Music Worcester, originally known as The Worcester County Music Association, has had a leadership role in the cultural life of this region since 1858 when it inaugurated the first annual Worcester Music Festival. Recognized by the Library of Congress, this prestigious Music Festival has the distinction of being the oldest, on going Music Festival in the country and has won critical acclaim as a pre-eminent presenter of highly acclaimed international orchestras and artists, chamber music, ballet, world music and dance, jazz and choral masterworks.
Music Worcester also presents the International Artists Series, Mass Jazz Festival and the Worcester Chorus, as well as the annual Young Artists Competition, which awards scholarships and performance opportunities to young, highly talented area musicians.