News
The Board of Trustees of London Handel Society is seeking to appoint two new trustees with skills and expertise in Law and/or Digital Marketing.
The London Handel Festival (LHF) is one of the UK’s most cherished classical music festivals and is the only full-time organisation dedicated solely to celebrating and performing Handel’s music.
Purpose: Enriching Lives Through Handel’s Music
Core values: Excellence, Inclusion, Innovation
Overview:
The organisation has expanded over the last five decades into a dynamic and critically acclaimed year-round organisation encompassing four key strands.
The London Handel Festival. Our flagship spring Festival presents world class performances of Handel’s music. The Festival brings Handel’s works to life in a rich variety of venues across London. From iconic concert halls, to atmospheric historical spaces and vibrant community settings, audiences experience everything from grand oratorios to intimate recitals. In 2025, the internationally acclaimed ensemble Arcangelo joined us as Principal Ensemble in Residence, with their founder Jonathan Cohen as Artistic Adviser, injecting further energy and brilliance into our programming
The International Handel Singing Competition. Founded 24 years ago by Laurence Cummings to promote emerging vocal talent, this prestigious competition has launched the careers of artists now performing Handel at eminent opera houses worldwide including Iestyn Davies and Lucy Crowe, and more recently Helen Charlston and Hilary Cronin.
Handel Opera Studio. Established in 2022, the Studio breathes new life into Handel’s lesser-known dramatic works with bold, cutting-edge productions in non-traditional spaces. Its critical acclaim raises the Festival’s profile, attracts new audiences and challenges perceptions of Handel’s work.
Creative Learning and Participation. Launched in 2023, the programme opens new avenues for people from all backgrounds to discover, experience and perform Handel’s music. Highlights include our first relaxed opera performance for families, wellbeing-focused outdoor concerts, and accessible “Come and Sing” and “Come and Play” experiences.
Governance and Structure
The London Handel Society Limited is the legal entity and charity. The Society delivers the Festival with the support, employment and engagement of the following teams.
Board: the Board comprises highly skilled and experienced trustees from a range of backgrounds who ensure good governance and work with the executive team to deliver our ambitious strategic objectives. Tanya Joseph has recently been appointed as Chair-Elect.
Executive team: led by Festival Director Gregory Batsleer, the dynamic and skilled year-round team currently includes our Head of Development, Director of Finance, Head of Marketing, Festival Producer and Creative Learning and Participation Producer.
Volunteers: our committed volunteers provide invaluable support throughout the year including especially as welcoming front-of-house stewards at concerts and events
The role
The role of the trustees to ensure the good governance of the charity and to support the work of the executive on delivering on the organisations purpose within the scope of the overall strategy.
The Board meets approximately 5 times a year in central London.
Key Responsibilities:
. Ensuring LHF is carrying out its purpose for the public benefit.
. Comply with LHF’s Governing document and the Law
. Act in LHF’s best interests
. Act with reasonable care and skill
. Ensure LHF is accountable
Essential Skills
. Either Legal OR Digital Marketing
Desirable characteristics
. A passion for the arts and classical music
. Previous trustee or non-executive experience
. Clear understanding of charity governance
. Excellent communication and influencing skills
How to apply
Please send a cover letter and CV to Andrea Lee (andrea.lee@londonhandelfestival.org.uk) by July 11th.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview with representatives of the board of Trustees in July and August with appointments being formalised by the next board meeting in September.
Further Reading
Our website – https://www.london-handel-festival.com/
Our annual accounts – https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/269184/accounts-and-annual-returns
Our 2025 Calendar – https://www.london-handel-festival.com/2025-fantasy-myth-legend-2/events-calendar/
Our Trustees – https://www.london-handel-festival.com/home-2/about-us/our-trustees/