A globe- and genre-spanning season: Music Worcester announces its 165th concert series

The Darshan Trio will perform Sept. 23 at Tuckerman Hall.
The Darshan Trio will perform Sept. 23 at Tuckerman Hall.

WORCESTER — Music Worcester's 2023-24 season promises world-class soloists, ensembles, orchestras, classical music, world music, a poignant reunion, "This Love Between Us," gospel music, jazz, cross-over, a big announcement, and more besides.

"There will be some incredible evenings and afternoons," said Music Worcester executive director Adrien C. Finlay about the 2023-24 season which gets underway Sept. 27 with a performance by the newly formed Darshan Trio, which includes Music Worcester's 2023 educational artist-in-residence violinist Vijay Gupta.

Midori and Festival Strings of Lucerne are set for Nov. 3 at Mechanics Hall.
Midori and Festival Strings of Lucerne are set for Nov. 3 at Mechanics Hall.

Highlights among the 20 concerts currently scheduled are likely to include Internationally renowned violin soloist Midori joined by The Festival Strings Lucerne (Nov. 3), a huge collaborative concert including Vijay Gupta and the Worcester Chorus titled "The Love Between Us" (Nov. 10), the annual Worcester Chorus performance of Handel's Messiah (Dec. 2), the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine (Feb. 9), the British vocal ensemble VOCES8 (Feb. 10), Orchestra Metropolitan de Montreal led by acclaimed conductor Yznnick Nézet-Séguin, (March 3), fiddler couple Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy (March 9), and American Spiritual Ensemble (April 6).

Venues are Mechanics Hall, Tuckerman Hall, the BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center, The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, Trinity Lutheran Church, First Baptist Church, St. John's High School in Shrewsbury and Assumption University.

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine will perform Feb. 9 at Mechanics Hall.
The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine will perform Feb. 9 at Mechanics Hall.

But first things first. The previously announced  third Summer@MW series presented by Music Worcester is about to get underway with mandolin/fiddle/guitar-playing "newgrass" icon Sam Bush performing 8 p.m. June 9 at The Hanover Theatre. The summer line-up also includes jazz vocalist, composer and visual artist Cécile McLorin Salvant 8 p.m. July 21 at the BrickBox Theater at the JMAC; and jazz vocalist and guitarist John Pizzarelli at 8 p.m. July 22 in Mechanics Hall. Finlay has said the series raises Music Worcester’s status to that of a year-round presenter.

Music Worcester, which for 2023-24 will be presenting its 165th season, is the umbrella organization of three merged components: the Worcester Music Festival, the International Artists Series and the Massachusetts Jazz Festival. It dates its origins back to 1858 when a music convention was held in the new Mechanics Hall. The Worcester Chorus operates under the auspices of Music Worcester.

The Knights will perform with Chris Thile Oct. 27 at Mechanics Hall.
The Knights will perform with Chris Thile Oct. 27 at Mechanics Hall.

The regular 2022-23 season included The Knights and guest pianist Aaron Diehl,  violinist Maxim Vengerov  performing a recital with pianist Polina Osetinskaya, the "king and queen of banjo" husband and wife Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and several programs involving the Worcester Chorus.

It was the first full season free of mandatory health restrictions due to the pandemic, and yet Finlay said 'We don't quite feel that we've come out of the pandemic yet," in respect to audiences returning to live, in-person concerts.

'Programming Matters'

In the 2022-23 season there were "surprises on both sides of the equation," Finlay said.

The Maxim Vengerov  concert "sold more youth tickets for a recital than we've had ever," he said. Vengerov, a Soviet born Israeli violinist, violist and conductor has maintained a strong online presence and is followed by many.

On the other hand, "We were underwhelmed by responses to other events we felt would sell strongly," Finlay said.

Other successful evenings included  the Czech National Symphony Orchestra with violinist Robert McDuffie Feb. 17, Boston’s Grammy-winning Handel and Haydn Society performing all six Brandenburg Concertos a day later on Feb. 18, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem performing a work co-commissioned by Music Worcester based on jazz singer Hazel Scott May 4.

'Voices of Eternal Light" is set for Feb. 25 at the First Baptist Church of Worcester.
'Voices of Eternal Light" is set for Feb. 25 at the First Baptist Church of Worcester.

