About LHF
The London Handel Festival is the UK’s only full-time organisation dedicated to the performance and celebration of music by George Frideric Handel.
The London Handel Society was formed in 1975 by Denys Darlow, and the first London Handel Festival took place in the summer of 1978. It is without doubt that the London Handel Festival has continued to play a pivotal role in the performance of Handel’s music and is now regarded as the home of Handel’s music in London.
Originally based from St George’s Church, Hanover Square – Handel’s own parish church, the London Handel Festival now presents an annual programme of Handel-inspired performances and events from internationally acclaimed artists and ensembles in venues across London throughout the year.
In addition to its performances at St George’s Church, the Festival regularly presents performances in a range of exciting venues, including the Linbury Theatre at the Royal Ballet and Opera, Wigmore Hall, Sinfonia Smith Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Stone Nest, Village Underground, Middle Temple Hall, Trinity Buoy Wharf, Shoreditch Town Hall, The Charterhouse and more.
As well as its performance programme the London Handel Festival launched a year-round Creative Learning and Participation programme which ensures that everyone has access to the power of Handel’s music. Highlights of the programme have included a partnership with Coram, regular youth “Come and Sing” events, relaxed performances, and the Festival has also begun presenting a number of small events as part of an expanding Autumn Series.
In 2024 the Festival appointed Arcangelo as its Principal Ensemble in Residence and named Jonathan Cohen as its Artistic Advisor. Before this, world-renowned Handelian Laurence Cummings held the position of Musical Director of the Festival and conductor of the London Handel Orchestra from 1999–2024, overseeing a transformational period in the Festival’s history. Gregory Batsleer was appointed Festival Director in 2021 and replaced Samir Savant, who had been in the role from 2017.
London Handel Orchestra
Principal Conductor: Richard Gowers
The London Handel Orchestra, founded by Denys Darlow, has been part of the London Handel Festival since its inception in 1978. Renowned for its historically informed performances of Handel's lesser-known works, the orchestra was for many years at the heart of the Festival as its resident orchestra. Under the distinguished leadership of Laurence Cummings, Musical Director and Conductor for 25 years until 2024, and with Adrian Butterfield as Associate Musical Director and Leader, the orchestra was in the pit for two critically acclaimed productions at the Royal Opera House. It has appeared at the BBC Proms and played a central role in the Festival's long-standing partnership with the Royal College of Music.
In 2025, Richard Gowers, one of the UK's most exciting emerging talents and Director of Music at St George's Church, was appointed Principal Conductor. The orchestra continues to make an important contribution to the Festival's year-round musical life.
