The Handel & Haydn Society is one of the oldest continuously performing classical music ensembles in the United States. Founded in Boston in 1815, the society has a rich history of bringing the music of Handel, Haydn, and other Baroque and Classical composers to audiences in Boston and beyond. The society was founded by a group of Boston musicians who were inspired by the music of Handel and Haydn, two of the most celebrated composers of the Baroque and Classical periods. The society's first concert was held on Christmas Day in 1815, and featured a performance of Handel's Messiah. The concert was a great success, and the society quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances of Baroque and Classical music. Over the years, the Handel & Haydn Society has had many members, both instrumentalists and vocalists. Some of the most notable members of the society include: - Christopher Hogwood: Hogwood was a British conductor and harpsichordist who served as the artistic director of the Handel & Haydn Society from 1986 to 2001. He was known for his expertise in Baroque and Classical music, and was instrumental in bringing historically informed performance practices to the society's performances. - Harry Christophers: Christophers is a British conductor who has served as the artistic director of the Handel & Haydn Society since 2009. He has a particular interest in the music of Handel and other Baroque composers, and has led the society in many acclaimed performances of this repertoire. - Teresa Wakim: Wakim is a soprano who has been a frequent soloist with the Handel & Haydn Society. She is known for her clear, agile voice and her ability to bring emotional depth to her performances. - John Finney: Finney was a tenor who sang with the Handel & Haydn Society for many years. He was known for his beautiful voice and his ability to convey the emotional nuances of the music he sang. Over the years, the Handel & Haydn Society has performed many memorable concerts and received numerous awards and accolades. Some of the highlights of the society's history include: - In 1865, the society performed at the dedication of the new Boston Music Hall, which was one of the largest and most prestigious concert halls in the United States at the time. - In 1915, the society celebrated its centennial with a performance of Handel's Messiah at Symphony Hall in Boston. The concert was attended by many prominent Bostonians, including the mayor and the governor. - In 1985, the society performed at the White House for President Ronald Reagan and his guests. The concert was part of a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Mozart. - In 2015, the society celebrated its bicentennial with a series of concerts and events in Boston and beyond. The celebrations included a performance of Handel's Messiah at Symphony Hall, which was attended by a capacity crowd. The Handel & Haydn Society has also received many awards and honors over the years. In 2011, the society was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant to support its performances and educational programs. In 2015, the society was awarded a Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance for its recording of Haydn's The Creation. Today, the Handel & Haydn Society continues to be a vital part of the classical music scene in Boston and beyond. The society's performances are known for their high quality and their commitment to historically informed performance practices.

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