Arranged alphabetically.



This series documents the founding of the Handel and Haydn Society. In addition, it records the activities of the Board of Governance and its committees in the stewardship of the Society. Included are such records as annual reports, meeting minutes, presidential addresses, and by-laws. Among the topics covered in minutes dating from 1815-1900 are musician and chorus members’ attendance at rehearsals, practice and concert locations, music selections, and choral status. Examples of oratorios discussed for performance include Handel’s Messiah, Samson, and Judas Maccabeus as well as Haydn’s Creation, and Bach’s Lasset Uns Ablegen. Arrangements for special concerts such as the memorial services for John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (August 2, 1826), and John Quincy Adams (April 15, 1848) are also included. Minutes from 1900-1985 cover such subjects as voice trials and retrials, collaborations with other Boston musical organizations (among them the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Opera Company), fundraising strategies, long-range planning, and anniversary celebrations. Discussions regarding recording contracts and broadcast dates, policies for chorus members, and out-of-town performances are also recorded. Reports from the librarian, treasurer, and chorus superintendent are among the reports that are included. Board minutes from the first meeting in 1815 through May 1964 are inclusive, and are incomplete from November 1964 to 1985.



Presidents’ addresses provide comprehensive yearly overviews of the rehearsal and concert schedules and performances, rosters of soloists, and the Society’s financial condition. Also detailed are the locations of each rehearsal and concert, and the organization’s ongoing mission to preserve sacred music. Some of the highlights documented are recording dates, radio broadcasts, and television appearances. In addition, out-of-town performances and press reviews as well as audience attendance are mentioned, as are special events including the Society’s 150th Anniversary celebration and the International Chorus Festival. Statistics of auditions and chorus attendance, the names of new chorus members, and yearly budgets are provided. Reports from the librarian, chorus superintendents, artistic director and manager as also included. Addresses are for the following years only: 1818, 1864-1865, 1867, 1875, 1881, 1890-1893, 1894- 1897, 1901-1903, 1906-1916, 1919, 1923-1929, 1931-1942, 1946, 1948-1950, 1956, 1958- 1963, 1965-1970, 1972-1973, 1976, and 1978.



Also in this series are annual reports from the Society’s librarian, dating from 1856-1882 and from 1885-1904 (not inclusive), which provide insight into the library’s collections of vocal and instrumental scores, name and number of scores purchased, and the problems associated with lack of space. The secretaries’ reports, dating from 1859-1861, 1864, and 1869-1870, discuss recommendations for future management of the Society, especially financial matters and the duties members are expected to carry out. Special events, such as a benefit concert for the 41st Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers and Washington’s birthday celebration, are also documented. Annual reports from 1965-1978 include the annual address of the president, financial statements, the year in review and reports of the management, voice committee, and chorus council.



In addition to the presidents' addresses and meeting minutes, this series contains early correspondence (1816-1885). Primary topics cover all matters of membership, elected positions, and meeting attendance. Other topics include the hiring of conductors and organists. Also see Series 2 Administrative and Financial Records for administrative matters handled by the Society’s administrative staff.

Also see oversize boxes 25-26 and map case 3 for additional material.