FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Worcester Chamber Music Society Appoints New Executive Director
March 11, 2025 Worcester, MA – Worcester Chamber Music Society has appointed Ariana Falk as its new Executive Director, effective May 1, 2025. Ms. Falk replaces founding Executive Director Tracy Kraus, who announced her retirement last fall.
Falk brings with her a wealth of experience with Worcester Chamber Music Society, as both a core musician and Education Director. She combines performance with a passion for forging new paths in teaching artistry and currently oversees a staff of
five teaching artists and the day-to-day operations of Neighborhood Strings. Ariana earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University and Master of Music and Artist Diploma degrees from the Yale School of Music, where she was the recipient of the Aldo Parisot Prize. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Yale College. She was a Fellow at Community MusicWorks, the Providence organization committed to creating an urban community through music education and performance.
“After 13 years of leading our group’s education work, I’m thrilled to take over as Executive Director of Worcester Chamber Music Society,” states Falk. “I’m honored to lead a group of musicians so dedicated to the community, and excited to build on our rich tradition of chamber music and education.”
Outgoing Executive Director Tracy Kraus is enthusiastic about Falks’ appointment. “I could not be more pleased and excited to see Ariana step into this leadership role. She has been with WCMS for 15 years and was key in developing and growing our Neighborhood Strings program. She deeply understands the organization and shares a passion for our mission and vision. I am confident that I am leaving Worcester Chamber Music Society in good hands.”
Founded in 2006 as a performing ensemble, which now performs 15-17 concerts each season, WCMS has grown to include the Neighborhood Strings music education initiative, serving over 100 young people from the Main South and Downtown Worcester neighborhoods; the Music Heals free concert series that takes place in health and social service settings; and ChamberFest Adult Intensive Workshop.
Board President Jeffrey Paster effused, “I think I can speak for the entire Board of Directors when I say that I could not be happier with Ariana’s appointment as our new Executive Director. As a professional cellist, current Education Director and founder of our Neighborhood Strings program, Director of Chamberfest, and key driver for an anonymous $1 million grant, Ariana brings a wealth of experience, skills, and passion to this role.”
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About Worcester Chamber Music Society
Hailed as a group with imagination, style and chops, the Worcester Chamber Music Society took the Worcester, MA scene by storm with its initial concert in 2006. It has become a recognized cultural presence within the Greater Worcester area by presenting sold-out concerts to captivated audiences, receiving consistent critical acclaim, building new young audiences, and training rising musicians through both its Neighborhood Strings and Summer ChamberFest programs. WCMS brings world-class chamber music to intimate, beautiful, and uniquely New England venues. WCMS nurtures the community through a unique combination of affordable concerts, education and community engagement.