Handel and Haydn Society conductor holds workshop with Classical choir

LYNN – Students in the Lynn Classical High School concert choir got a hands on lesson from one of the top conductors in the state, when John Finney of the Handel and Haydn Society in Boston visited the school Tuesday.As part of a partnership between the city’s Fine Arts Department and the Handel and Haydn Society, Classical was one of the few high schools in the state to receive the prestigious workshop.The success of the Fine Arts Department in recent years did not hurt the decision to conduct the workshop in Lynn either, as the H&H society looks primarily for high schools that perform music at a high level.Fine Arts Supervisor Joe Picano petitioned the Handel and Haydn Society’s Director of Education Robin Baker for the workshop, and after carefully reviewing the criteria, Picano worked with Baker to set up the workshop.Baker attended the workshop, along with Finney, and was greeted by Picano, principal Warren White and vice principal Gene Constantino. Baker was impressed by the quality and preparation completed by music teacher Laura Weiss and her vocal students.The Handel and Haydn Society has a long standing partnership with the Lynn Public Schools. Students from grades four through 12 receive scholarships at the New England Conservatory to study music theory, voice and piano.