Bach, Cake, and Champagne: Music Worcester’s “Birthday Bash” Returns March 2026!

How do you celebrate the 341st birthday of one of history’s greatest composers? If you’re Music Worcester, you do it with a four-concert marathon, world-class musicians, and—true to any great party—plenty of cake and champagne.

From March 20–22, the second annual Bach’s Birthday Bash Weekend will take over the historic Mechanics Hall. The event is a cornerstone of THE COMPLETE BACH, Music Worcester’s ambitious 11-year mission to perform every known work by J.S. Bach live in the city.

A Weekend for Every Kind of Music Lover

Whether you're a Baroque aficionado or a curious newcomer, the weekend lineup offers a mix of grand scale and intimate "up-close" experiences:

• The Headliners: On Friday night, New York’s acclaimed ensemble The Sebastians will perform the complete Brandenburg Concertos. Praised by The New York Times as “sharp-edged and engaging,” they bring a fresh, modern energy to these iconic 18th-century hits.
• The "Stage-Side" Experience: Saturday afternoon’s Keyboards Up Close offers a rare opportunity. Audience members are invited to sit on stage with pianist Kristjon Imperio and harpsichordist Frederick Jodry to witness the intricate fingerwork of Bach’s keyboard masterpieces just inches away.
• Local Legends: On Saturday evening, the Worcester Chamber Music Society takes the stage. The program features the Musical Offering—a complex set of works based on a theme given to Bach by a king—and the virtuosic Italian Concerto.
• The Grand Finale: The weekend closes Sunday with the Cantatathon. This community-focused event brings together regional choirs, including the Salisbury Singers and Worcester Children’s Choir. For many of these local singers, it marks their first time performing Bach alongside a full orchestra.

More Than Just a Concert

"Part of the excitement is that it combines professional and avocational musicians," says Chris Shepard, Artistic Director of THE COMPLETE BACH. "We’re fulfilling a goal to convert performers and listeners into lifelong Bach lovers."
And because a birthday isn't a birthday without a treat, intermission during the performances will feature birthday cake and champagne for the audience.

Event Details & Tickets

• When: March 20–22, 2026
• Where: Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester
• Tickets: Individual performance tickets and full weekend passes are available now at
• musicworcester.org.