2020 2021
EXPERIENCE LIVING MUSIC
TIME TO PLAY FAVORITES Over 12 remarkable years, Artistic Director Harry Christophers has helped shape H+H into a force known for injecting new life into music we thought we knew, but that we had never experienced with such freshness and energy. Now Harry is bringing his acclaimed tenure to a grand finale, with a season of personal favorites that are sure to inspire and delight. Each H+H performance forges its own connection with the audience. Each evening pulses with a unique light. Period instruments in the hands of gifted musicians join with a brilliant chorus to deliver a lighter, truer sound that honors the great composers’ original vision for their masterpieces. So take a breath. Close your eyes. Get ready to experience the classics in a fresh and astounding new way. A whisper of music. A rush of vocals. A musical journey without peer, with the masterful Harry Christophers as your guide. Come along for the ride. Subscribe to the 2020/21 season of the Handel and Haydn Society.
Photo Credits: Dario Acosta, Marco Borggreve, Sam Brewer, Gretjen Helene (A Priori Photography), Julien Mignot, Jean-Baptiste Millot, Stu Rosner, Lara Silberklang, Robert Torres
“MY TWELVE YEARS AT THE HELM HAVE JUST FLOWN BY. WHEN I LOOK BACK AT EVERYTHING WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED IN THAT TIME, I FEEL AN IMMENSE SENSE OF PRIDE AND GRATITUDE. IT HAS TRULY BEEN A PRIVILEGE TO BE PART OF THIS AMAZING ORGANIZATION.”
—Harry Christophers
“We will be making our 14th recording in January with Haydn’s Theresienmesse and another London symphony. Yet another opportunity for our amazing chorus and orchestra to show their prowess!” “I have conducted Messiah more than 150 times and never fail to be moved and inspired with each retelling. Messiah elevates the performers, the audience, and me—as one.”
2020 2021
Haydn + Mozart Jan 22, 24, 2021 at Symphony Hall
Handel: Messiah Nov 27-29, 2020 at Symphony Hall
“H+H gave the Boston premiere of Israel in Egypt in 1859. It is an amazing pictorial and cinematic account of an epic tale which I just love to bring to life.” Handel: Israel in Egypt Mar 19, 21, 2021 at NEC’s Jordan Hall and Sanders Theatre
“There is no doubt in my mind that Haydn’s monumental oratorio The Creation is our namesake’s greatest masterpiece. I can’t think of a finer work with which to take my final bow.” Haydn: The Creation Apr 30, May 2, 2021 at Symphony Hall HANDELANDHAYDN.ORG
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“ CHRISTOPHERS DRAWS PLAYING OF ELEGANCE AND CHARACTER...HIS CHORAL FORCES ARE AMONG THE BEST IN BOSTON... THE RESULT IS A FRESH, SPIRITED PERFORMANCE THAT IS BOTH WEIGHTY AND NIMBLE, SERENE AND DRAMATIC.” –The Arts Fuse
ADD SOME VIP TREATMENT TO YOUR CONCERT EXPERIENCE. Subscribers are guaranteed the extraordinary music of H+H is there for them when they need it. And they get so much more: FULL SERIES SUBSCRIBERS SAVE UP TO $312 AND ENJOY THE VERY BEST SEATS • Top priority seating for 6 great concerts at Symphony Hall and 3 great concerts in intimate Jordan Hall • Free parking vouchers for 6 Symphony Hall Concerts ($150 savings) 2 | HANDELANDHAYDN.ORG
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•T icket price savings of up to $162, depending on location (that’s a savings of better than one free concert) SYMPHONY HALL SERIES SUBSCRIBERS SAVE UP TO $108 • Priority seating for 6 great concerts at Symphony Hall • Prepaid parking vouchers available for purchase CUSTOMIZE YOUR CONCERT COLLECTION • Just pick a minimum of 3 concerts in this brochure and subscribe today – enjoy preferred seating at discount prices, plus free ticket exchange, dining privileges at a substantial discount, and our Money Back Guarantee
ALL SUBSCRIBERS RECEIVE • Better seats – subscribers are seated first • Lower prices – discounts vary by package size and location • Free ticket exchange if there’s ever a schedule conflict • 20% off additional tickets you buy, all season long. And there is no handling fee for those add-on tickets • Delight Guaranteed – we’re so sure you’ll love the H+H experience that if you aren’t completely satisfied after your first concert, return the rest of your tickets and we’ll give you your money back. • Dining privileges at award-winning Lucca Back Bay. Subscribers are invited to enjoy a gourmet pre- or post-concert 3-course meal at substantial savings
