts are also broadcast live on WICN 90.5FM, and streamed live on WICN.org.

Massachusetts Music Educators Association All-State Ensembles Rehearsal
2025-03-28 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States

Worcester Youth Orchestras Presents: String Fest
2025-03-29 16:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Featuring:
WY Philharmonic & String Orchestras
&
Quabbin Regional School District Strings

About The Festival
The Worcester Youth Orchestras is please to present the 2025 String Fest, a collaborative concert with the Worcester Youth Philharmonic Strings & String Orchestra, Quabbin Regional School District String Program. The performance is a capstone, representing a year long program generously funded by the Greater Worcester Community Foundation through their Community Grant Projects.
Over the course of the year, WYO & Quabbin have benefited from an Artist-in-Residence, Patrick Chatham, who has visited Ruggles Elementary School (Barre) each week to work side by side with young string students during the regular school day, as well as attending WYO rehearsals and working string students in the Philharmonic & String Orchestra. Funding from the GWCF provided complimentary instruction and strengthened access to education, working in tandem with Quabbin educators.
Today’s performance is the culmination of this year’s work amongst all programs, forging new relationships and opportunities for students in the Worcester and Quabbin Region. The program was designed and funded to strengthen community access to the arts.

Key Staff & Faculty

Jack Corbett, WY Philharmonic Strings & String Orchestra, Conductor
Rebecca Kelly, Quabbin Elementary School Orchestra Teacher
Toni Brown, Director of Fine Arts, Quabbin Regional School District
Patrick Chatham, Artist in Residence

Purchase Tickets (Pay what you can)

2025 Safe Homes Gala & People of Courage Awards
2025-04-04 18:00 - 22:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
The annual Safe Homes Gala and People of Courage Awards raises money for the Safe Homes program, an LGBTQIA+ drop-in serving youth ages 14-23 in Worcester, North County, and online via Discord.
The People of Courage Awards honors passionate and dedicated individuals and businesses making a difference in the Central Massachusetts community.

Tickets
Questions about the Gala?
Contact us at events@openskycs.org!

2024 People of Courage Awardees
Community Champion Award / Charles O’Donnell
Innovative Business Award / Femme
People’s Choice Award / Queer Youth Assemble
Social Justice Advocacy and Action Award / Chrissi Bates
Young Adult Award / Gabriella Diaz
Youth Award / Alice Cleghorn

The American Big Band Experience
2025-04-06 15:00 - 17:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
The Big Bands are Back with the authentic sights and sounds of the Swing Era!

This event has reserved seating, along with a dance floor & full cash bar
Reserved Seating: $45
Student (with ID): $20
VIP Tickets: $75
Includes signed CD, premium seating, and meet-and-greet access

*Mechanics Hall members get 10% discount on tickets with your promo code!

“Let’s Get Away From It All” – Dan Gabel’s post-pandemic big band celebration!
“The American Big Band Experience” is a thrilling new show developed by Dan Gabel, Kimberly Hawkey, and The American Big Band Preservation Society, Inc. Not only will this Mechanics Hall exclusive be the Massachusetts premiere, but Gabel and his all-star orchestra will be releasing their highly-anticipated new album “Let’s Get Away From It All” available starting April 6, 2025 on CD, digital download, and vinyl LP record
Dan Gabel and The Abletones take the stage, along with award-winning vocalist Kimberly Hawkey for a night of entertaining time-travel. You’ll hear the memorable hits of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Harry James, Vaughn Monroe, Ella Fitzgerald, and more. The glamor of Hollywood and classic sounds of the Great American Songbook live again with this unforgettable experience.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of live big band music!

This event is eligible for free tickets under the Card to Culture Program
Mechanics Hall and Dan Gabel and the Abletones are proud to participate in the Card to Culture program through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Use promo code CARD2CULTUREABBE to redeem. Floor seats only. Limited number of tickets available – if code does not work, there are no more tickets remaining. For eligibility requirements, please see Mechanicshall.org/cardtoculture
Free tickets also available through Vettix.org, an organization that provides tickets to events which reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build life-long memories and encourage service members and veterans to stay engaged with local communities and American life.

Sponsored By:
The American Big Band Preservation Society, Inc.
The ABBPS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and performing the sounds and history of the Big Bands, with an emphasis on education and keeping this art form in schools.

3rd Annual Choral Invitational presented by Clark University & Mechanics Hall
2025-04-09 19:00 | Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Free Admission – RSVP only – No physical tickets required
General Admission – accessible seating will be available upon entry

Joined by the New England Repertory Orchestra, Clark University and Mechanics Hall invite choirs from Worcester and Central Massachusetts for a day of rehearsal at Mechanics Hall, culminating in a powerful evening performance of Sunrise Mass by Ola Gjeilo. The program will also feature Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2, with Clark’s Distinguished Artist-In-Residence in Piano, Yelena Beriyeva, as soloist.
The concert brings together the Clark University Choir, Clark University Symphony Orchestra, and participating choirs from the region for an inspiring day of community, learning, and musical excellence.
Clark University Choir
Clark University Symphony Orchestra
Yelena Beriyeva, piano
Cailin Marcel Manson, music director and conductor
