music for all seasons: 2011-2012 season brochure

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handelandhaydn.org 617 266 3605

The Handel and Haydn Society has inspired me to put together a program of music for all seasons. H&H possesses not only an amazing history but also an exceptional group of musicians, both instrumentalists and singers, who bring to live performances something very special which I guarantee will excite the spirits of all listening. With H&H, we bring to you the best of the Baroque and Classical eras; we bring you exciting emerging talents as well as experienced and celebrated soloists; we present a wide variety of music where every one of us, you included, is on a unique adventure.

With the 2011–2012 Season, we continue to celebrate the Handel and Haydn Society’s rich heritage as we approach its Bicentennial in 2015. Handel described Messiah as an “entertainment” and I firmly believe that this is music for all people. I am particularly pleased to offer you Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, a work which H&H premiered in the US in 1871. We have assembled a truly international cast and, with our Chorus and Period Instrument Orchestra, we will demonstrate just why it is probably the greatest work ever written.

I look forward to welcoming you to the concerts and experiencing wonderful music performed by musicians who, quite simply, love their art and wish to partake of that enjoyment with you.

Harry Christophers, Artistic Director

ASK HARRY: Have a question for Harry? Email him at [email protected].

Welcome from Artistic Director Harry Christophers

photo, cover: kyle t. hemingway; photo, opposite top: marco borggreve; photos, opposite bottom: stu rosner


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About the Handel and Haydn Society

A principal leader of Boston’s arts community since 1815, the Handel and Haydn Society is dedicated to its mission to perform Baroque and Classical music at the highest levels of artistic excellence and to share that music with as large and diverse an audience as possible through concert performances at Symphony and Jordan Halls, tours, recordings, radio broadcasts, and outreach initiatives to students and underserved communities. Under Artistic Director Harry Christophers, the Chorus and Period Instrument Orchestra are internationally recognized in the field of Historically Informed Performance and known for excellence and innovation in music education.

Handel and Haydn is the United States’ oldest continuously performing arts organization. As H&H plans for its Bicentennial in 2015, Christophers has set forth ambitious artistic plans that position Handel and Haydn’s core identity as performer, educator, resource center, and community partner. As part of the celebration, each new season will incorporate works that are significant to H&H’s history as well as those never before performed.

photo, opposite: kyle t. hemingway

YEAR FOUNDED 1815

TYPE OF ORGANIZATION Chorus and Period Instrument Orchestra specializing in Historically Informed Performance from two periods: Baroque (1600–1750): Purcell, Bach, Vivaldi, Handel Classical (1750–1830): Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven

HISTORICALLY INFORMED Music played on the instruments and with the techniquesPERFORMANCE (HIP) of the composer’s day; H&H became a HIP ensemble in 1986

ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP Harry Christophers, Artistic Director Christopher Hogwood, Conductor Laureate John Finney, Associate Conductor and Chorusmaster

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO Marie-Hélène Bernard

SELECTED RECORDINGS Mozart Requiem (2011 CORO) Mozart Mass in C Minor (2010 CORO) All is Bright (2005 AVIE)—Billboard Magazine’s Top Ten PEACE (2004 AVIE)—Billboard Magazine’s Top Ten (twice) Lamentations and Praises (2002 Teldec)—Grammy Award Winner Twelve others


Kristian Bezuidenhout, photo: marco borggreve

Mozart in Vienna

Harry Christophers opens the season with a program featuring the sensational fortepianist Kristian Bezuidenhout, returning to H&H for his fourth time. Born in South Africa, Bezuidenhout first gained international recognition at the age of 21 after winning first and audience prizes in the Bruges Fortepiano Competition. Mozart’s tenure in Vienna was marked by many brilliant compositions, and this program delves into some of his later works, including his dramatic and compelling Symphony No. 40 in G Minor.

