Founded as a choral society in 1815 by a group of Boston merchants, Handel and Haydn is among the oldest continuously performing arts organizations in the country. From its earliest years the Society established its tradition of innovation, performing the American premieres of Handel’s Messiah in 1818, Haydn’s Creation in 1819, Verdi’s Requiem in 1878, and Bach’s B minor Mass in 1887. The Society began performing Handel’s Messiah annually in 1854. Throughout its history the Handel and Haydn Society has brought the world’s most beautiful music, and its greatest artists, to local audiences, setting a standard for orchestral and choral performances that remains unparalleled.

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