The Czech National Symphony and Handel and Haydn concerts represented "a major weekend" and were a reminder that "programing matters," Finlay said.

The Hazel Scott tribute included the discovery that her grandson,  Adam C. Powell IV, is a professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, another pleasant surprise, Finlay said. Meanwhile, co-commissioning a work was "new territory for us and something we're looking to do again."

The Worcester Chorus' Messiah is scheduled for Dec. 2 at Mechanics Hall.
The Worcester Chorus' Messiah is scheduled for Dec. 2 at Mechanics Hall.

However, Music Worcester continues to rely on the generosity of of its supporters and donors, Finlay said.

For 2023-24 Music Worcester hopes to see earned income (ticket) sales increase and to return to pre-pandemic levels, he said.

A snapshot of the upcoming season

Darshan Trio: See Yourself, 8 p.m. Sept 23, Tuckerman Hall.

"Darshan" in Indian religion and philosophy can mean sight, vision: a beholding of a sacred object, and the sacred within. Another way of seeing and being seen.”

The Darshan Trio — Vijay Gupta, violin, Dominic Cheli, piano, and Yoshika Masuda — re-envisions chamber music with unusual pairings of classical and new music, creating new “mosaic programs,” ways of experiencing a concert program. The Sept. 23 concert will include juxtaposing works of contemporary composer Reena Esmail, Gupta's wife, with Felix Mendelssohn. The program is in collaboration with dancer Yamini Kalluri and LIFT (Living in Freedom Together), a Worcester-based organization dedicated to ending the sex trade.

Gupta, who lives in Los Angeles, is an acclaimed violinist, social justice advocate and MacArthur "Genius" Grant recipient. Prior to the Sept 23 concert he will be continuing his involvement with several programs here including at the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction.

The Gavilán Brothers will perform Oct. 15 at the Robert R. Jay Performing Arts Center, St. John's High School, Shrewsbury.
The Gavilán Brothers will perform Oct. 15 at the Robert R. Jay Performing Arts Center, St. John's High School, Shrewsbury.

Gavilán Brothers, 4 p.m. Oct. 15, Robert R. Jay Performing Arts Center, St. John's High School, Shrewsbury.

Ilmar and Aldo López-Gavilán are virtuoso Afro-Cuban musician brothers, born in Havana, Cuba. At 14, Ilmar outgrew his island teachers and was sent to the U.S.S.R. to study violin. He never lived in Cuba again, ultimately establishing himself as a sought-after violinist and teacher in the U.S. Younger brother Aldo grew up mentored by Cuba’s impressive jazz and classical pianists, his extraordinary talent achieving renown on the island, but stymied elsewhere by the long-standing U.S. embargo. Though they see each other when family finances and visa restrictions allow, they are still rarely able to collaborate musically on the same stage — something they are always seeking. The documentary "Les Hermanos/The Brothers" traces their lives and a poignant reunion. On Oct. 15, the film will be screened followed by a live in-person recital by the brothers.

"It's a first for us," Finlay said. As is the St. John's High School venue for Music Worcester.

Avi Avital and Hanzi Wang  are set to perform Oct. 22 at the  BrickBox Theater at the JMAC.
Avi Avital and Hanzi Wang are set to perform Oct. 22 at the BrickBox Theater at the JMAC.

Avi Avital and Hanzi Wang ,4 p.m. Oct. 22, BrickBox Theater at the JMAC. The Annual Jean McDonough Concert.

The first mandolin soloist to be nominated for a classical Grammy, Avi Avital has appeared several times at Carnegie Hall, and recently with many of the major orchestras throughout North America. Passionate and explosively charismatic in live performance, he is a driving force behind the reinvigoration of the mandolin repertory. Praised for her captivating stage presence and performances that are technically and musically masterful, the groundbreaking young musician Hanzhi Wang is the first accordionist to win a place on the roster of Young Concert Artists in its 58-year history.

The Knights with Chris Thile, 8 p.m. Oct. 27, Mechanics Hall.

The Knights, the cutting edge orchestral ensemble from New York City, return  to Mechanics Hall to join forces with acclaimed mandolinist, composer, and singer Chris Thile in an exploration of American music, old and new, and a little Bach.

"Inadvertently, this is the year of the mandolin," Finlay said of concerts with Sam Bush, Avi Avital and now Chris Thile. "But how could we say 'no?'"

