Looking to expand its repertoire to include more composers of color and to reach a broader audience across Greater Boston, the Handel and Haydn Society has named its first-ever programming consultant. Reginald Mobley, director of H+H’s “Every Voice” program and a classically-trained countertenor, will take on the role immediately.
Starting with programming for the 2021-22 subscription season, Mobley will work with H+H to expand the canon beyond well-known composers in Western Europe. The organization will look to increase representation from composers of color, including works from Cuba, Brazil, Mexico, and other countries around the globe. By increasing the diversity of the compositions it performs, the programming will also help the organization connect with a broader audience across the region. Mobley will also continue to lead the “Every Voice” program, which celebrates the diverse communities that make up the city of Boston through music.
“Baroque and Classical orchestras worldwide have consistently embraced many of the same composers, appealing to a familiar audience. But in doing so, we are leaving behind some wondrous music by incredibly talented composers,” said David Snead, President and CEO of the Handel and Haydn Society. “In his three seasons leading our Every Voice concerts, Reggie has shown his talent for finding brilliant but neglected works by composers of color, women, members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, and more. Now Reggie is going to help us bring those voices to subscription concerts as well.”
A native of Florida, Mobley studied at the University of Florida in Gainesville with Jean Ronald LaFond and at the Florida State University in Tallahassee with Roy Delp. He started his classical music career as a member of twice GRAMMY®-nominated ensemble Seraphic Fire and has appeared with symphonies and at festivals across the world. At the Handel and Haydn Society, he had the honor of becoming the first black person to lead H+H in its Bicentennial year. Mobley has worked in musical theater, performing cabaret shows of gospel, jazz, and torch songs in jazz clubs around Tokyo.
“I have always tried to present an un-straightwashed and un-whitewashed music history, especially in the classical space,” said Mobley. “I applaud H+H for recognizing the need to diversify their performances and reach out to new audiences. I look forward to working with them to open up the audience’s eyes to an unconventional and spellbinding collection of composers and broaden their appreciation for Baroque and Classical music.”
