The Handel and Haydn Society (H&H) and Artistic Director Harry Christophers announce the 2012–2013 Season, featuring the Period Instrument Orchestra and Chorus performing works of the masters of the Baroque and Classical. The 2012–2013 Season continues H&H’s exploration of historically significant works introduced and premiered in the US by the Handel and Haydn Society as part of the preparations for the Bicentennial celebrations in 2015. The cornerstone of the upcoming season is Handel’s Jephtha, premiered in America by H&H in 1855 and last performed in 1867.
“I take great pride in revisiting H&H’s repertoire and bringing back gems that have not been heard by audiences in several years — Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 — alongside works that have not been performed, such as Haydn’s G Major Violin Concerto and Henri-Joseph Rigel’s Symphony in C Minor. I’m also gratified to highlight works that are connected to our Bicentennial celebrations. This is reflected in our performances of two great Handel oratorios next season: in addition to our 159th annual performances of Messiah (which we premiered in 1818), we will present our first performances of Jephtha in over 150 years. The work is as dramatic as Messiah and exemplifies the genius of Handel’s writing. It particularly pleases me to have the chance to present Purcell’s The Indian Queen, one of my personal favorites by the greatest English composer.” – Harry Christophers
The season will showcase a wealth of established artists such as Bernard Labadie and Richard Egarr, frequent guest conductors at H&H; H&H harpsichordist Ian Watson and Associate Conductor and Chorusmaster John Finney; and an impressive list of established guests, emerging artists, and H&H musicians featured in solo performances. With Christophers remaining at the helm through the Bicentennial in 2015, the Handel and Haydn Society continues to flourish under his leadership; it is expanding its musical and education efforts, growing its Boston community partnerships, and increasing audience development. Partnerships include a chamber music series at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; lectures at Boston Public Library branches; academic programs and performances at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and a conducting fellowship with the New England Conservatory’s Master’s program in Orchestral Conducting. The Karen S. and George D. Levy Educational Outreach Program brings a comprehensive music education program to students in grades 3 through 12 through four distinctive program components, including school visits, the Vocal Apprenticeship Program (encompassing the Singers, Youth Choir, Young Men’s and Young Women’s Choruses, and High School Soloists), Collaborative Youth Concerts, and masterclasses. The program brings Baroque and Classical music to well over 10,000 children each year in underserved communities in Greater Boston.
2012–2013 Season Highlights:
H&H opens the 12–13 Season with Harry Christophers conducting the resplendent Bach Magnificat, featuring the Handel and Haydn Society’s Chorus, considered one of the finest in New England. Among other works by the master composer featured on the program are the Orchestral Suite No. 3, which contains the “Air on a G String,” and Sinfonias from Cantatas 18 and 75, never before performed by H&H. The program closes with Cantata 71, the first of Bach’s cantatas to use trumpets and timpani. “This will undoubtedly prove to be an uplifting opening to a truly enlightening season and one that showcases the collective and individual qualities of both of our Orchestra and Chorus alike,” said Christophers.
Bernard Labadie, who last conducted H&H in 2010, returns to conduct Mozart’s towering Symphony No. 41, Jupiter —his final symphony. Considered one of the greatest works of the 18th century, Jupiter foreshadows the work of Beethoven. The program pairs Mozart with another German composer, Henri-Joseph Rigel, who spent most of his adult life in France composing symphonies, string quartets, concertos, and 14 operas.
December brings the return of two H&H holiday favorites. Harry Christophers conducts the Chorus, Period Instrument Orchestra, and internationally acclaimed soloists in the 159th annual performance of Handel’s dramatic Messiah. Canadian superstars soprano Karina Gauvin and countertenor Daniel Taylor, British tenor extraordinaire James Gilchrist, and local baritone Sumner Thompson will be featured in this season’s unique rendition of the Boston holiday tradition. Later in the month, Associate Conductor and ChorusmasterJohn Finney leads Cantatas I, II, and VI from Bach’s inspiring Christmas Oratorio.