Midori and Festival Strings of Lucerne, 8 p.m. Nov. 3 , Mechanics Hall.

Midori, the Japanese-born American violinist, was a celebrated child prodigy and is now one of the world's preeminent violinists as an adult. She returns to Music Worcester and Mechanics Hall after a long time away with a program that includes Beethoven Romance in F Major and Symphony No. 4, and Schuman's Violin Concerto in D minor.

"This Love Between Us," featuring the Worcester Chorus, CONCORA, Vijay Gupta and Yamini Kalluri, is set for Nov. 10 at Mechanics Hall.
"This Love Between Us," featuring the Worcester Chorus, CONCORA, Vijay Gupta and Yamini Kalluri, is set for Nov. 10 at Mechanics Hall.

"This Love Between Us," 8 p.m. Nov. 10 Mechanics Hall. Worcester Chorus, CONCORA, Vijay Gupta, Yamini Kalluri.

Gupta's final public performance of his Music Worcester residency is a collaboration of choral, instrumental, and dance ensembles featuring a program of works from composers Reena Esmail and J. S. Bach woven together.

"There's a lot going on. It's a mammoth undertaking," Finlay said.

Worcester Chorus — Messiah, 8 p.m. Dec. 2 Mechanics Hall.

"Our annual tradition," Finlay said. Indeed, there are some chorus members for whom the concert will be their 30th or more time on stage singing the work. "It's more than a tradition, it's part of their being."

Holiday Concert — Worcester Chorus Women's Ensemble, 4 p.m. Dec. 17, Trinity Lutheran Church.

The concert, which includes a performance of Benjamin Britten's "Ceremony of Carols," is also rapidly becoming a Worcester tradition.

Worcester Pianist Andrew Armstrong returns to Music Worcester Jan. 24 at the JMAC following his widely praised virtual performance in its 2020-2021 virtual season joined by  Jan Vogler (cello) and Kevin Zhu (violin).
Worcester Pianist Andrew Armstrong returns to Music Worcester Jan. 24 at the JMAC following his widely praised virtual performance in its 2020-2021 virtual season joined by Jan Vogler (cello) and Kevin Zhu (violin).

Tchaikovsky, Paganini and Gershwin, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24, BrickBox Theater at the JMAC.

Worcester Pianist Andrew Armstrong returns to Music Worcester following his widely praised virtual performance in its 2020-2021 virtual season joined by Jan Vogler (cello) and Kevin Zhu (violin). The program includes Bach'sCello Suite No. 1 in G Major, Paganini's Selected Caprices for violin solo, Henry Mancini's "Moon River" (arranged for cello and piano), Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" for piano solo, and Tchaikovsky's Trio in A minor "Each musician will have their chance to shine," Finlay said.

National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, 8 p.m. Feb. 9, Mechanics Hall.

The program includes Saint-Saens' Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor and Dvorak's Symphony No. 8. With Vlodymyr Sirenko, conductor, and Volodymyr Vynnytsky, piano soloist. Ticket proceeds will benefit humanitarian causes aiding Ukraine and assisting refugees of the Ukrainian war.

VOCES8 will perform Feb. 10 at Mechanics Hall.
VOCES8 will perform Feb. 10 at Mechanics Hall.

VOCES8, 8 p.m. Feb. 10 ,Mechanics Hall

The 2023 Grammy-nominated eight-member British vocal ensemble VOCES8 performs an extensive repertory both in its a cappella concerts and in collaborations with leading musicians, orchestras, conductors and soloists. Music Worcester has been wanting to being in the the group as as part of its season for several years, Finlay said.

Jeanine De Bique, soprano, with Warren Jones, pianist, 8 p.m. Feb. 23, Curtis Performance Hall, Assumption University.

The Trinidad-born singer will perform a recital featuring lieder and songs by composers including Benjamin Britten, Hugo Wolf, and H. T. Burleigh, as well as Caribbean folk songs.

Jeanine De Bique is set to perform Feb. 23 at Curtis Performance Hall, Assumption University.
Jeanine De Bique is set to perform Feb. 23 at Curtis Performance Hall, Assumption University.

'Voices of Eternal Light," 4 p.m. Feb. 25, First Baptist Church of Worcester.

