July, 2007 Newsletter
London Debut at BBC Proms
A lawyer… arts administrator… gambist!
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This Friday, the Handel and Haydn Society Chorus and Period Instrument Orchestra pack up their music and head to England, where they will make their BBC Proms Festival debut on Monday, July 23, at London's renowned Royal Albert Hall. A large contingent of 90 singers and instrumentalists join Handel and Haydn's Artistic Advisor Sir Roger Norrington to perform The Seasons, Franz Joseph Haydn's glorious choral masterwork. The performance will be broadcast live on BBC television and BBC Radio 3, and streamed via the BBC website for up to seven days.
“Handel and Haydn Society has been held in the highest regard on the international arts scene for many years, and this invitation to perform at the Proms signifies an important milestone in our history” said Marie-Hélène Bernard, Handel and Haydn Society CEO and Executive Director. “The Proms is one of the most prestigious music festivals in the world, and the finest and most innovative ensembles are invited to perform there. We are honored to be counted among the many illustrious orchestras and artists on the roster this summer and to make our first London appearance with our esteemed Artistic Advisor Sir Roger Norrington.” The distinguished soloists for this performance include Sally Matthews, soprano (Jane), James Gilchrist, tenor (Lucas), and Jonathan Lemalu, bass-baritone (Simon).
This performance marks Handel and Haydn Society's third visit to Europe. The Society made its European debut 1996 at the Edinburgh Festival with performances of Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice in collaboration with Mark Morris Dance Group. Last September, the Society appeared at the Haydn Festival in Eisenstadt, Austria, under the direction of Harry Christophers.
Founded in 1895—some eighty years after Handel and Haydn Society was established—the Proms brings some of the world's most acclaimed orchestras and performers to London each year, from July though September. This year's programs highlight leading ensembles from the United Kingdom and from all over the world; other invited ensembles include the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Philharmonic, and Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. For more information about this summer's festival please visit www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2007
There are three ways to experience Handel and Haydn Society's Proms debut if you can't be in London to hear the live performance:
1) LISTEN to the concert live from London at 2:00 p.m. (Boston time) on Monday, July 23 by tuning into BBC Radio 3 online. The download will be available up to one week after the performance.
2) DOWNLOAD our podcast featuring Chorusmaster John Finney and soprano Susan Trout discussing their anticipation for our London debut.
3) READ our blog featuring Handel and Haydn musicians starting July 19.
An interview with Handel and Haydn Society's new CEO: Marie-Hélène Bernard
On April 2, 2007 , Handel and Haydn Society entered a new chapter in its history with the appointment of Marie-Hélène Bernard as CEO and Executive Director. Ms. Bernard brings a depth of experience rare for the performing arts, from five year's practicing law in Canada and a prestigious fellowship with the League of American Orchestras to senior positions with both the Philadelphia and Cleveland Orchestras, and most recently, the top job as CEO of the Canton (OH) Symphony Orchestra.
She recently sat down with the Overture staff to discuss Boston, her love for music, and the Handel and Haydn Society.
Q: Why did you want to come to Boston to lead the Handel and Haydn Society?
A: The Handel and Haydn Society is a prestigious ensemble with a rich history. What attracted me were the opportunities to explore new and diverse territories while preserving the group's tradition of artistic excellence , and to guide the Society as it plans its 200 th anniversary in 2015. What a dream and a challenge for a manager!
Q: How do you like Boston?
A: It already feels like home to me! The intimacy, richness of cultural attractions, solid business community, and history make it one of the most desirable places to live. I really appreciate the city's international yet cozy appeal, its fine architecture, nearby mountains and beaches, and the four very different seasons.
Q: What experiences have you had since arriving here?
A: I've had so many enriching experiences, from meeting interesting people and discovering hidden treasures, to getting lost in the city on a regular basis—and improving the aggressiveness of my driving! I have taken an amazing trip to the Berkshires, had glorious spring-time walks through the Boston Common, and have eaten at many of Boston's finest restaurants (unfortunately, gaining much weight in the process!).
Q: Where are you living?
A: I live in the South End, close to work. Urban living at its finest.
Q: You were a practicing attorney in Montreal when you decided to enter the field of arts management. What inspired you to make that career change?
A: After five years practicing tax and corporate law, I felt the urge to work in the music field because I believed I had a real contribution to make. Music had always been central to me, and I felt it was time to bring it into my professional life.
Q: Tell us about your early musical experiences.
A: I was trained at an early age (10) as a viola da gambist. Several members of my family are prominent musicians in the early music field in Montreal, so I was exposed to the early music instrument movement of the late '70s and early '80s at a very young age. I knew more about the harpsichord and Frescobaldi than Brahms's Symphonies! My mother exposed us to different musical styles and forms but never forced us to pursue musical careers. I ended up working in the music business, and one of my brothers is the assistant principal cellist of the Cleveland Orchestra. My other three siblings have doodled with music, and have pursued careers in law, acting, and investment.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I enjoy reading, cooking, discovering Boston like a tourist (very fun), playing viola da gamba, and always thinking about creative ways to make Handel and Haydn's music more relevant to our society. I never stop thinking about making it better. And I am a big fan of jazz, world music, hard rock, and other genres. No limitations!
Q: Do you have a favorite piece of music or a favorite composer?
A: My favorite music or composer depends on what mood I am in. I could listen to Pearl Jam, Breaking Benjamin, and the finest Monteverdi in the same day. If I were on a deserted island and could only bring the music of one composer, my choice would be Bach. never feel bored or limited by his music. Wagner is another composer who amazes me. I also like obscure, extreme, and eclectic composers (Penderecki and Saariaho are among some I admire). I strongly believe in the importance of supporting living composers and challenging them to write music for our time. I would hope that we can support such initiatives at the Society
Q: What do you see in the future for Handel and Haydn Society?
A: The future of Handel and Haydn Society will be marked by community involvement, presenting the ensemble in many forms and shapes, and reaching as many listeners as possible. I want the organization to be Boston's pride. I also see it as a resource for young musicians in training to discover the wealth of repertoire and period approach we support. In fact, everyone in our society should discover and appreciate the depth of the repertoire and skills that our musicians master. I see using new technology as a means to reach out, entertain, educate, and nurture a deep love for music, because it is a need we all have, regardless of our knowledge of it. Music speaks to the heart and soul, and no one should be prevented from appreciating, feeling, and enjoying it.
The Handel and Haydn Society's 193rd season features rousing masterpieces for chorus and period-instrument orchestra. Highlights included Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 ( Grant Llewellyn), Handel's Royal Fireworks Music and Haydn's “Harmony” Mass (Sir Roger Norrington), Mozart's Requiem (John Nelson), and concertos and symphonies by Haydn and Mozart (Christopher Hogwood). To subscribe please call Handel and Haydn Audience Services Manager Sue D'Arrigo at 617-266-3605, or order online.
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