Issuu

2026-27

SEASON MORE THAN THE MUSIC

Dear Music Lover,

After the wonderful music shared in our 2025–26 Season, I remain inspired by your support, curiosity, and commitment to our music-making, and I’m delighted to welcome you to our 2026–27 Season.

We open with a piece I hold in very high esteem, Handel’s L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, a setting of John Milton’s evocative poems that hold joy and melancholy in equal regard. Milton’s “merry person” delights in happiness, company, and lively days, while his more “reflective figure” values quiet, solitude, and thoughtful observation. This dialogue of contrasts suggests that both lightness and seriousness are necessary in any honest view of life, a balance that feels especially relevant today.

Messiah returns, this time led by Conductor Laureate Harry Christophers, whose long and treasured relationship with H+H has shaped many memorable performances for our audiences. For our Baroque Christmas, we turn to Heinrich Schütz’s characterful “Christmas Story” and his wonderful Christmas motets, heard with the distinctive colors of the 17th-century cornetts and sackbuts.

This season, we are delighted to introduce you to celebrated cellist Nicolas Altstaedt, who makes his H+H debut with us for Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C Major, in a program that concludes with Haydn’s “Farewell” Symphony. We also look forward to the performance of our friend, countertenor Reginald Mobley, who features in a program of Handel, alongside a new commission by Damien Geter—stories of identity and transformation that speak directly to the present. In Symphony Hall, you will hear Beethoven’s powerful Fifth Symphony led by Jean-Marie Zeitouni, and the esteemed Rachel Podger returns to direct our musicians from the violin in the complete Brandenburg Concertos. Our season culminates with Mendelssohn’s Elijah, in which the CitySing Chorus performs with the H+H Youth Choruses Chamber Choir and our professional H+H Chorus. Elijah holds an important place in H+H’s history, and a return to this magnificent work allows us to revive its sense of scale, drama, and community voice.

Like Handel’s contrasting dialogues in L’Allegro, this season offers a tapestry of celebration and reflection, of familiar works and new perspectives. I look forward to experiencing this music together with you.

See you in the concert hall!

Our audience agrees

“H+H brings the music alive with such fire and joy, every note crisp and sharp.”

“This was one of the most spectacular concerts I’ve ever attended!”

“Like going to a rock concert! H+H musicians went above and beyond!”

“The caliber of each concert is top notch.”

OCT 2 + 4

NOV 27 + 28 + 29 SYMPHONY

+ 30

MAR 19 + 20 SYMPHONY HALL

WHAT MAKES US HIP?

When you hear H+H perform Baroque and Classical music, you’ll experience the same joy, exhilaration, and awe that its first audiences felt hundreds of years ago—joining a musical and emotional tradition that unites us all. That’s because H+H is a leader in the Historically Informed Performance (HIP) movement, striving to fulfill the vision of history’s great composers with the same dedication, freshness, and energy that they felt when composing their music.

Our orchestra plays on the period instruments these composers wrote for—winds made from wood, gut strings instead of steel, brass without valves, and more. After perfecting the historical techniques used to play them, these brilliant musicians know their instruments like old friends, creating nuanced sounds sure to draw you in closer. Our ensembles have just 25 to 50 members, bringing a rare sense of intimacy to each concert. Whether we’re singing a medieval chant or playing a 19th-century concerto, our musicians—among the global leaders in HIP— dust off the cobwebs. Even a beloved piece you’ve heard a hundred times can feel like a brand-new discovery.

Pictured:

H+H Principal Horn Todd Williams showcasing his period instrument

“The orchestra generated live-wire pizzazz with every bar.”

2026 2027 SEASON SEASON OPENER

The Art of Living

SYMPHONY HALL

FRI, OCT 2, 2026 7:30pm SUN, OCT 4, 2026 3:00pm

The season kicks off with Handel’s L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato. Behold a vivid musical portrait of the human spirit—from joyful celebration to quiet reflection—based on the poetry of John Milton. Featuring H+H audience favorite, soprano Joélle Harvey and spoken reflections by Massachusetts Poet Laureate Regie Gibson, this performance brings radiant choruses and dancing rhythms to life. Experience the “most characterful and engaging” artistry of H+H musicians (The Strad).

Jonathan Cohen conductor

Regie Gibson spoken word artist

Joélle Harvey soprano

Paul Appleby tenor

Michael Sumuel bass-baritone

H+H Orchestra and Chorus

Handel L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato

THE BOSTON GLOBE

Regie Gibson SPOKEN WORD ARTIST

Handel’s Messiah

SYMPHONY HALL

FRI, NOV 27, 2026 7:30pm

SAT, NOV 28, 2026 3:00pm

SUN, NOV 29, 2026 3:00pm

Hark! Conductor Laureate Harry Christophers returns to lead H+H for Boston’s must-see Messiah. For the 173rd consecutive year, H+H brings generations of Bostonians together for “a holiday ritual as essential as trimming the tree” (The Boston Globe). With the H+H Orchestra, Chorus, and luminous soloists filling Symphony Hall with seasonal joy, you’ll leave singing “Hallelujah!”