WHAT IS HIP? Standing at the forefront of the Historically Informed Performance (HIP) movement, H+H delivers audiences a unique listening experience by playing on period instruments, the kind for which the great Baroque and Classical composers wrote their masterpieces. Woodwinds are made of wood, not metal or plastic. Brass instruments have no modern valves. Strings are crafted of gut, not steel. And while the instruments make for a striking difference in the sound of the music, there are other reasons. The orchestra is smaller, 25 to 50 musicians as opposed to the 100 found in today’s conventional orchestras. Sharing the stage are 25 to 30 members of the chorus. This is just as when the music was written several centuries ago. Simply said, there is no better way to preserve the artistic intentions of history’s greatest composers. Or to showcase their musical genius. The difference in the sound is simply stunning. Masterpieces you know and love take on an entirely new life. You feel different textures. Hear subtle and graceful variations. And notice beautiful nuances. You hear things you’ve never heard before. But you hear them now. All as part of a historically informed performance by an organization that has been playing this music longer than anyone else in the country, founded when musicians like Beethoven were living, contemporary pop stars.
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BRAHMS A GERMAN REQUIEM
BACH + VIVALDI GLORIA
Clara Schumann, close friend of Brahms, opens our 206th season with this sublimely contemplative gem for a capella chorus (an H+H premiere). Then it’s Brahms’s choral masterpiece, unsurpassed in its radiant beauty and profoundly moving majesty. The H+H period instrument orchestra and chorus will be led by renowned conductor Harry Bicket who returns to H+H after a 20-year absence.
Savor music performed with renewed vitality by the H+H Orchestra. The Ouverture of J.S.’s buoyant Orchestral Suite No. 1 leads into a set of elegant dances, while C.P.E.‘s ecstatic Magnificat features festive trumpets and drums that infuse this masterpiece with sparkling life. Our exceptional chorus also shines in Vivaldi’s sunny Gloria, with conductor Jonathan Cohen contributing his passion for Baroque jewels, honed at Quebec’s Les Violons du Roy and London’s Arcangelo. Anthony Roth Costanzo, called “vocally brilliant and dramatically fearless” by The New York Times, makes his H+H debut.
SYMPHONY HALL
“Poised and warm, its sopranos silvery and its sibilants fresh, the Handel and Haydn Society Chorus was an engaging and evocative presence.”
– The New York Times
FRIDAY, SEPT 25, 2020 AT 7:30PM SUNDAY, SEPT 27, 2020 AT 2:00PM Note start time Harry Bicket, conductor Amanda Majeski, soprano Ryan McKinny, baritone H+H Orchestra and Chorus C. Schumann: Abendfeier in Venedig, Op. 19 (“Evening Celebration in Venice”) Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem (“A German Requiem”)
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FRIDAY, OCT 23, 2020 AT 7:30PM SUNDAY, OCT 25, 2020 AT 3:00PM Jonathan Cohen, conductor Amanda Forsythe, soprano Anthony Roth Costanzo, countertenor Nicholas Phan, tenor Tyler Duncan, baritone H+H Orchestra and Chorus J.S. Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 1, BWV 1066 Vivaldi: Gloria, RV 589 C.P.E. Bach: Magnificat
HANDEL MESSIAH SYMPHONY HALL
Harry Christophers lends his special touch to the last Messiah of his brilliant 12-year tenure as H+H’s artistic director—a not-to-be-missed occasion. The masterpiece comes alive for the 167th consecutive year as the unrivaled H+H Orchestra, Chorus, and spectacular soloists, including Iestyn Davies, a hit in Broadway’s Farinelli and the King, perform this stirring music—played the way Handel himself would have heard it. High-wire arias, dazzling instrumental fireworks, and awe-inspiring choruses make it Boston’s must-see Messiah. “No conductor in Boston has quite the feel for this music as Christophers.”
