Handel and Haydn Society Opened 212th Season
The Boston-based ensemble launched its latest concert season with a production of Handel’s choral work.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Classical
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The Handel and Haydn Society opened its 212th season in Boston with a performance of the work L'allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato. The production ran from October 2 to October 4, 2026.
Why it matters
The performance marked the beginning of a new chapter for the historic organization. It followed a previous October production of Handel's Saul that took place in 2025.
This production represents the 212th season for the ensemble. The performances occurred over a three-day window concluding on October 4, 2026.
The players
Handel and Haydn Society
This Boston-based performing arts organization is dedicated to the performance of choral and orchestral music.
Lecolion Washington Jr.
He serves as the president and CEO of the Handel and Haydn Society.
Regie Gibson
He is the Massachusetts Poet Laureate who provided spoken word introductions for the recent performances.
The details
The production featured vocal soloists and a chorus who exchanged musical personas to illustrate varying emotional states. Massachusetts Poet Laureate Regie Gibson contributed spoken word introductions to frame the 18th-century poetry integrated into the performance.
Timeline
October 2025: The society performed Handel's Saul.
October 2, 2026: The performance of L'allegro began.
October 4, 2026: The performance of L'allegro concluded.
Industry Dynamics
The society continues to innovate within the classical canon by integrating contemporary spoken word elements into 18th-century masterworks. This approach follows a pattern set by the October 2025 performance of Handel's Saul to maintain relevance with modern audiences.
The production took place over three days in Boston, offering limited opportunities for the public to attend the opening event of the 212th season. Audience members experienced the integration of 18th-century music with modern spoken word poetry.
The takeaway
The society's use of spoken word interludes highlights an ongoing trend of blending classical music with contemporary literary art forms. Attendees should check the official performance schedule regularly to stay updated on future innovative productions.
Further reading
For more information on local performances, visit Classical.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Harvard Crimson.
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