“It is this melodic and vocal approach of Bezuidenhout’s Mozart that is so captivating.”international record review

Friday, September 23, 2011 at 8pmSunday, September 25, 2011 at 3pmSymphony Hall

Harry Christophers, conductorKristian Bezuidenhout, fortepiano

HAYDN: Overture to “Autumn” from The Seasons

HAYDN: Divertimento in C for Keyboard & Strings

HAYDN: Overture to “Winter” from The Seasons

MOZART: Piano Concerto No. 22 in E-flat, K. 482

DITTERSDORF: Overture to Esther

MOZART: Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550

ENJOY THE DRIVE: Full Season subscribers receive free parking for all Symphony Hall concerts.

Pergolesi Stabat Mater

Italian Baroque specialist Rinaldo Alessandrini leads a program of Baroque jewels with Pergolesi’s achingly beautiful Stabat Mater at its heart. Alessandrini also performs Bach’s Harpsichord Concerto in D Major. The evening features the H&H debuts of soprano Liesbeth Devos and mezzo-soprano Emily Righter.

“Ms. Righter sang with rich tone, focus and agility.”the new york times

Friday, October 28, 2011 at 8pmSunday, October 30, 2011 at 3pmJordan Hall

Rinaldo Alessandrini, conductor and harpsichordLiesbeth Devos, sopranoEmily Righter, mezzo-soprano

GEMINIANI: Concerto Grosso in E Minor, Op. 3, No. 3

J.S. BACH: Harpsichord Concerto in D Major, BWV 1054

PERGOLESI: Salve Regina

PERGOLESI: Stabat Mater

Liesbeth Devos Emily Righter

photo: kyle t. hemingway


Handel Messiah

A tradition for 158 years! Harry Christophers conducts the Chorus, Period Instrument Orchestra, and internationally acclaimed soloists in Handel’s dramatic masterwork. Messiah was presented to sold out audiences in 2010, and this season features a stellar collection of North American talent.

“Harry Christophers offers remarkably agile and deftly accented choral singing, supported by a bright, thrillingly transparent orchestral sound.”the new york times

Friday, December 2, 2011 at 7.30pmSaturday, December 3, 2011 at 3pmSunday, December 4, 2011 at 3pmSymphony Hall


TWEET TWEET: Tweet with us on Twitter @handelandhaydn.

Harry Christophers, conductorSarah Coburn, sopranoLawrence Zazzo, countertenorTom Randle, tenorTyler Duncan, bass

HANDEL: Messiah

“Watching Artistic Director Harry Christophers molding this engaging period-instrument rendition of the holiday standard reminds you why it’s a classic: because truly great works offer endless possible interpretations, and great artists find a way to explore them in ways that are convincing and revelatory.”boston herald

“Last night in Symphony Hall, a near-capacity crowd...[was] given a rousing performance with singing full of shape, color, and yes, freshness.”the boston globe

Sarah Coburn, photo: stacy boge Lawrence Zazzo Tom Randle, photo: sabine mardo Tyler Duncan, photo: alex waterhouse-hayward


Steven Fox

A Bach Christmas

American conductor Steven Fox makes his H&H debut conducting the Chorus and Period Instrument Orchestra in a holiday exploration of works from around the world. Bach’s prolific output included many works written for the season, including his Cantata 133 and his Christmas Oratorio. The program also includes Celebren, Publiquen by Manuel de Zumaya, a master of the Mexican Baroque.

“Steven Fox is a major contender among New York’s rising conductors.”vocal area network

Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 8pmSunday, December 18, 2011 at 3pmJordan Hall

Steven Fox, conductor

J.S. BACH: Cantata 133 (In Thee do I rejoice)

J.S. BACH: Cantata V from Christmas Oratorio

MANUEL DE ZUMAYA: Celebren, Publiquen

ANON. (BOLIVIAN): Sonata Chiquitanas

BORTNIANSKY: Tebe Boga Xvalim

ANON.: The Shepherd’s Star

INGALLS: The Apple Tree

photo: stu rosner

MIX AND MATCH: Choose Your Own subscription packages offer the maximum flexibility in concertgoing.

