A Time-Honored Tradition: The Worcester Chorus Ushers in the Holidays with Handel and Britten

For classical music aficionados in Central Massachusetts, the holiday season doesn't truly begin until the first strains of "Every valley shall be exalted" fill the magnificent space of Mechanics Hall. This December, Music Worcester celebrates its beloved choral traditions with two must-attend performances by one of America’s oldest and most continuously active choral ensembles: The Worcester Chorus.

Under the seasoned baton of Artistic Director Chris Shepard, The Worcester Chorus presents its annual performance of George Frideric Handel’s immortal oratorio, Messiah, on Saturday, December 6 at 8 pm at the historic Mechanics Hall. This performance is a cornerstone of the region's cultural calendar, a tradition so deeply rooted that the Chorus first performed portions of the masterwork during Mechanics Hall's Grand Opening Weekend way back in 1858. For generations of families and serious choral enthusiasts, this is the definitive start to the holiday season. The 100-member Chorus, drawing both amateur and professional voices from across Worcester County, northern Connecticut, and the Boston area, will once again breathe life into Handel's genius.

But the tradition doesn't end there. Later in the month, the Worcester Chorus Women’s Ensemble offers a more intimate, yet equally vital, celebration with their annual Holiday Concert on Sunday, December 21 at 4 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Worcester.

Directed by the widely recognized conductor and organist Mark Mummert (who also serves as Cantor at Trinity Lutheran Church), this program is a treat for those who appreciate the delicate beauty of works tailored for women's voices. The program centers on Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols, a brilliant, evocative cycle of medieval carols set to music, which is often cited as a jewel of 20th-century choral repertoire. The afternoon will also feature a selection of other Christmas classics and, yes, joyful holiday sing-alongs. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the Messiah's grandeur—a deep dive into the season's refined and festive choral literature.

Music Worcester’s commitment to significant choral works is perhaps best exemplified by its monumental THE COMPLETE BACH project—an audacious 11-year initiative to present every known work of J.S. Bach. The Worcester Chorus plays a central role in this history-making endeavor, firmly positioning the ensemble at the forefront of classical performance in the region.
Whether your tradition involves the soaring majesty of Handel’s classic or the crystalline beauty of Britten’s carols, Music Worcester offers a December calendar steeped in choral excellence.

Performance Details:

The Worcester Chorus singing Handel’s Messiah

• When: Saturday, December 6 at 8 pm
• Where: Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester, MA

The Worcester Chorus Women’s Ensemble Holiday Concert

• When: Sunday, December 21 at 4 pm
• Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster Street, Worcester, MA

Tickets and information can be found at musicworcester.org.