Brandenburg Concertos

Revel in the splendor of J.S. Bach’s complete Brandenburg Concertos, the best of the Baroque. From the clarion call of the trumpet in No. 2 to the tour de force harpsichord solo in No. 5, there’s always something new to discover in this much-loved collection. H+H’s endlessly dynamic concertmaster Aisslinn Nosky joins principal keyboard Ian Watson to co-pilot the ensemble from within. This is historically informed performance at its finest: masterfully performed and passionately shared. Please note: Thursday and Friday performances will be at Sanders Theatre located in Harvard’s Memorial Hall. Saturday’s performance will be held at NEC’s Jordan Hall (30 Gainsborough St, Boston, MA 02115).

Sanders Theatre

Brahm's Requiem

Savor the richness of Brahms in this profound performance that captures the full shimmering spectrum of human emotion. It’s a perfect showcase for our chorus—almost as if this deeply spiritual music were written just for them. With celebrated period instrument conductor Bernard Labadie at the helm, you’ll take part in the rare thrill of hearing these pieces played on the instruments Brahms knew best, surrounding yourself with the healing sounds that brought him solace following his mother’s death. This majestic offering matches ferocity with tenderness, boldness with beauty, promising goosebumps from start to finish.

Symphony Hall

Bach B Minor Mass

Feel your heart skip a beat as the first chords of Bach’s choral masterpiece transform Symphony Hall into a cathedral. Then, buckle up for two hours of the master’s lush harmonies and intricate orchestral writing, performed with H+H’s trademark vigor on the period instruments Bach intended. Our friend and frequent guest conductor Masaaki Suzuki returns to the podium to illuminate the music’s magnificence anew.

Bach + Telemann

In the spirited hands of our new Artistic Director Jonathan Cohen, these exquisite choral treasures from Bach and Telemann are nothing short of divine. To open the program, the “unimpeachably excellent” H+H Chorus (The Boston Globe) keeps vigil in two contemplative Bach cantatas, with charismatically commanding soprano Robin Johannsen, a favorite from last season, soaring above. Then, after a rollicking romp through Brandenburg No. 6, Telemann gets the final word, comforting us even as he captivates. This is a double feature you don’t want to miss.

NEC's Jordan Hall

Beethoven 9

“Be embraced, you millions!” Let the “divine spark” of joy catch fire in this iconic celebration of life. Guest conductor Raphaël Pichon, the maestro behind last season’s blockbuster Marriage of Figaro, delivers a fervently fresh take on this magnum opus in honor of its bicentennial. And it’s no surprise that our beloved chorus and orchestra tackle this uplifting music with both compassion and conviction.

A Celtic Soiree: An Evening of Celtic Music

Cherry Street Music’s Americana Series presents A Celtic Soiree, an evening of updated and traditional Celtic music taking place on Saturday, March 9 at The Allen Center in West Newton (MA). The performance will feature Boston-based duo Matt and Shannon Heaton who will perform their masterfully crafted and well-traveled Irish music from the heart. Uilleann piper Joey Abarta will join the Heatons as their special guest. Tickets and information are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://newtonculture.org/" target="_blank">newtonculture.org</a>

The Allen Center

Harry, Haydn + Mozart

Boston music lovers, mark your calendars: Harry Christophers returns to H+H in his first appearance as Conductor Laureate, with the music he does best. Following a smile-inducing Haydn symphony, the spotlight falls on the renowned H+H Chorus for two of Mozart’s great masterworks. Then, Harry adds a special treat: haunting, sublime a cappella choral gems from two women composers, Hildegard von Bingen (1098–1179) and Raphaella Aleotti (1575–1646). Join us for this joyful reunion!

The British Masters

What is the true meaning of home? This bold collection of works by composers of the British Baroque—be they British by birth, choice, or force—will enrapture and enliven while answering that perennial question. H+H collaborator Reginald Mobley and renowned Baroque violinist Rachel Podger co-curated this assortment of British delights, including something for everyone: Alongside familiar favorites from Purcell and Handel, discover a long under-recognized voice in Ignatius Sancho, a composer who was enslaved at birth yet became the first Black man to vote in a British election.

Baroque Christmas 

Celebrate the spirit of the season with Boston’s biggest, Baroque-est holiday party! This festive program features a diverse slate of merry masterpieces, sparkling in the December darkness like a starlit sky. Under the direction of H+H principal keyboard Ian Watson, our brilliant orchestra pairs these glad tidings with unparalleled technique and passion. Join us for a Baroque Christmas and give yourself (or someone you love) a holiday gift you’ll treasure.

Handel's Messiah

For the 170th consecutive year, H+H reignites your sense of wonder and joy with the greatest story ever told in song. Our new Artistic Director Jonathan Cohen leads this centuries-old Boston tradition. Joining our resplendent orchestra and chorus are a slate of spectacular soloists, including countertenor John Holiday, “one of the finest countertenors of his generation” (Los Angeles Times). Without a doubt, this is Boston’s must-see Messiah.

Luks Leads Beethoven

Period instrument conductor Václav Luks, an H+H audience favorite, offers a high-spirited program that’s sure to delight, keeping you on your figurative toes while he leads from his literal ones. After a cheerful Louise Farrenc overture and Beethoven’s tantalizingly dramatic Piano Concerto No. 3, Luks continues his tour through the Beethoven symphonies: This time, it’s a rousing rendition of the composer’s effervescent Eighth.

Israel in Egypt 

Jonathan Cohen launches his first season as artistic director with Handel’s epic tale of triumph over adversity. Performing on the period instruments for which this powerful music was written, our unrivaled orchestra and chorus bring the story to life, evoking buzzing flies, raging fire, and parting seas from the stage of Symphony Hall—and reminding us all to hold fast to hope.

Summer Songfest

The Handel and Haydn Society Youth Choruses (HHYC) will present the Summer Songfest, two one-day sessions that will give children a chance to learn music from Israel, France, Italy and Latin America. Children ages 7-11 will work with HHYC faculty to learn several songs that they will then perform at the end of each session. Led by New Voices conductor Nurt Villani, the program will take place at the Florida Ruffin Ridley School in Brookline on July 22 and 29. No prior musical skill is required. Interested parents can sign up <a href="https://handelandhaydn.org/education/hhyc/summer-songfest/">here</a>. Each session begins at 9:00AM with activities to get to know one another before we dive into exploring music from around the world. We'll learn about the cultures and the people who created these songs and build skills in singing in a joyful, supportive environment. The day will conclude at 3:00PM, when families will be able to see and hear their children share what they’ve learned in a live performance.  The Handel and Haydn Society Youth Choruses provide vocal training and exciting choral performance opportunities for talented singers in grades 2-12 or taking a gap year, who may advance through seven ensembles based on age and experience. All students participate in musicianship classes that focus on the development of sight-singing, aural skills, and music literacy. H+H Youth Choruses regularly perform with the Handel and Haydn Society Orchestra and Chorus at Symphony Hall and other prestigious venues. H+H Youth Choruses are a component of the Karen S. and George D. Levy Education Program. Registration for the Fall Semester is currently underway. Interested singers and families can sign up for the program at <a href="https://handelandhaydn.org">handelandhaydn.org</a>.

Florida Ruffin Ridley School

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S19: interest based

WBUR’s 75th birthday celebrations 💫

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.