Vivaldi The Four Seasons

Concertmaster Aisslinn Nosky makes her H&H solo debut. Audiences tour Italy, from Handel’s operas written during his time in Italy to J.C. Bach’s dramatic symphony written just after his stay in Italy.

“I am very excited to be performing The Four Seasons with the Handel and Haydn Society. These concerti are four of the most imaginative pieces ever composed for the violin and I look forward to bringing them to life with Harry and the Orchestra.”aisslinn nosky

“Aisslinn Nosky is a versatile musician with a passion for Baroque and chamber music.”canadian broadcasting corporation

Friday, January 20, 2012 at 8pmSunday, January 22, 2012 at 3pmSymphony Hall

Harry Christophers, conductorAisslinn Nosky, violin

HANDEL: Overture to Agrippina

CORELLI: Concerto Grosso in C Minor, Op. 6, No. 3

J.C. BACH: Symphony Op. 6, No. 6 in G Minor

HANDEL: Overture to Rodrigo

CORELLI: Concerto Grosso in D Major, Op. 6, No. 4

VIVALDI: The Four Seasons

Concertmaster Aisslinn Nosky, photo: edward f. kammerer, jr


Beethoven Eroica

Jean-Marie Zeitouni, returning after his 2008 debut with H&H, conducts Beethoven’s groundbreaking Eroica symphony. Expanding upon the theme of royalty and heroics, the program also features Haydn’s Symphony No. 48, composed for a visit by the Holy Roman Empress, Maria Theresia.

“[Zeitouni] clearly has a lot of big ideas about the music he is conducting and appears quite accomplished at communicating them via an athletic, sometimes flamboyant style at the front of the ensemble.”the columbus dispatch

Friday, February 17, 2012 at 8pmSunday, February 19, 2012 at 3pmSymphony Hall

Jean-Marie Zeitouni, conductor

BEETHOVEN: Egmont Overture

HAYDN: Symphony No. 48, Maria Theresia

BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 3, Eroica


Jean-Marie Zeitouni

ARRIVE EARLY: Free Pre-Concert Conversations are held one hour before each concert program.

Classical Salon

Handel and Haydn’s principal bassist Rob Nairn returns to the helm to lead H&H on another journey. As the seasons change and spring arrives, audiences travel back in time to Boston in the 1820s. With period instruments and a selection of Classical chamber masterworks, the concert hall and its inhabitants are transported to the intimate, salon atmosphere of two centuries ago.

“Rob Nairn has designed a unique and historically-inspired program, and I’m proud that we can present Rob and his colleagues in what promises to be a most engaging concert experience.”harry christophers

Friday, March 9, 2012 at 8pm Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 3pmJordan Hall Sanders Theatre

Rob Nairn, leaderChristopher Krueger, flute

HANDEL: “Sweet Bird” from Il Pensieroso

REINAGLE: Philadelphia Sonata

TAYLOR: Sonata No. 2 for Cello

SCHUBERT: Piano Trio No. 1

CARR: “Why huntress, why?” from The Archers

DRAGONETTI: Bass Quintet No. 18 in C Major

MOZART: Flute Quartet No. 1 in D Major, K. 285

Rob Nairnphoto: stu rosner


Bach St. Matthew Passion

Premiered in America by the Handel and Haydn Society in 1871 and first performed in its entirety in the United States by H&H in 1879, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion is presented as part of the 2015 Bicentennial celebrations. Considered by many to be one of the greatest masterpieces of music, Bach’s brilliant oratorio is a moving, glorious setting of the Gospel of St. Matthew.

“The number-one Bach Evangelist in the world today: James Taylor...His singing is almost impossibly fresh, lovely — and accurate.”the new york sun

Friday, March 30, 2012 at 7.30pmSunday, April 1, 2012 at 3pmSymphony Hall


WE’RE ALMOST 200! Learn about H&H’s rich history in our interactive timeline at handelandhaydn.org.

