The Winchendon Music Festival is set to return for its eleventh year, running from 23–25 January 2026, following the success of its milestone tenth anniversary in 2025. Founded by musician and educator Andrew Arceci in honour of his late father, the Festival has steadily evolved into a globally recognised event showcasing an expansive mix of local, national and international talent.
This year’s programme brings together some of the most respected performers in the industry. The Worcester Chorus, directed by Chris Shepard, will present concerts on 23 and 24 January, while Peter Urquhart’s ensemble, Capella Alamire, is scheduled to perform on 25 January. The January series marks the starting point of a wider 2026 season, with the Festival also planning additional classical, jazz and world-music events in April.
True to its founding principles, the Winchendon Music Festival continues to prioritise accessibility. Most concerts remain free to the public, encouraging audiences to discover new musical experiences and explore genres outside their usual listening habits.
Reflecting on the Festival’s evolution, Arceci says:
“In full candour, we weren’t sure what to expect when we started in 2016, but WMF has evolved into something quite special. We’re excited to return in January with three largish programs, and in April, with several solo and chamber events.”
Arceci, born in Boston, has built an international career spanning North America, Europe and Asia. His work has included collaborations with the BBC, NPR, Juice Music and Cedille Records, alongside teaching positions at institutions such as Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and Worcester State University. His academic engagements abroad include appearances at Oxford, Edinburgh and Cambridge universities, and he served as a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University’s Center for Middle Eastern Studies during the 2019–20 academic year.
A non-profit organisation, the Winchendon Music Festival presents concerts across an array of genres — from classical and folk to jazz, historical performance and world music — supported by individuals, businesses and charitable foundations. With its 2026 edition, the Festival continues its mission to bring high-quality music to audiences across Massachusetts, strengthening community engagement through free and diverse programming.
Tickets available here.
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