Handel and Haydn Society 2011-2012 Season Brochure

197th Season

Music for all Seasons

2011–2012

handelandhaydn.org

617 266 3605

Welcome from Artistic Director Harry Christophers 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

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

ASK HARRY: Have a question for Harry? Email him at askharry@handelandhaydn.org.

SUPPORTED IN PART BY:

handelandhaydn.org

617 266 3605

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.

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 PERFORMANCE (HIP)

Music played on the instruments and with the techniques 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

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.

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

photo, opposite: kyle t. hemingway

BE OUR FRIEND: “Like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/handelandhaydn.

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.

Harry Christophers, conductor Kristian Bezuidenhout, fortepiano

HAYDN: Overture

HAYDN: Divertimento HAYDN: Overture

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

to “Autumn” from The Seasons

MOZART: Piano

Concerto No. 22 in E-flat, K. 482

DITTERSDORF: Overture MOZART: Symphony

Friday, September 23, 2011 at 8pm Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 3pm Symphony Hall handelandhaydn.org

617 266 3605

in C for Keyboard & Strings

to “Winter” from The Seasons to Esther

No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550

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.

Rinaldo Alessandrini, conductor and harpsichord Liesbeth Devos, soprano Emily 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

“Ms. Righter sang with rich tone, focus and agility.” the new york times photo: kyle t. hemingway

Friday, October 28, 2011 at 8pm Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 3pm Jordan Hall

Liesbeth Devos

Emily Righter

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

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 7.30pm Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 3pm Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 3pm Symphony Hall

photo: kyle t. hemingway

handelandhaydn.org

617 266 3605

Harry Christophers, conductor Sarah Coburn, soprano Lawrence Zazzo, countertenor Tom Randle, tenor Tyler Duncan, bass

“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.”

HANDEL: Messiah

boston herald

Sarah Coburn, photo: stacy boge

Lawrence Zazzo

“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

Tom Randle, photo: sabine mardo

Tyler Duncan, photo: alex waterhouse-hayward

TWEET TWEET: Tweet with us on Twitter @handelandhaydn.

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, conductor

J.S. BACH: Cantata

133 (In Thee do I rejoice)

J.S. BACH: Cantata

V from Christmas Oratorio

MANUEL DE ZUMAYA: Celebren,

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

ANON. (BOLIVIAN): Sonata BORTNIANSKY: Tebe

vocal area network

ANON.: The

Steven Fox

handelandhaydn.org

photo: stu rosner

617 266 3605

Chiquitanas

Boga Xvalim

Shepherd’s Star

INGALLS: The

Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 8pm Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 3pm Jordan Hall

Publiquen

Apple Tree

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

Harry Christophers, conductor Aisslinn 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

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

Friday, January 20, 2012 at 8pm Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 3pm Symphony Hall

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

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

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.

Jean-Marie Zeitouni, conductor

BEETHOVEN: Egmont HAYDN: Symphony

Maria Theresia BEETHOVEN: Symphony

No. 3, Eroica “[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.”

Overture

No. 48,

Jean-Marie Zeitouni

the columbus dispatch

Friday, February 17, 2012 at 8pm Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 3pm Symphony Hall

photo: kyle t. hemingway

handelandhaydn.org

617 266 3605

photo: stu rosner

Rob Nairn

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, leader Christopher Krueger, flute

HANDEL: “Sweet

Bird” from Il Pensieroso

REINAGLE: Philadelphia

“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.”

TAYLOR: Sonata

No. 2 for Cello

SCHUBERT: Piano CARR: “Why

harry christophers

Trio No. 1

huntress, why?” from The Archers

DRAGONETTI: Bass

Friday, March 9, 2012 at 8pm Jordan Hall

Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 3pm Sanders Theatre

Sonata

MOZART: Flute

Quintet No. 18 in C Major

Quartet No. 1 in D Major, K. 285

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

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 7.30pm Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 3pm Symphony Hall

photo: kyle t. hemingway

handelandhaydn.org

617 266 3605

Harry Christophers, conductor James Taylor, Evangelist Matthew Brook, Christus Gillian Keith, soprano Monica Groop, alto Jeremy Budd, tenor Stephan Loges, bass

“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

BACH: St.