Harry Christophers, conductorJames Taylor, EvangelistMatthew Brook, ChristusGillian Keith, sopranoMonica Groop, altoJeremy Budd, tenorStephan Loges, bass

BACH: St. Matthew Passion

James Taylor Matthew Brook Gillian Keith, photo: clare park

Monica Groop Jeremy Budd Stephan Loges, photo: andres landino

“Bach’s St. Matthew Passion is now revered the world over and it remains as innovative today as it must have sounded to the congregation in Leipzig almost 300 years ago. It’s not just the makeup of the work — large double choir choruses, fiendishly difficult arias, chorales for the people, an evangelist who communicates to us like a modern day news reporter — it’s Bach’s invention, both dramatic and textual, which is staggering. With our performances we will demonstrate just why it probably is the greatest work ever written and why it needs no ‘dressing up.’”harry christophers


Mozart Coronation

The season concludes with a series of coronations. Mozart’s Coronation Mass includes the tender “Agnus Dei” for solo soprano, performed by internationally renowned soprano Rosemary Joshua in her H&H debut. Other works include Haydn’s Symphony No. 85, a favorite of Marie Antoinette which led to its subtitle, “La reine,” by which it’s more commonly known today, and Handel’s Arrival of the Queen of Sheba and Zadok the Priest.

“Rosemary Joshua was crystalline in tone and effervescent in personality.”the daily telegraph

Friday, April 27, 2012 at 8pmSunday, April 29, 2012 at 3pmSymphony Hall

Harry Christophers, conductorRosemary Joshua, sopranoPaula Murrihy, altoThomas Cooley, tenorSumner Thompson, bass

HANDEL: Zadok the Priest

MOZART: Exsultate, jubilate, K. 165

HAYDN: Symphony No. 85, “La reine”

HANDEL: Arrival of the Queen of Sheba

HANDEL: “Ev’ry sight these eyes behold” from Solomon

MOZART: Coronation Mass

Rosemary Joshua, photo: peter warren Paula Murrihy Thomas Cooley, photo: michael schilhansl Sumner Thompson

TAKE THE MUSIC HOME: Recordings and other merchandise are available at handelandhaydn.org/shop.

photo: stu rosner

Mozart Trilogy on CORO

In anticipation of H&H's Bicentennial, a live recording of Mozart’s Requiem performed at Symphony Hall will be released in September 2011, to be followed by a recording of Mozart's Coronation Mass in September 2012. These will join the live recording of Mozart's Mass in C Minor (January 2010) to complete a Mozart trilogy on the CORO label.

“Commanding and compelling.”gramophone


Handel and Haydn Outreach Vocal Quartet, photo: kyle t. hemingway

Youth Chorus, photo: bill mccormack

Handel and Haydn Singers, photo: julian bullitt

High School Soloists, photo: julian bullitt

LIFELONG LEARNING: Many alumni of the Educational Outreach Program continue on to professional music careers. See them in action at handelandhaydn.org/education.

The Handel and Haydn Society’s innovative Karen S. and George D. Levy Educational Outreach Program provides music education to over 10,000 children annually in communities throughout eastern Massachusetts. Lowell Mason, best known as the founding father of music education in American public schools, enjoyed a long association as musical editor and later President of H&H, starting in 1820. Almost two centuries later, H&H continues to foster Mr. Mason's legacy of providing citizens of all ages with the joys of classical music through a variety of accessible and delightful programs.

• The Vocal Apprenticeship Program (VAP) provides talented young singers in grades 3–12 the opportunity to sing in a chorus, perform with professional musicians, and learn music theory.

• The Vocal Quartet visits schools with original presentations developed to teach music history in an entertaining, age-appropriate way.

