Under the Artistic Direction of Christopher Hogwood from 1986 to 2001, the Society established its reputation as a leader in Historically Informed Performance, in which music is played using the instruments and performance techniques available to the composers in their day. This tradition continues with the appointment in 2000 of Grant Llewellyn as music director. This internationally acclaimed conductor brings impeccable musicianship and visionary leadership to the Orchestra and Chorus, considered among the finest ensembles of their kind in the United States. The Orchestra is made up of a core group of musicians in this country and abroad who are specially trained to play period instruments, and the fully professional Chorus stands alone as a virtuoso ensemble, featuring the voices of New England’s most talented singers. Recent achievements include the modern-day premiere of C.P.E. Bach’s recently rediscovered Hymn of Thanks and Friendship in March of 2001, a series of semi-staged operas at Symphony Hall (most recently Handel’s Ariodante in April 2002), and the Society’s first Grammy Award in 2003 for Sir John Tavener’s Lamentations and Praises with the vocal ensemble Chanticleer.

While the Handel and Haydn Society’s music is rooted in the past, its place in the musical present is vital and dynamic. The Massachusetts Cultural Council has praised the Society for its “vitality” and willingness to “take risks and explore new musical horizons.” Through its Educational Outreach Program, the Society provides music workshops, concerts, and pre-professional vocal instruction to more than 10,000 children annually in public schools throughout Greater Boston. Through innovative community outreach programs Handel and Haydn participates actively in the musical life of neighboring communities, and welcomes new audiences to its concert programs.

Handel and Haydn performs a subscription series in Boston’s Symphony and Jordan Halls and at selected venues in Boston, reaching an annual audience of some 35,000. Project Harmony, the Society’s community outreach initiative, presents free public concerts before a combined audience of some 4,000 annually. The Handel and Haydn Society, which made its international debut at the Edinburgh Arts Festival in 1996, pursues an active touring schedule, records on the Arabesque label, and can be heard on National Public Radio, Public Radio International, and local public radio stations.