Future Goals
1. Connect more than 15,000 audience members from Central Massachusetts and beyond with world-renowned orchestras, soloists, and ensembles spanning the classical, jazz, folk, world music, and dance genres over the course of 29 different events in the 2025-2026 season;
2. Bring professional musicians, including visiting international artists, to schools throughout Greater Worcester to conduct master classes with middle and high school students;
3. Hold 11 concerts as part of the second year of THE COMPLETE BACH, the 11-year project to present live performances of all of J.S. Bach’s works, including two festival weekends, BACHtoberfest (Oct. 24-26, 2025) and Bach’s Birthday Bash (March 20-22, 2026);
4. Introduce the 2026 Artist-in-Residence, Dr. Everett McCorvey, to audiences, students, and community partners throughout the area;
5. Increase access and reduce barriers to Music Worcester performances through programs including Card to Culture and Tickets to Opportunity, with at least 10% of total ticket count reflecting these efforts;
6. Model collaboration in the performing arts sector and reach new audiences through co-presentations with Crocodile River Music, the Prior Performing Arts Center, and The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts.
Fundraising Opportunities
While Music Worcester has no galas or fundraising events planned for the 2025-2026 Season, a robust schedule of 25+ concerts and events through May 2026 has recently been published. The organization seeks to connect with the area business community to create and customize sponsorship packages for all these performances, from jazz pianist Aaron Diehl to Dance Theatre of Harlem. Music Worcester does operate a biennial gala & auction for The Worcester Chorus, a performing ensemble that has been part of Music Worcester since its founding in 1858, with the next event expected in the 2026-2027 Season.
Giving Opportunities
Music Worcester welcomes and seeks out donations from individuals, business and corporate supporters, and foundations year-round. Two major appeals, each winter and summer, support the organization’s overall performances and educational activities. Sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals, as well as grant opportunities for private or corporate foundations, exist for concerts and major programs (like the Artist-in-Residence initiative next running in 2026 with Dr. Everett McCorvey). The annual program book serves as a key occasion for area businesses to support Music Worcester’s mission while advertising in a publication presented to all attendees throughout the season. Music Worcester regularly seeks in-kind donations related to hospitality for the artists it welcomes to Worcester throughout the year from around the world, including meals, bottles of water, hotel rooms, and transportation to regional airports and train stations.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer ushers assist at concerts and events to help Music Worcester deliver the ideal patron experience, welcoming audience members, scanning tickets, distributing programs, and helping patrons find their seats. Volunteers pay no dues and are asked to work at least three events over the course of the year.
Leadership
Adrien C. Finlay, Executive Director, Endowed by the McDonough Charitable Foundation
Anthony Smith, Nolichucky Associates , Board Chair
Eric Brose, Fidelity Bank, Vice President
Gabriel Cain, Nonprofit Numerics, Treasurer
Angela Knapton, Hanover Insurance, Clerk
Board Members
Polly Kimmitt, Kimmitt Genealogical Research, Worcester Chorus President
Osman Bilsel, Microgradient Fluidics LLC
Bruce Bursten, WPI
Alvin Gomez, Quest Diagnostics
Aldo Garcia Guevara, Worcester State University
William D. Hoffman, UMass Chan Medical School
Bonnie Johnson, WICN
Christine Keller, Lasell University
Jeffrey Levine, Jeffrey Levine MD
Margaret Pottle, UniBank
Kenneth Prince, community volunteer
Bob Sorrenti, community volunteer
Virginia Vaughn, Clark University – Professor Emeritus
Karen–Louise Walker, Payne Theological Seminary
Margaret Wong, Quinsigamond Community College