– The Boston Classical Review
FRIDAY, NOV 27, 2020 AT 7:30PM SATURDAY, NOV 28, 2020 AT 3:00PM SUNDAY, NOV 29, 2020 AT 3:00PM Harry Christophers, conductor Carolyn Sampson, soprano Iestyn Davies, countertenor James Way, tenor Henry Waddington, bass-baritone H+H Orchestra and Chorus Handel: Messiah
BACH CHRISTMAS
HAYDN + MOZART
What a perfect holiday gift: Bach’s Christmas Oratorio! H+H gives you this beautiful present, vividly realized by our period instrument orchestra, led by Maestra Laurence Equilbey, star conductor of Paris’s Insula orchestra and Accentus choir. Trumpets, timpani, and shining strings illuminate the wondrous Nativity story, as glorious solos and exultant chorales—even a tender cradle song—invite you to rejoice on an occasion guaranteed to light up a dark, wintery day.
You’ll be wowed hearing Haydn’s Drum Roll Symphony performed “the H+H way”—sounding fresh and authentic as it did on the day of its premiere, starting with that dramatic timpani flourish. Aisslinn Nosky is front and center for Mozart’s spirited Violin Concerto No. 1. Haydn’s Mass honoring the Empress Maria Theresia is at once robust, solemn, and serene in its final plea for peace and provides a showcase for the artistry of our illustrious H+H Chorus.
NEC’S JORDAN HALL
“Handel and Haydn Society’s ‘A Baroque Christmas’ notched some pretty high rankings in the celestial ether.”
– The Boston Musical Intelligencer
THURSDAY, DEC 17, 2020 AT 7:30PM SUNDAY, DEC 20, 2020 AT 3:00PM Laurence Equilbey, conductor Soloists TBD H+H Orchestra and Chorus J.S. Bach: Cantatas I, II, and III from Christmas Oratorio
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MOZART GREAT MASS NEC’S JORDAN HALL
Mozart’s aptly-named Great Mass, composed for his wife Constanze but tragically left unfinished at his death, highlights this evening of sublimely spiritual music, opening and closing with a capella choral meditations by Schubert and Bruckner. Raphaël Pichon, the acclaimed 35-year old director of the Paris-based ensemble Pygmalion, leads in his H+H debut. “Pichon delivers Mozart playing as it should be in the 21st century: inspired and energetic.”
FRIDAY, JAN 22, 2021 AT 7:30PM SUNDAY, JAN 24, 2021 AT 3:00PM Harry Christophers, conductor Aisslinn Nosky, violin and leader Mary Bevan, soprano Catherine Wyn-Rogers, mezzo-soprano Jeremy Budd, tenor Sumner Thompson, baritone H+H Orchestra and Chorus Haydn: Symphony No. 103, Drum Roll Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 1 Haydn: Theresienmesse
– Musicophilesblog.com FRIDAY, FEB 5, 2021 AT 7:30PM SUNDAY, FEB 7, 2021 AT 3:00PM Raphaël Pichon, conductor Soloists TBD H+H Orchestra and Chorus Schubert: Lacrimosa son io Schubert: Stabat Mater in G Minor Mozart: Miserere mei in C Minor Mozart: Mass in C Minor, Great Bruckner: Christus factus est Bruckner: Ave maria
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BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 7
HANDEL ISRAEL IN EGYPT
HAYDN THE CREATION
Experience the wild abandon of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony—“the apotheosis of the dance itself,” Wagner called it. It fairly whirls with exuberance and energy when H+H musicians perform it with more than 200 years of cobwebs swept off the score. Our curtain-raiser is the overture to the ballet about Prometheus, the Titan who stole fire from the gods. In between, Václav Luks, artistic director of Prague’s Collegium 1704, leads the Orchestra in the H+H premiere of Voříšek’s Symphony in D Major; you wouldn’t be wrong if you heard an echo of Beethoven, who was a contemporary of the composer.
Harry Christophers and the H+H Orchestra and Chorus are ideal for telling this epic story of the Jewish people held captive. Our artists authentically realize Handel’s genius for musical painting—from the plagues God visited upon the Israelites’ Egyptian masters (watch for leaping frogs, ravenous locusts, fierce winds, bloody rivers) to their exodus to freedom and hymns of thanksgiving. This oratorio is a powerful reminder of the abused and persecuted in today’s world.
This performance of Haydn’s exalted choral masterpiece sets a crown upon the Harry Christophers era. The Creation’s miraculous overture plunges us into Chaos—formless and mysterious. Suddenly, we are struck with radiance as orchestra and chorus proclaim: “Let there be light!” You’ll hear winds, roaring lions, and Adam and Eve’s sublime love duet. The warmth and joy of the music seems to declare: “And it was very good.” In the hands of our musicians, stellar chorus, and soloists, it’s the next best thing to being at the big bang. Don’t miss Harry Christophers’s farewell concert!
