The Handel Opera Society Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the works of George Frideric Handel. The orchestra was founded in 1953 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for Handel's music and wanted to bring it to a wider audience. The founding members of the Handel Opera Society Orchestra included some of the most talented musicians of their time, including violinist Neville Marriner, cellist Bernard Richards, and harpsichordist Thurston Dart. These musicians were all experts in the Baroque style of music, which was the period in which Handel composed his most famous works. From the beginning, the Handel Opera Society Orchestra was dedicated to performing Handel's operas and oratorios in their original form, using period instruments and historically informed performance practices. This approach was relatively new at the time, as most orchestras were still performing Baroque music in a more modern style. One of the highlights of the Handel Opera Society Orchestra's early years was their performance of Handel's oratorio "Messiah" in 1954. This performance was a huge success and helped to establish the orchestra's reputation as one of the leading interpreters of Handel's music. Over the years, the Handel Opera Society Orchestra has continued to perform and record Handel's music, as well as works by other Baroque composers. The orchestra has also collaborated with some of the world's leading soloists and conductors, including mezzo-soprano Janet Baker and conductor Christopher Hogwood. One of the most notable performances in the Handel Opera Society Orchestra's history was their 1985 performance of Handel's opera "Giulio Cesare" at the Glyndebourne Festival. This performance was widely praised for its authenticity and musicality, and helped to cement the orchestra's reputation as one of the leading interpreters of Baroque music. In addition to their performances, the Handel Opera Society Orchestra has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1973, the orchestra was awarded the Gramophone Award for their recording of Handel's "Acis and Galatea." They have also been nominated for several other Gramophone Awards and have received critical acclaim for their recordings of Handel's operas and oratorios. Today, the Handel Opera Society Orchestra continues to perform and record Handel's music, as well as works by other Baroque composers. The orchestra's dedication to historically informed performance practices and their commitment to bringing Baroque music to a wider audience have made them one of the most respected and beloved ensembles in the classical music world.

More....