The Handel and Haydn Society's VOICES CARRY Season Finale Will Come to Jordan Hall

The Handel and Haydn Society's 2025-26 Season finale, “Voices Carry” at NEC's Jordan Hall on May 29th and 31st will shine a spotlight on the celebrated H+H Chorus. The program of German and Italian motets and other sacred works will be led by James Burton, internationally renowned conductor, composer, and passionate advocate of choral singing. Four members of the H+H Orchestra will provide select accompaniment throughout this mostly a cappella program: Sarah Freiberg (cello), Peter Walsh (bass), Adam Cockerham (theorbo), and Ian Watson (organ). 

H+H was founded in Boston in 1815 as a choral society dedicated to improving the quality of singing performances in their growing American city. From the beginning, H+H established itself as a passionate and talented organization, giving the American premieres of great choral works: Handel's Messiah (1818), Haydn's Creation (1819), Verdi's Requiem (1878), and Bach's St. Matthew Passion (1879). Now a Grammy-winning ensemble, OperaWire praised the H+H Chorus as “one of the most exciting ensembles of historically informed performances in the world.” A program of rarely performed works and three H+H premieres, “Voices Carry” showcases the breadth and depth of talent in today's chorus. Among the premieres is the sacred motet Tristis est anima mea by German composer Johann Kuhnau (1660-1722), the first time H+H will perform any of Kuhnau's work. The selections on the program by Bach, Schütz, and Scarletti have not been performed by H+H in more than a decade.

“Voices Carry” will open with a special performance by the H+ H Youth Choruses (HHYC) Concert Choir featuring singers in grades 6-10. Dedicated to the future of choral singing, HHYC has been helping singers ages 7–18 from Greater Boston develop their skills, express their creativity, and find their voice for more than 30 years. Throughout each season, HHYC ensembles share their talent with audiences at H+H concerts, often accompanied by members of the H+H Orchestra. 

Well known to Boston audiences from his tenure as Boston Symphony Orchestra Choral Director and Conductor of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus (2017–2025), James Burton was recently appointed Artistic Director of the Birmingham-based ensemble Ex Cathedra. He will guest conduct the group next season and assume full leadership from autumn 2027, directing its concerts, recordings, and projects across the UK. During his time with the BSO, Burton became deeply embedded in New England's musical life, appearing as guest conductor with H+H, Boston Pops, Vermont Symphony, Connecticut Early Music Festival, and Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra.

“I'm thrilled to be back in Boston and working with my dear colleagues at H+H,” said Burton. “Our programme will particularly feature the H+H Chorus singing church music by J.S. Bach, and Brahms, as well as the stunning double choir setting of the Magnificat by Heinrich Schütz. The concert is also a rare opportunity to experience the full splendour of Scarlatti's masterful Stabat Mater.”

Program:

• Schütz: Deutsches Magnificat, SWV 494
• Kuhnau: Tristis est anima mea
• J.S. Bach: Komm, Jesu, Komm, BWV 229
• Brahms: Warum ist das licht gegeben
• Gesualdo: Miserere Mei
• Scarlatti: Stabat Mater