• Collaborative Youth Concerts bring singers from different high schools together to perform in their home communities alongside Handel and Haydn Society musicians.

Join us for a student concert, school visit, pre-concert conversation, or other educational event this season to learn and celebrate this amazing program with us. For more information, visit handelandhaydn.org/education.

Karen S. and George D. Levy Educational Outreach Program

Sing, learn, and smile with us!

For information on program content and school visits, please contact Director of Education Robin Baker at [email protected] or 617 262 1815.

Vocal Apprenticeship Program auditions are held twice a year in the fall and spring. Learn more about VAP auditions at handelandhaydn.org/education.


The great performances given by the Handel and Haydn Society and the extensive array of education activities it offers to students are only possible because of the generous support of thousands of individuals who help H&H transform lives through music. Visit handelandhaydn.org/support for more information or make a gift as you subscribe.

Support Handel and Haydn

Annual Fund

Annual Fund donors provide critical operating support for Handel and Haydn’s artistic and education programs that connect music and people throughout New England. Ticket sales cover only a portion of the costs associated with sustaining H&H’s roles as performer, educator, resource center, and community partner—individual support at every level is critical to the Society’s success.

Conductor’s Circle

The Conductor’s Circle acknowledges Handel and Haydn’s most generous supporters, those who make annual gifts to H&H of $1,500 or more. In appreciation for their support, members receive exclusive benefits ranging from complimentary parking and priority seating to special opportunities to join H&H at small gatherings with Harry Christophers, guest artists, and musicians.

The 1815 Society

Members of the 1815 Society have made arrangements to build their legacy of support for Handel and Haydn by including the organization in their estate plans. Planned gifts allow individuals to make a lasting difference for H&H while meeting their financial and philanthropic goals. Special Events

H&H hosts an exciting array of fundraising events throughout the season, including opening and closing night parties and its signature gala benefit, The Society Ball.

photos: roger farrington

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL? Mingle with musicians after select concerts at our H2 events. Learn more at handelandhaydn.org/concerts/h2.

Subscriber Benefits

allsubscribersreceive:

• Significant discounts over single ticket prices

• Free ticket exchanges whenever you can’t make a concert date (excludes section upgrades)

• Opportunity to purchase tickets to concerts before they go on sale to the general public

• 10% discount off additional ticket purchases

• 10% discount off Shop purchases

• Free pre-concert conversations led by a noted expert

additionalbenefitsbypackage:

Full Season subscription benefits:

• Free parking for the six Symphony Hall concerts

• Opportunity to renew your same seats year after year or be one of the first in line for a seat change request

• Priority seating before other subscription packages (after Conductor’s Circle members, those individuals who make a $1,500+ tax-deductible contribution annually)

Symphony Hall Series subscription benefits:

• Opportunity to renew your same seats year after year

• Priority seating after Full Season subscribers• Opportunity to purchase discounted parking

through H&H

Vocal and Instrumental Series subscription benefits:

• Opportunity to renew your same seats year after year

photo: stu rosner


Subscription PackagesFull Season PackageHear the Chorus and Period Instrument Orchestra performing a wealth of both iconic and lesser known pieces, led by a roster of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. Includes free parking for all Symphony Hall concerts.

A: $603 B: $432 C: $297 D: $153

Symphony Hall SeriesHistoric Symphony Hall is the perfect venue to showcase masterworks performed by H&H’s Chorus and Period Instrument Orchestra. (Includes: Mozart in Vienna, Handel Messiah, Vivaldi The Four Seasons, Beethoven Eroica, Bach St. Matthew Passion, Mozart Coronation)

A: $408 B: $294 C: $198 D: $99

Intimate Venues SeriesSmaller venues, delicate sounds, intimate seating – feel like you are part of the performance with the Intimate Venues Series. (Includes: Pergolesi Stabat Mater, A Bach Christmas, Classical Salon)

