Mechanics Hall Organ
CELEBRATE MECHANICS HALL
IRISH TRAVEL & CULTURE MAGAZINE
FALL/WINTER 2017-18
A 19th century chronicler once described Mechanics Hall as Worcester’s Hall of Fame, and how right was that sentiment.
Concert at Mechanics Hall, Worcester
Since opening its doors in 1857, the magnificent hall in the heart of Worcester has welcomed six US presidents and scores of great literary figures – Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Ralph Waldo Emerson & Henry David Thoreau. Master singers from Jenny Lind and Ella Fitzgerald to John McCormack and Enrico Caruso have enthralled audiences. Seminal figures like Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone and Olive Wendell Holmes have inspired generations.
The Mechanics Association, a group of tradesmen and artisans formed in 1842, built Mechanics Hall for the purpose of “educating mechanics and workingmen of our country.” It immediately became a gathering place, offering lectures in the winter, a library and a reading room, as well as musical festivals, political conventions and civic activities.
Event at Mechanics Hall
Back then, Mechanics Hall was described as “the most spacious and beautiful hall in New England,” and indeed, is still considered the nation’s finest pre-Civil War concert hall. It fell into disrepair in the 20th century, until the citizens of Worcester rallied to restore Mechanics to its former glory in 1977. Since then it has regained its perch as a regional headquarters for performing arts, civic engagement and community activities.
THREE MILESTONES:
- 175th anniversary of Worcester County Mechanics Association
- 160th anniversary of Mechanics Hall
- 40th anniversary of the restoration of Mechanics Hall
In the true spirit of Central Mass residents, family milestones are celebrated at Mechanics Hall year round: weddings, engagements, anniversaries and birthday celebrations.
Military gatherings are also popular. On Sunday, November 12, the 100th anniversary of World War I is being commemorated with a performance of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem, performed by five Central Mass choruses.
The following weekend, on November 18, three non-profit groups are collaborating on a benefit concert to raise funds to help the people of Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria.
When attending events at Mechanics Hall, visitors can’t help but feel a distinct sense of the illustrious history that occurred in these hallowed halls. World leaders, famous orators, brilliant singers and great thinkers have all passed through Mechanics Hall, imparting an eloquent intellect and creativity that stand the test of time.
Mechanics Hall | 321 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608 | Info: 508-752-5608 | Tickets: 508-752-0888
SOME UPCOMING EVENTS
November 15
* Michael Dutra & Strictly Sinatra Band
November 17
Worcester Youth Philharmonic Concert & String Orchestra
November 19
Worcester Men of Song Barbershop Harmony Concert
November 22
* Sivan Arbel
November 29
* All That (Holiday) Jazz! - WPI Big Band & Hook Organ
December 2
The Worcester Chorus: Handel’s Messiah with orchestra
December 6, 2017
* NEC Symphonic Winds & Chamber Singers / U.S. Navy Band Northeast
December 7
XLO’s Acoustic Xmas: Goo Goo Dolls & special guests
December 9
Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert
December 10
The Nutcracker Ballet performed by Dance Prism
December 11, 2017
Hops & Harmony! - Bluelight Bandits
December 29
Mechanics Hall Cinema feature: Little Women
January 20, 2018
Mechanics Hall Winter Soiree: Dan Gabel & the Abletones
January 27
Solo pianist Garrick Ohlsson
February 4
Psychic Medium Matt Fraser
February 11
Pianist Simone Dinnerstein
February 14
The Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra
March 11
Dublin Irish Dance: “Stepping Out”
March 18
Boston Brass Ensemble
April 20
The Worcester Chorus: Bach’s St. Matthew Passion
April 28
Cameron Carpenter: The International Touring Organ
* Brown Bag Concerts (Free)
View complete schedule at mechanicshall.org