WORCESTER—Throughout the month of December, Mechanics Hall’s acoustically rich Great Hall will be filled with festive holiday music performed by regional orchestras, choral and dance groups, renowned musicians, and soloists.
The variety of programs includes perennial favorites such as the perennial crowd-pleasers U.S. Navy Band Northeast and Dance Prism’s “The Nutcracker,” a performance by local solo star Cara Brindisi, and a silent Christmas film accompanied by acclaimed improvisation organist Peter Krasinski.
“Music and the holidays go hand-in-hand, and we are so pleased to invite our community to enjoy the most delightful sounds of the season with us here at Mechanics Hall,” said Kathleen Gagne, executive director of Mechanics Hall, in an announcement. “And we are grateful to the cultural partners and organizations who partner with us to present these exciting programs to the public.”
Holiday programs at Mechanics Hall include the following:
Saturday, Dec. 2, 8 p.m.
Handel’s Messiah performed by the Worcester Chorus, presented by Music Worcester
Boston’s Grammy-winning Handel and Haydn Society performs Baroque and Classical music with a freshness, a vitality, and a creativity that inspires all ages. H+H has been captivating audiences for 207 consecutive seasons (the most of any performing arts organization in the United States), speaking to its singular success at converting new audiences to this extraordinary music, generation after generation.
Sunday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m.
“Tis the Season — Annual Traditions,” presented by the Boston Conservatory Orchestra
‘Tis the Season—Annual Traditions is a symphonic celebration of the December holidays. Just as operas perform Hansel and Gretel, ballets perform The Nutcracker, and New Year’s Eve brings Die Fledermaus, so symphony orchestras perform Christmas and Chanukah music for young and old.
Wednesday, December 6, noon
Brown Bag Holiday Concert with the U.S. Navy Band Northeast
Free admission
The perennial crowd favorite Navy Band Northeast teams up with the New England Conservatory’s Chamber Singers and Symphonic Winds to perform a broad repertoire of holiday classics in this Brown Bag Concert presented by Mechanics Hall and 90.5 FM WICN. Navy Band Northeast is a 35-musician ensemble based on board NAVSTA Newport and one of 11 official U.S. Navy bands worldwide. Attendees are invited to bring a brown bag lunch or purchase one at the Hall. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Learn more about the U.S. Navy Band Northeast.
Saturday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m.
“Annual Holiday Pops Concert,” presented by the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra
Everyone needs to attend this annual classic at least once, if not every year.
Sunday, Dec. 10, 1 and 5 p.m.
The Nutcracker, presented by Dance Prism
For information and tickets, visit mechanicshall.org
Wednesday, December 13, 12:00 p.m.
“Festive Performance of Holiday Music,” presented by Mechanics Hall
Free admission
Mechanics Hall Principal Organist Peter Krasinski leads a festive musical program to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah, featuring well-known classical tunes, songs of the season, and beloved carols. Krasinski is joined by the acclaimed All Saints Church Choir and solo performers. The program includes audience sing-a-longs and a showing of the short silent film, A Christmas Story by Thomas Edison, accompanied by Krasinski on the organ. Attendees are invited to bring a brown bag lunch or purchase one at the Hall. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 16, 4 p.m.
“Annual Holiday Family Pops,” presented by the Worcester Youth Orchestra
Featuring the WY Symphony Orchestra, WY Philharmonic, WY Wind Ensemble & WY Jazz Band, Worcester Children’s Chorus and the spectacular Noshoba Valley Chorale. Joined by soprano Lisabeth Miller and the glorious Hook Organ, this concert will get you singing along to familiar favorites during this joyous season.
Sunday, Dec. 17, 4 p.m.
Third Annual “Christmas at Mechanics Hall”
The Third Annual “Christmas at Mechanics Hall,” led by organist and composer Leonardo Ciampa, is a festive exploration of the great Christmas melodies from across centuries and around the globe. Ciampa is joined by The First Unitarian Choir & Friends, with Allegra Martin conducting; members of the Henry Purcell Society of Boston, with Jessica Cooper directing; tenor Christon Carney; guitarist Dave McLellan; and the Auburn High School Chamber Singers, with George Eisenhauer conducting. This annual concert has become a beloved Worcester event, as Maestro Ciampa displays his renowned skills as composer and arranger as well as his special affinity for renowned Worcester “Hook” Organ at Mechanics Hall.
Thursday, Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m.
Cara Brindisi in Concert: A Winter Solstice Celebration
After her success last year on ‘The Voice’, local musician Cara Brindisi is back for the 2nd Annual Winter Solstice Concert in the Great Hall. Join her and some very special guests for an evening of light and warmth on the longest night of the year.
Saturday, Dec. 23, 1 p.m.
Blissful Tea Party presents “Holiday Tea”
Take a break. Sip some tea for the holidays.
Complete information about the upcoming programs can be found on the Mechanics Hall website, mechanicshall.org, or by calling the Mechanics Hall Box Office at 508-752-5608. All programs will be held at Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester.
In addition, Mechanics Hall is a drop-off location for the Worcester Public Schools Coats for Kids Program. Residents are encouraged to donate new, unworn winter outer wear for children served by the district’s 48 schools, the Worcester Head Start Program, the Worcester Family Partnership Program, and several area homeless shelters. Coats, hats, scarves, and mittens can be dropped off through December at Mechanics Hall, Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or when attending an event.
Have an event? News to share? Profile to suggest? Email carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
