The Handel and Haydn Society (H&H) was founded in March 1815, and it has performed every year since.
H&H gave the U.S. premieres of pieces like Handel's Messiah, Verdi's Requiem, Haydn's Creation and Bach's St. Matthew Passion in the 19th century.

Harry Christophers became the Artistic Director of H&H in 2009. Coming up Wednesday, he's a guest on Performance Today. You'll hear a sneak peak of what he has to say about the past and future of the Handel and Haydn Society on this week's Learning to Listen.
Program Playlist
Joseph HaydnViolin Concerto in G, Hob.VIIa/4
Handel and Haydn Society
Aisslinn Nosky, violin
Harry Christophers, conductor
Coro 16113
Joseph Haydn
Symphony No. 6 "Morning"
Handel and Haydn Society
Harry Christophers
Coro 16113
William Byrd
Laudibus in sanctis
The Sixteen
Harry Christophers
Coro 16077
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mass in C "Coronation": Agnus Dei
Handel and Haydn Society
Harry Christophers
Coro 16104
George Frederic Handel
Concerto Grosso No. 2 in F
Handel and Haydn Society
Christopher Hogwood
Avie 2065