CLASSICAL MUSIC

Part of BACHtoberfest Weekend Start day three of BACHtoberfest Weekend with a glowing choral performance of a Bach cantata by the First Unitarian Church Choir during their Music Sunday service. The concert spotlights the gorgeous acoustics of the sanctuary. This is a free performance though reservations are requested. Program Was mein Gott will, das g’scheh allzeit, BWV 111

The Worcester Chorus performs selections from Porgy and Bess, singers from WPI Festival Chorus perform a choral & orchestral arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue, plus an orchestral performance of Ellington’s Three Black Kings, all conducted by Dr. Everett McCorvey, Artist-in-Residence. Program George Gershwin, arr. Michael Fennelly – Rhapsody in Blue George Gershwin, arr. Robert Russell Bennett – Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture Duke Ellington, arr. Luther Henderson – Three Black Kings

The Worcester Chorus performs selections from Porgy and Bess, singers from WPI Festival Chorus perform a choral & orchestral arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue, plus an orchestral performance of Ellington’s Three Black Kings, all conducted by Dr. Everett McCorvey, Artist-in-Residence. Program George Gershwin, arr. Michael Fennelly – Rhapsody in Blue George Gershwin, arr. Robert Russell Bennett – Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture Duke Ellington, arr. Luther Henderson – Three Black Kings

Mechanics Hall Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with Everett McCorvey’s curated program that includes works by Beethoven and Margaret Bonds, featuring performances by The Soldiers’ Chorus of The U.S Army Field Band, the First Unitarian Church of Worcester Choir, the Worcester Children's Chorus and the Bridgewater State University Choral Society.

The Worcester Chorus celebrates the season with their annual presentation of this cherished holiday staple, known for the jubilant and dramatic “Hallelujah” chorus. Attending Messiah has become a beloved tradition for many families and choral music fans in the Greater Worcester community and beyond. This year’s concert features the return of the soloists who were featured in 2025 to high acclaim. Handel was a star of his era, and wrote music that stands the test of time. Messiah is the story of Jesus Christ, set in three parts (“acts”) that alternate between recitatives, arias, and choruses. What was originally written for Easter has now become a Christmas tradition, as the work tells the story of Christ from birth through death and glory. Ensembles across the world gather to perform this work year after year, whether it’s in full or simply performing the “Hallelujah” chorus.