Harry Christophers conductor

Hilary Cronin soprano

Christopher Lowrey countertenor

Robert Murray tenor

Roderick Williams baritone H+H Orchestra and Chorus

Handel Messiah

Baroque Christmas

NEC’S JORDAN HALL

THU, DEC 17, 2026 7:30pm SUN, DEC 20, 2026 2:00pm

Wrap yourself in the warmth of the holidays with music that fills the air with festive joy. Under the direction of Jonathan Cohen, the H+H Orchestra and Chorus set the stage for Schütz’s The Christmas Story, which sparkles and dances with energy—unfolding the brilliance of the Baroque in striking detail. Settle into your seat with friends and family for a concert that shines with vivid color and forms “a brilliant tapestry of sound” (The Harvard Crimson).

Jonathan Cohen conductor

Nicholas Mulroy tenor (Evangelist) H+H Orchestra and Chorus

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY THE H+H Youth Choruses

Schütz Die Weihnachthistorie

(The Christmas Story)

To include additional selections by Vierdanck, Praetorius, and Schein

Kiss and Tell A World Premiere

NEC’S JORDAN HALL FRI, JAN 29, 2027 7:30pm SAT, JAN 30, 2027 7:30pm

A world premiere, co-commissioned by H+H and Cleveland early music ensemble Les Délices, takes center stage as Jonathan Cohen leads the H+H Orchestra with countertenor Reginald Mobley. Kiss and Tell, a Baroque-inspired cantata by composer Damien Geter with a libretto by Tsitsi Jaji, draws on myths from around the world to explore love and belonging. The program also features Handel’s expressive cantata Vedendo amor, linking Baroque beauty with a bold contemporary voice.

Jonathan Cohen conductor

Reginald Mobley countertenor

Program to include:

Handel Cantata, Vedendo amor

Damien Geter Cantata, Kiss and Tell (World Premiere)

Brandenburg Concertos

NEC’S JORDAN HALL FRI, FEB 19, 2027 7:30pm SUN, FEB 21, 2027 3:00pm

This concert is pure Rock + Roll! There’s no better way to describe how the H+H Orchestra brings Bach’s timeless Brandenburg Concertos to life performed with what The Boston Musical Intelligencer calls “a casual Baroque swagger.” Renowned violinist and conductor Rachel Podger returns to lead this high-voltage program that sparks and rips—proof that Bach knew how to bring the house down centuries before the first amplifier was plugged in.

Rachel Podger director and violin

J.S. Bach Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-6

Reginald Mobley COUNTERTENOR

Rachel Podger VIOLIN

Harry Christophers CONDUCTOR

(NOTE TIME)

H+H Orchestra

2026 2027 SEASON

Beethoven’s Fifth

Haydn in Plain Sight

SYMPHONY HALL

FRI, MAR 19, 2027 7:30pm SAT, MAR 20, 2027 3:00pm

200 years after Beethoven’s death, the fire of his Symphony No. 5 is instantly recognizable—but its true power lies in the journey it takes you on. With guest conductor Jean-Marie Zeitouni leading the H+H Orchestra, the symphony unfolds as a sweeping emotional arc, gripping the listener with tension, stirring anticipation, and finally releasing it in a blaze of triumph.

Jean-Marie Zeitouni conductor

Program to include:

Beethoven Symphony No. 5

“Nothing short of magic.”

THE BOSTON GLOBE

NEC’S JORDAN HALL

FRI, APR 2, 2027 7:30pm SUN, APR 4, 2027 3:00pm

Led by Jonathan Cohen, the H+H Orchestra moves as one living, breathing voice through every piece on the program. The strings feel fully alive, shaping phrases with warmth and clarity that make the music seem to sing. At the heart of the evening is Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C Major, featuring Nicolas Altstaedt. Together, this dynamic duo creates true musical conversation, as Altstaedt brings fire and finesse with “technique to burn” (The Australian).

Jonathan Cohen conductor Nicolas Altstaedt cello

CPE Bach Sinfonia in E-flat Major

Haydn Cello Concerto in C Major

CPE Bach Cello Concerto in A Major

Haydn Symphony No. 45, Farewell

SYMPHONY HALL

SAT, MAY 1, 2027 2:00pm

SUN, MAY 2, 2027 3:00pm

Mendelssohn’s Elijah is a sweeping drama of faith, struggle, and triumph— an oratorio with the heart of a cinematic blockbuster. From thunderous choruses to moments of aching stillness, the H+H Orchestra and Chorus bring this monumental work to life. This performance also marks the return of CitySing, welcoming community singers to join the H+H musicians onstage in a moving celebration of collective music-making— because at H+H, You Are the Music!

Jonathan Cohen conductor

TBA soprano

Anna Lucia Richter mezzo-soprano

Andrew Haji tenor

Liam James Karai bass-baritone H+H Orchestra and Chorus H+H Youth Choruses

CitySing

Mendelssohn Elijah

Nicolas Altstaedt CELLO

Jean-Marie Zeitouni CONDUCTOR

MORE THAN THE MUSIC MEANS COMMUNITY

H+H is all about community. We bring Boston into the concert hall and bring our music to Boston.

EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION CONCERT

DEC 31, 2026

This free concert, now in its 13th year and held each New Year’s Eve, celebrates liberty and freedom.

CITYSING

MAY 1 + 2, 2027

Singers from Greater Boston join the professional H+H Chorus on the Symphony Hall stage in a grand display of voices.

PRIDE ‘27

JAN 29 + 30, 2027

Each season, H+H lifts up Boston’s LGBTQ+ community with music and festivities.

H+H YOUTH CHORUSES CHORALE FESTIVAL

Now in its second year, this festival shines the spotlight on high school choruses from Massachusetts, culminating in a special performance at Symphony Hall.