A: $231 B: $165 C: $114 D: $57

Instrumental Works SeriesRinging strings, delicate woodwinds, bold brass – the harmony of period instruments is highlighted in the Instrumental Works Series. (Includes: Mozart in Vienna, Vivaldi The Four Seasons, Beethoven Eroica, Classical Salon)

A: $276 B: $197 C: $136 D: $68

Vocal Works SeriesExperience the versatile sounds of the human voice in both robust chorus and intimate song. (Includes: Pergolesi Stabat Mater, Handel Messiah, A Bach Christmas, Bach St. Matthew Passion, Mozart Coronation)

A: $345 B: $245 C: $170 D: $85

Choose Your OwnWe invite you to pick your personal favorites to create your own subscription package. From choral to orchestral music, Bach to Vivaldi, the 2011–2012 Season has something to delight every music lover.

6 Concerts:5 Concerts:4 Concerts:3 Concerts:

A: $438A: $365A: $308A: $231

B: $312B: $260B: $220B: $165

C: $216C: $180C: $152C: $114

D: $108 D: $90 D: $76 D: $57

Concert HallsSymphony Hall

Floor Balcony 1 Balcony 2

Jordan Hall

Floor Balcony

Sanders Theatre

Floor Balcony

A LevelB Level

C LevelD Level

Order FormBOX OFFICE USE ONLY: d/r _____ d/b _____ mc _____ Tck _____ N R L A1

4. Select Your Seating Preference:

symphonyhall

❑ Floor ❑ Balc 1 Center ❑ Balc 2 Center ❑ Balc 1 Sides ❑ Balc 2 Sides

jordanhall

❑ Floor ❑ Circle ❑ Balcony

sanderstheatre

❑ Floor ❑ Mezzanine ❑ Balcony

❑ I require wheelchair accessible seats.❑ I require accessible seats, but do not use a wheelchair.

5. Calculate Subtotal:

____________ × ____________ = ____________Number Cost per Subtotalof Seats Package

6. Add Parking to your Symphony Hall Series:$108, limit one per household

7. Support Handel and Haydn:Please consider making a tax-deductible donation with your subscription order.

8. Calculate Grand Total:

Subtotal: $ __________

Parking Pass: $ __________

Donation: $ __________

Handling Fee: $ __________

Grand Total: $ __________

9. Make Your Payment:❑ Credit Card ❑ Check Payable to Handel and Haydn Society

___________________________________________________Card Number

___________________________________________________Expiration Date

___________________________________________________Name on Card

___________________________________________________Signature

___________________________________________________Name

___________________________________________________Address

___________________________________________________City/State/ZIP

___________________________________________________Phone

___________________________________________________Email

1. Select a Day:❑ Fridays ❑ Sundays

2. Select a Price Level:❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D

3A. Select a Series:❑ Full Season Package❑ Symphony Hall Series❑ Intimate Venues Series❑ Instrumental Works Series❑ Vocal Works Series

or

3B. Choose Your Own:❑ 6 Concerts ❑ 4 Concerts❑ 5 Concerts ❑ 3 Concerts

❑ Mozart in Vienna❑ Pergolesi Stabat Mater❑ Handel Messiah

❑ A Bach Christmas❑ Vivaldi The Four Seasons❑ Beethoven Eroica

Indicate your Choose Your Own selections here:

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.

Send your completed form to: Fax your form to:Handel and Haydn Society or 617 266 4217Department 190PO Box 4106Woburn, MA 01888-4106

For subscription assistance:Visit 300 Massachusetts Avenue (Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm)Call 617 266 3605 Visit handelandhaydn.org❑ Classical Salon

❑ Bach St. Matthew Passion❑ Mozart Coronation

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PaidBoston, MA

Permit No. 59482

300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

617 266 3605handelandhaydn.org

“The man [Harry Christophers] is a magician, that’s all there is to it.”the hub review

photo: m

arco borggreve

music for all seasons: 2011-2012 season brochure

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