Handel and Haydn Society
As a city, Boston is immersed in rich tradition and a profound heritage dating back to the birth of the United States. Music is no exception to the deep long-standing history of the city, and the Handel and Haydn Society is one of the greatest examples. Founded by a group of local musicians and merchants in 1815, it’s the oldest continuously performing ensemble of its kind in the US.
HISTORICALLY ACCURATE PERFORMANCE, CHALLENGES
Originally established as an oratorio group dedicated to performing the works of Handel and Haydn and other composers, the Society’s overarching goal is to perform baroque and classical pieces at the sublime level  the compositions deserved. In the mid-20th century, the Society adopted a practice known as HIP, meaning historically accurate performances, aimed at preserving the authenticity of the works they performed. The practice focused on the stylistic nuances of compositions and uses period-appropriate instruments in an effort to re-produce works in their original form.
The Society has endured many challenges throughout its history. The financial crisis of the 1930s had a substantial impact on the Society’s audience and World War II created membership issues as the number of choristers dropped to 206 – its lowest number in over a century. To overcome these difficulties, the ever-resilient organization had to rely on sponsorship from local charities, which at one point had to underwrite ticket sales.
ARTISTIC DIRECTORS, GRAMMY AWARD, ALBUMS, SCHEDULE
The Society has seen several artistic directors over the years, each of whom has contributed to the organization in their own unique way. Christopher Hogwood, who took the reins of the Society in 1986 to 2001, was responsible for its first overseas performance in 1996. Hogwood also highlighted programs that tied baroque improvisation to contemporary jazz artists Gary Burton and Chick Corea. Grant Llewellyn directed the society from 2001 to 2006, then became principal conductor through 2009. The Society won its first Grammy under his tutelage.
From 2008 through the 2020/21 season, Harry Christophers was artistic director and he conducted the Society’s first appearance in continental Europe while recording 12 albums with the Society, which was more than any other musical director in its nearly 210-year history. In 2023, English cellist and conductor Jonathan Cohen became artistic director.
The Society continues to entertain audiences across the globe and the full programming schedule is available on the ensembles website. Also available on the site are archives of all of its artists and performance since 1815. The organization continues to present exhibits and lectures in addition to free concerts in its tireless effort to inform and educate the public of the Society’s history and time-tested presence as a Boston institution.
