World Premiere of Frederick Douglass Cantata to Grace Mechanics Hall

A monumental piece of American history will take center stage on Saturday, April 25, as Music Worcester presents the world premiere of Frederick: Cantata on the Life of Frederick Douglass.

Performed at the historic Mechanics Hall, the concert is a "full-circle" moment for the city. Frederick Douglass himself spoke at the very same venue in 1857, and his portrait now hangs in the hall’s Great Gallery.

A Composer’s Final Legacy

The ten-movement cantata was the final masterpiece of Brian Story, a dedicated music educator and member of the Worcester Chorus. Story spent three years weaving Douglass’s own speeches and writings into a musical narrative. In a moving twist of fate, Story completed the score just two days before his passing in the spring of 2025.

The Performance

The evening will bring together a massive ensemble of local and national talent:

• The Worcester Chorus & New England Repertory Orchestra: Led by conductor Cailin Marcel Manson.
• The Title Role: Grammy-nominated baritone Malcolm J. Merriweather will portray Douglass, tracing his journey from slavery to becoming a titan of the abolitionist movement.

Why It Matters

"History will come alive for all in attendance," says Adrien Finlay, Executive Director of Music Worcester. The work explores universal themes of liberty, education, and humanity, ensuring that Douglass's ideals continue to resonate in the 21st century.”

Event Details

• When: Saturday, April 25 at 8:00 PM
• Where: Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester, MA
• Tickets: Available now at musicworcester.org