WORCESTER, MA — Music Worcester has announced an expansive new season featuring 23 performances spanning classical music, jazz, dance and choral works, including the third year of its long-running “The Complete Bach” initiative.
The season opens Oct. 16 at Mechanics Hall with acclaimed pianist Emanuel Ax performing Mozart piano concertos alongside The Knights chamber orchestra.
Other major highlights include the return of the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, performances by Ballet Hispánico New York and the Martha Graham Dance Company, as well as multiple programs led by Music Worcester’s new Artist-in-Residence, Dr. Everett McCorvey.
“The upcoming 2026-2027 season truly showcases everything that defines Music Worcester today—artistic excellence, ambitious long-term vision, and a deep commitment to our community,” Executive Director Adrien Finlay said in a statement.
Music Worcester also announced an expansion of the organization’s “Pay What You Wish” ticketing model. Nine general admission events will offer flexible pricing, while one concert, the First Unitarian Church Choir’s Oct. 25 Bach performance, will be entirely free.
McCorvey’s residency includes several large-scale productions. On Nov. 1, he will lead The Worcester Chorus and WPI Festival Chorus in music by Duke Ellington and George Gershwin, including selections from “Porgy and Bess” and “Rhapsody in Blue.”
Another concert, “Music Worcester Celebrates America’s 250th,” is scheduled for Nov. 6 and will feature The Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band alongside local choirs performing works including Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.”
Music Worcester’s multi-year “The Complete Bach” project continues with Bach-themed festival weekends in October and March. Featured performers include flutist Emi Ferguson, pianist Boris Giltburg, violinist Vijay Gupta and Canadian Brass.
The organization will also present a 300th anniversary performance of Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion” on April 11 at Mechanics Hall.
Dance performances co-presented with The Hanover Theatre include Ballet Hispánico’s “CARMEN.maquia” on March 4 and the Martha Graham Dance Company on April 24.
Additional performances this season include pianist and composer Jason Moran’s “The Music of Duke Ellington: My Heart Sings,” the American Spiritual Ensemble’s “God’s Trombones,” and the Worcester Chorus’ annual presentation of Handel’s “Messiah.”
Founded in 1858, Music Worcester presents performances throughout the city at venues including Mechanics Hall, The Hanover Theatre, Tuckerman Hall and Trinity Lutheran Church.
You can find a complete list of upcoming performances here. Season subscriptions are now on sale, and single tickets will be available Jun. 22 at musicworcester.org.
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