Inspiring kids to sing, learn and smile

The 2011-2012 Season marks the 26th year of our educational outreach program, established in 1985. 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 the Society starting in 1820. 195 years later, Handel and Haydn Society 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. Join us for a student concert, school visit, pre-concert lecture, or other educational event this season to learn and celebrate this milestone with us.

History of the Education Program

1985

Education program established with vocal quartet visits to schools.

1987

First Collaborative Youth Concert in Faneuil Hall.

1991

Quartet joins artist roster of Young Audiences of Massachusetts.

1994

The Vocal Apprenticeship Program (VAP) is established with Youth Chorus and Soloists at New England Conservatory.

1996

Youth Chorus sings at the Opening Concert of the Chorus America National Conference in King's Chapel.

1998

The Barbara E. Maze Award for Musical Excellence is established.
Treble Ensemble (later renamed Young Women’s Chorus) is established.

1999

Youth Chorus makes their Symphony Hall debut with the Society in Dan Welcher's JFK: The Voice of Peace.
Singers chorus is established.

2000

Society receives Chorus America Education & Outreach Award.

2001

The Candace MacMillen Achtmeyer Award is established.
VAP establishes residence at Boston Latin School for chorus, piano and theory classes.

2002

World premiere of Sorrow and Tenderness by Beth Denisch at Brockton High School collaborative youth concert.
Youth Chorus sings with other choirs in the Leonard P. Zakim/Bunker Hill Bridge dedication with Bruce Springsteen on national television.

2004

Youth Chorus sings with other choirs during the Boston Democratic National Convention.
Young Women’s Chorus Jordan Hall debut on German Christmas program with Grant Llewellyn.

2006

Youth Chorus makes their New York City debut at the ACDA Eastern Division Convention. World premiere of David Brunner's This Magicker (VAP commission).
Young Men’s Chorus is established.
Young Women’s Chorus makes their Symphony Hall debut in Holiday Sing program.

2007

Young Men’s Chorus Symphony Hall debut in Holiday Sing program.

2008

Young Women’s Chorus debut at Sanders Theatre in Harvard Women’s Choral Festival with Radcliffe Choral Society and Wellesley College.
First annual Young Men’s Choral Festival takes place at Tufts University.
Youth Chorus sings with Dedham Choral Society in Jenkins' The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace in Jordan Hall.
BU Professor/consultant Dr. Sandra Nicolucci presents a full evaluation of the education programs to the Board of Governors.

2009

Youth Chorus performs in Vox Lumiere’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame (rock musical) at the Cutler Majestic Theatre.

2010

Third Annual Young Men’s Choral Festival with Harvard Glee Club at First Church, Cambridge.

2011

Young Women’s Chorus premieres William Hawley’s Life of Life (VAP Commission.)
Young Men’s and Women’s Choruses perform with NEC Youth Philharmonic and Youth Chorale in Silvio Amato’s world premiere Illuminessence: prayers for peace.

2012

25th year of Collaborative Youth Concerts.