James Taylor

Matthew Passion

Matthew Brook

Gillian Keith, photo: clare park

Monica Groop

Jeremy Budd

Stephan Loges, photo: andres landino

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

Rosemary Joshua, photo: peter warren

Paula Murrihy

Thomas Cooley, photo: michael schilhansl

Sumner Thompson

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.

Harry Christophers, conductor Rosemary Joshua, soprano Paula Murrihy, alto Thomas Cooley, tenor Sumner Thompson, bass

HANDEL: Zadok

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

MOZART: Exsultate,

jubilate, K. 165

HAYDN: Symphony

No. 85, “La reine”

HANDEL: Arrival

Friday, April 27, 2012 at 8pm Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 3pm Symphony Hall handelandhaydn.org

617 266 3605

the Priest

HANDEL: “Ev’ry

of the Queen of Sheba

sight these eyes behold” from Solomon

MOZART: Coronation

Mass

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

photo: stu rosner

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

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

Handel and Haydn Singers, photo: julian bullitt

High School Soloists, photo: julian bullitt

Youth Chorus, photo: bill mccormack

handelandhaydn.org

617 266 3605

Karen S. and George D. Levy Educational Outreach Program 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.

Sing, learn, and smile with us!

For information on program content and school visits, please contact Director of Education Robin Baker at rbaker@handelandhaydn.org 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.

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.

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

photos: roger farrington

Support Handel and Haydn 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.

Annual Fund

Conductor’s Circle

The 1815 Society

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.

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.

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.

handelandhaydn.org

617 266 3605

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.

Subscriber Benefits

all subscribers receive:

• Significant discounts over single ticket prices • Free ticket exchanges whenever you can’t make a concert date (excludes section upgrades)

additional benefits by package:

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

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

• Priority seating before other subscription packages

• 10% discount off additional ticket purchases

Symphony Hall Series subscription benefits:

• 10% discount off Shop purchases • Free pre-concert conversations led by a noted expert

(after Conductor’s Circle members, those individuals who make a $1,500+ tax-deductible contribution annually)

• 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

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

Subscription Packages

Concert Halls

Full Season Package Hear 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.

Symphony Hall Series Historic 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) Intimate Venues Series Smaller 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) Instrumental Works Series Ringing 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) Vocal Works Series Experience 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) Choose Your Own We 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.

handelandhaydn.org

617 266 3605

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

A: $603 B: $432

C: $297 D: $153

Symphony Hall

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

A: $231

B: $165

C: $114

D: $57

A: $276 B: $197

C: $136

D: $68

Balcony 1

Jordan Hall

Floor

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

D: $85

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

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

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

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

Balcony 2

Balcony

Sanders Theatre

Floor

A Level B Level

Balcony

C Level D Level

BOX OFFICE USE ONLY:

Order Form ___________________________________________________ Name

d/r _____

4. Select Your Seating Preference: symphony hall

Address

❑ Floor ❑ Balc 1 Center ❑ Balc 2 Center

❑ Balc 1 Sides ❑ Balc 2 Sides

___________________________________________________

jordan hall

City/State/ZIP

❑ Floor ❑ Circle

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________ Phone

___________________________________________________ Email

1. Select a Day: ❑ Fridays

❑ Balcony

sanders theatre

❑ Floor ❑ Mezzanine

❑ Balcony

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

mc _____

Tck _____

N R L

A1

8. Calculate Grand Total: Subtotal:

$ __________

Parking Pass:

$ __________

Donation:

$ __________

Handling Fee:

7.00 $ __________

Grand Total:

$ __________

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

5. Calculate Subtotal:

Card Number

____________ × ____________ = ____________

___________________________________________________

Number of Seats

___________________________________________________

Cost per Package

Subtotal

Expiration Date Name on Card

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.

or

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

d/b _____

Indicate your Choose Your Own selections here: ❑ Mozart in Vienna ❑ Classical Salon ❑ A Bach Christmas ❑ Pergolesi Stabat Mater ❑ Vivaldi The Four Seasons ❑ Bach St. Matthew Passion ❑ Handel Messiah ❑ Beethoven Eroica ❑ Mozart Coronation

___________________________________________________ Signature

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

or

Fax your form to: 617 266 4217

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

photo: marco borggreve

Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid Boston, MA Permit No. 59482

300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

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

617 266 3605 handelandhaydn.org