Itzhak Perlman

Mar 26-27, 2022 | The Hanover Theatre & Mechanics Hall

Yo-Yo Ma

April 7, 2019 | Mechanics Hall

Wynton Marsalis

July 8, 2022 | The Hanover Theatre

Chick Corea & Béla Fleck

April 12, 2016 | The Hanover Theatre

Audra McDonald

Oct 3, 2019 | Mechanics Hall

About Music Worcester

Celebrating More Than 160 Years of Music and Culture

Music Worcester has been bringing world-renowned musicians and ensembles to Central Massachusetts since its founding in 1858. Today, the organization regularly presents world-renowned orchestras, soloists, and ensembles from the worlds of classical, jazz, folk, world music, and dance to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

In 2024, Music Worcester launched THE COMPLETE BACH , an 11-year project to present live performances of all J.S. Bach’s known works. Music Worcester’s education and outreach initiatives include in-school workshops and masterclasses, and the availability of free and reduced-price tickets. In 2026, Dr. Everett McCorvey will serve as the Artist-in-Residence , a bi-annual program that establishes deep community relationships with an individual artist.

Click each topic below to learn more about Music Worcester’s mission, vision, and values:

OUR MISSION

Music Worcester presents inspiring musical experiences and educational opportunities throughout Central Massachusetts.

OUR VISION

Music Worcester will enrich the cultural landscape, welcome audiences from all communities, and nurture a deep connection between artist and audience.

OUR VALUES

Music Worcester serves as a cultural pillar of the arts community, bringing the highest quality performers to stages across Central MA.

Music Worcester is committed to providing outstanding audience experiences before, during, and after performances.

Music Worcester creates engaging learning experiences in the performing arts for all ages.

Music Worcester believes in mutual respect and support, forging a team of staff, volunteers, and artists serving the organization’s mission and vision.

Music Worcester welcomes and engages with diverse audiences reflective of our community through educational opportunities and performances across Central MA.

Music Worcester values collaboration with educational and community partners, always practicing two-way communication.

Music Worcester honors the importance of classical music while maintaining an expansive view of music in its diverse genres and eras.

Music Worcester values the critical importance of improving inclusive and equitable practices as a cultural arts organization, including membership of the Board of Directors, staff, and The Worcester Chorus.

2025-2026 Board of Directors

Officers

President
Eric Brose

Treasurer
Gabriel Cain

Clerk
Angela Knapton

President, The Worcester Chorus
Polly Kimmitt

Board Members

Osman Bilsel
Bruce Bursten
James Decker
Aldo Garcia Guevara
Alvin Gomez
William D. Hoffman, MD
Emily G. Holdstein
Bonnie Johnson
Polly Kimmitt
Jeffrey Levine

Margaret Pottle
Kenneth Prince
Anthony Smith
Bob Sorrenti
Virginia M. Vaughan, Ph.D.
Karen-Louise Walker, Th.D.
Margaret Wong

Ex Officio

Adrien C. Finlay, Executive Director, Endowed by The McDonough Charitable Foundation

Trustee Emeritus

Joel Popkin, M.D.

Corporators

Barbara Travers Athy
Osman Bilsel
Karmen Bogdesic
Eric Brose
Bruce Bursten
Gabriel Cain
Kirk A. Carter, Esq
Linda D. Chadwick
James Decker
Sonia Descormiers
Mary Fletcher
Minjin Fromm
Aldo Garcia Guevara
Alvin Gomez
Ivan R. Green, MD
Susan Henry
William D. Hoffman, MD

Emily G. Holdstein
Bonnie Johnson
Kallin Johnson
Polly Kimmitt
Angela Knapton
Barbara C. Kohin
Alice Lambert
Catherine H. Levine
Jeffrey Levine
Meredith Lord
Ingrid J. Mach
Samantha McDonald
Janice McLean
Cecilio Orta
Martha Pappas, EdD
Serge Paul-Emile, PhD
Cynthia Pitcher

Margaret Pottle
Kenneth Prince
Zelda Schwartz
Mark Seeley
Janice Seymour
Anthony Smith
Bob Sorrenti
Wakana Suzuki
George W. Tetler, III
Virginia M. Vaughan, PhD
Patricia Verderese
Karen-Louise Walker, ThD
Kristin Waters
Charles “Chick” Weiss
Margaret Wong

Financials

EIN: 04-2171207

To view our most recent Form 990, please visit Music Worcester’s ProPublica page

To request a physical copy of Music Worcester’s Annual Report, most recent audit, or Form 990, please contact lisa@musicworcester.org .

STASIA B. HOVENESIAN 1931-2024

Former Executive Director of Worcester County Music Association Read Tribute

Timeline

Hover over the images below to discover more about Music Worcester.

1858. The Worcester Music Festival, the oldest in the U.S., begins at Mechanics Hall, organized by Edward Hamilton and his assistant Benjamin F. Baker.
1893. Antonin Dvořák conducts his works, “Praise Jehovah” and “Husitzka” at Mechanics Hall.
1960. Worcester Memorial Auditorium, built as a WWI memorial, would be the venue for many Worcester County Music Association concerts.
1969. Aaron Copland & Marian Anderson pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln with excerpts of his letters and Copland’s work, “A Lincoln Portrait.”

SCHOLARSHIPS

Awards & Prizes

TICKETS TO OPPORTUNITY

VOLUNTEERS