Boston’s Grammy-winning Handel and Haydn Society will perform Bach’s Concerti for Two Harpsichords in this highlight presentation of 2025’s Bach Birthday Bash series on stage at historic Mechanics Hall, featuring harpsichordist Ian Watson.

Handel + Haydn Society | Ian Watson

H+H performed the “Hallelujah” chorus from Handel’s Messiah in its first concert in 1815, gave the American premiere in 1818, and ever since has been both a musical and a civic leader in the Boston community. During the Civil War, H+H gave numerous concerts in support of the Union Army (H+H member Julia Ward Howe wrote “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”) and on January 1, 1863, H+H performed at the Grand Jubilee Concert celebrating the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation. Two years later, H+H performed at the memorial service for Abraham Lincoln.