A two-part program of contemporary works with Worcester Chorus Women's Ensemble performing Linda Tutas Haugen's "Anne Frank: A Living Voice (text from the Diary of Anne Frank)," and the Worcester Chorus with Morten Lauridsen's requiem "Lux Aeterna."

Mnozil Brass will perform March 1 at  Mechanics Hall.
Mnozil Brass will perform March 1 at Mechanics Hall.

Mnozil Brass, 8 p.m. March 1. Mechanics Hall.

Mnozil Brass proved to be popular when they performed here during Music Worcester's 2015-16 season, Finlay recalled. The Austrian brass group combines fine musicianship with anarchic humor. The “Gasthaus Mnozil” is a restaurant across the street from the Vienna Conservatory. where, in 1992, seven young brass musicians met and began playing at a monthly open mic.

Orchestre Métropolitain de Montreal, conducted by , Yannick Nézet-Séguin, will perform March 3 at Mechanics Hall.
Orchestre Métropolitain de Montreal, conducted by , Yannick Nézet-Séguin, will perform March 3 at Mechanics Hall.

Orchestre Métropolitain de Montreal, 4 p.m. March 3, Mechanics Hall. Artistic director and principal conductor, Yannick Nézet-Séguin. 

Nézet-Séguin, also conductor of the Metropolitan Opera and Philadelphia Orchestra, is considered one of the leading conductors of our times. "We’re excited to have one of the most sought-after conductors in the world make his first appearance with us," Finlay said. Pianist Toni Siqi Yun will be featured in Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, and the program also includes Sibelius Symphony No. 2. While he's in Worcester, Nézet-Séguin will be working with area youth musicians.

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy will perform March 9 at the Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts.
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy will perform March 9 at the Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts.

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, 8 p.m. March 9, The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts.

The popular Cape Breton fiddlers are no strangers to Worcester. "We have a strong history with them," Finlay said. He's happy they had a stop available in Worcester near St. Patrick's Day.

The American Spiritual Ensemble will perform April 6 at the Curtis Performance Hall, Assumption University.
The American Spiritual Ensemble will perform April 6 at the Curtis Performance Hall, Assumption University.

American Spiritual Ensemble, 8 p.m. April 6, Curtis Performance Hall, Assumption University.

Christopher Shepard, director of the Worcester Chorus, told Finlay about the American Spiritual Ensemble and said "you've got to bring them to Worcester."

The ensemble is "a gospel choir made up of soloists," Finlay said. The repertoire includes spirituals, Broadway and jazz. Bradford T. Dumont, director of choral activities at Assumption University and artistic director of the Salisbury Singers, helped to secure the ensemble's concert here, Finlay said.

The Worcester Chorus performs Bach's B Minor Mass May 5 at Mechanics Hall.
The Worcester Chorus performs Bach's B Minor Mass May 5 at Mechanics Hall.

Worcester Chorus, 4 p.m. May 5, Mechanics Hall.

The Worcester Chorus performs Bach's B Minor Mass. Instrumentalists from Emmanuel Music in Boston will be the orchestra for the concert. Shepard is an expert on the work having written his doctoral thesis on it. Finlay acknowledged that the Worcester Chorus has performed Bach's B Minor Mass recently. However, a major announcement will be made May 5 "about Music Worcester, Worcester Chorus, Chris Shepard, and Bach," Finlay said.

Pianist  Marc-André Hamelin performs May 9 at Mechanics Hall.
Pianist Marc-André Hamelin performs May 9 at Mechanics Hall.

 Marc-André Hamelin, 7:30 p.m. May 9, Mechanics Hall.

Hamelin is an internationally acclaimed pianist described as " very much at the top of his game." While in Worcester he will be giving master classes and teaching performances.

Tessa Lark and and Frank Vignola are set to perform May 18 at Tuckerman Hall.
Tessa Lark and and Frank Vignola are set to perform May 18 at Tuckerman Hall.

Tessa Lark and and Frank Vignola, 8 p.m. May 18, Tuckerman Hall.

Lark is a violinist and Vignola a guitarist. Lark is also "a fiddle player who can improvise and fiddle with the best of them," Finlay said. Their cross-over program will include classical music, jazz, and folk music.

"It will be a wonderful way to close out the season with the diversity of Music Worcester captured in one evening," Finlay said.

For more information, visit www.musicworcester.org.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Music Worcester announces 165th season with 20 genre-spanning concerts