Summer@Music Worcester Returns With Three Different Concerts

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Emi Ferguson and Ruckus, and the Hermitage Trio will perform during the third edition of Summer@Music Worcester this July and August.  Tickets and information can be found at musicworcester.org.

“Summer@MW this year brings a notable trio of performances to area audiences, highlighting the range of cultural venues in Central MA as well as Music Worcester's hallmark range of performers,” stated Executive Director Adrien Finlay. “An acclaimed vocal group from South Africa, a multi-genre chamber ensemble using Baroque instruments, and a piano trio noted for its high voltage playing will all inspire and entertain listeners over July and August.”

Grammy Award-winning vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo brings their trademark tight harmony and exciting rhythms to Worcester's Mechanics Hall on Friday July 18th.  American audiences first became acquainted with Ladysmith Black Mambazo when they collaborated with Paul Simon on his 1986 album Graceland, and in the ensuing years they have become one of the most famous South African musical groups.  Their performances are filled with groove, traditional instrumentation, and energy that has delighted and inspired audiences all over the world.  This concert is co-presented with Worcester-based non-profit Crocodile River Music.

Emi Ferguson and Ruckus will perform music from their album, Fly the Coop: Bach Flute Sonatas & Keyboard Preludes, at the Brickbox Theater at JMAC on Friday July 25th.  The album has been called a “wild romp through some of Bach's most playful and transcendent works.” Ferguson, principal flute of the Handel & Haydn Society and a 2023 recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant, is “on a mission to shake up classical music.” Performing with early music band Ruckus, who claim to be the world's only known period-instrument rock band, they explore the relationship between the ethereal sound of solo flute and the rich texture of an expansive rhythm section, made up of theorbos, baroque guitars, baroque bassoon, cello, viola da gamba, harpsichord, organ, bass, and banjos.