“Harry Christophers, artistic director of the Handel and Haydn Society, plans to step down at the end of the 2020-21 season,” writes Zoë Madonna in Thursday’s (1/24) Boston Globe. “The British conductor is in his 10th season at the helm, a remarkable tenure during which the company more than tripled its endowment, subscriptions increased by 70 percent, 12 commercial recordings were led by him … and a majority of the present roster of musicians was hired … His plans for the coming 2019-20 season include a Mozart celebration … Vivaldi’s ‘The Four Seasons,’ and Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. When he steps down from this position, Christophers will give up his only steady stateside gig. Back in the United Kingdom, he’s looking to focus more on his work with [his choir and period-instrument ensemble] The Sixteen. ‘I’m 65 now. I’m not saying I’m not going to travel, but I don’t want to be living out of a suitcase,’ he says, noting his desire to spend more time with his family and catch a few more Arsenal Football Club matches.” Says Christophers, “I’ll be very sad to go, … but I know I’ll be leaving the organization and the music in a very good place.”
Posted January 24, 2019
