London Handel Festival brings fantasy to the capital

The London Handel Festival is set to return to the capital this spring with a five-week festival (7 March to 10 April) focusing on the theme of ‘fantasy, myth and legend’. The 2025 programme is also set to feature performances from Arcangelo, the festival’s new principal ensemble in residence, led by Jonathan Cohen, newly appointed artistic adviser to the festival.

Arcangelo opens the 2025 programme on 7 March at St George’s Hanover Square with L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, an oratorio based on the poetry of John Milton, alongside sopranos Louise Alder and Paulina Francisco, tenor Stuart Jackson and bass Adam Plachetka. Arcangelo then returns with a recital from participants on its New Ensemblists programme in their first UK appearance together as a standalone ensemble before the Celebrity Recital (14 March) closes Arcangelo first residency with a programme celebrating great Handelian heroines.

Arcangelo artistic director Cohen said: ‘I am delighted to be joining the family at the London Handel Festival as their new artistic adviser, and that Arcangelo will soon take up the new position of principal ensemble in residence at the festival. Together we have an exciting chance to build on the vast and remarkable achievements of the festival and continue to attract new international audiences to London as part of a global Handel family.’

He added: ‘I have noticed in my work with Handel and Haydn Society in Boston USA, as well as my work in Canada with Les Violons du Roy and wherever I go, there is a true and real love for Handel's music that transcends cultures and countries. It is my view that London and the LHF can become the mecca, the north star, the santiago de compostela for all Handelian pilgrims and Handel enthusiasts worldwide. Working with the team at the Festival we will continue to welcome international-level experience, showcasing the finest artistic talent for Handel singing and playing in the most exquisite venues of our capital. Creating a unique and powerful formula that attracts international support and attention for Handel’s music in the city he worked and lived’

The London Handel Orchestra also welcomes new leadership with the 2025 festival marking its first performances under the direction of new principal conductor, Richard Gowers. The orchestra will join forces with London Handel Singers and the Choir of St George’s, Hanover Square on 22 March to mark the tercentenary of St George’s Church, Hanover Square, which Handel helped to build and where he worshipped.

The 2025 programme also presents the return of the Handel Opera Studio which presents brand-new retellings of the myths of Apollo and Hercules in the style of Handel, in collaboration with La Nuova Musica and New English Ballet Theatre. The festival also features the final of the International Handel Singing Competition on 2 April, as well as the return of violinist Bjarte Eike and experimental record label and promoter nonclassical, plus a festival debut from the Irish Baroque Orchestra.

Festival director Gregory Batsleer said: ‘The 2025 Festival promises to be one of our most artistically ambitious and brilliant festivals to date. I am particularly proud that five previous winners of the International Handel Singing Competition will join us as soloists across the Festival, a sign of the continued importance and impact of this prestigious competition. 2025 will be a hugely significant year for the London Handel Festival as we begin our new musical collaboration with Arcangelo and Jonathan Cohen. In addition, we are delighted to launch our first learning and participation programme that offers access to Handel’s music to everyone, fulfilling the wider mission of the London Handel Festival of enriching lives through Handel’s music.’

The 2025 programme will also present lunchtime recitals, ‘come and sing’ events, guided walks, open rehearsals, talks, online previews, intimate chamber recitals and a new Handel Supper Club. You can find the full programme plus ticket information on the London Handel Festival website.