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NEC’S JORDAN HALL / SANDERS THEATRE
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“Václav Luks directs with ample dramatic energy.”
“Christophers’ choral forces are among the best in Boston, singing with resplendent color, true intonation, rich tone, and an athleticism that’s simply breathtaking.”
– Gramophone
– The Arts Fuse
FRIDAY, APR 30, 2021 AT 7:30PM SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 AT 3:00PM
FRIDAY, MAR 5, 2021 AT 7:30PM SUNDAY, MAR 7, 2021 AT 3:00PM
FRI, MAR 19, 2021 AT 7:30PM, NEC’S JORDAN HALL SUN, MAR 21, 2021 AT 3:00PM, SANDERS THEATRE
Václav Luks, conductor H+H Orchestra
Harry Christophers, conductor H+H Orchestra and Chorus
Harry Christophers, conductor Carolyn Sampson, soprano Robert Murray, tenor Matthew Brook, bass-baritone H+H Orchestra and Chorus
Beethoven: Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus Voříšek: Symphony in D Major, Op. 24 Beethoven: Symphony No. 7
Handel: Israel in Egypt
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Haydn: The Creation
“WOW!”
“THE CHORUS MADE A SPLENDID SOUND. ITS COMPACT SIZE ALLOWED FOR A NUANCED, SHIMMERING MIX OF VOCAL COLORS” — The Boston Globe Maybe the best way to become an internet hero is also to momentarily embody the potential for hope and beauty in this seriously screwed-up world, as did 9-year-old Ronan Mattin, who processed a performance of Mozart’s “Masonic Funeral Music” by Handel and Haydn Society at Symphony Hall with a single, highly audible, deeply genuine, and globally charming “Wow.” You can hear the audience split their applause between the orchestra (who, it should be said, nailed it) and the boy, who, as his grandfather later explained to WGBH, is on the autism spectrum. The takeaway: Magic happens if you listen. If anything goes viral this year, let it be that.
— The Boston Globe
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H+H offers several different packages so you can find one that suits you best. And each one includes our Money Back Guarantee: attend your first concert and if you’re not FLOOR BALCONY 1 completely satisfied we’ll cancel your subscription and refund the balance of your payment.
2020-21 PACKAGES AND PRICES
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Full Season Series (9 concerts) NEC’s Jordan Hall
Enjoy the complete H+H experience at Symphony Hall, NEC’s Jordan Hall, and Sanders Theatre. Includes FREE parking for all Symphony Hall concerts, a savings of $150. The Full Season includes all concerts in this brochure.
Symphony Hall Series (6 concerts)
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Symphony Hall There is no better place to experience the full H+H period orchestra and chorus than historic Symphony Hall. This series includes Brahms A German Requiem, Bach + Vivaldi Gloria, Handel Messiah, Haydn + Mozart,Theatre Beethoven Sanders Symphony No. 7, and Haydn The Creation.
PACKAGES AND PRICES A
B
C
Symphony Hall Symphony Hall
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NEC’s Jordan Hall
Full Season (9 concerts)
$837
$594
$405
$207
Includes Free Parking for Symphony Hall concerts, a $150 savings.
Symphony Hall Season (6 concerts)
$558
$408
$282
$156
Includes the Option to Reserve Prepaid Parking.
8 concerts
$752
$576
$392
$200
7 concerts
$658
$504
$343
$175
6 concerts
$570
$432
$294
$150
5 concerts
$475
$360
$245
$125
4 concerts
$404
$300
$208
$104
3 concerts
$303
$225
$156
$78
FLOOR
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NEC’s Jordan Hall NEC’s Jordan Hall
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Sanders Theatre
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FLOOR & MEZZANINE
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Sanders Theatre Sanders Theatre All dates, repertoire, and artists subject to change. All sales are final; no refunds. Priority seating is given to Conductor’s Circle donors, then to subscribers based on package size and date of purchase.
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HARRY CHRISTOPHERS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
BRAHMS A GERMAN REQUIEM HANDEL MESSIAH BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 7 HANDEL ISRAEL IN EGYPT HAYDN THE CREATION
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