Tanya Joseph announced as Chair-Elect of the London Handel Festival
The London Handel Festival (LHF) is delighted to announce the appointment of Tanya Joseph as Chair-Elect of its Board of Trustees following an extensive recruitment process. Tanya joins the Board as a Trustee in May 2025 and will succeed Richard Hopkin as Chair of the London Handel Society after the 2026 Festival.
Tanya brings a wealth of experience in communications and governance to the Festival. A former journalist, Tanya served as Press Secretary to a Cabinet Minister and later to Prime Minister Tony Blair. Her senior leadership experience spans major organisations including Tesco, the BBC, Nationwide Building Society, Sport England, and IKEA. She currently holds governance roles with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Ballet and Opera, Creative UK, and Transport for London.
On her appointment, Tanya Joseph said:
“I am delighted to be joining the London Handel Festival family at this crucial moment in its history. Richard Hopkin has done a remarkable job over the past 15 years, and I look forward to working with him, the Board, Greg and his team across this period of transition. It is clearly a very exciting time for the London Handel Festival as we look forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary.”
Chairman Richard Hopkin commented:
“I am thrilled to welcome Tanya to our Board as Chair-Elect. Her exceptional background in communications and the arts makes her an ideal choice. I look forward to working closely with her and our trustees as we continue to strengthen the Festival’s governance and long-term sustainability.”
Deputy Chair Michael Holley, who led the recruitment process, added:
“We were impressed by the calibre of candidates which was a clear reflection of the Festival’s growing reputation. Tanya stood out as the clear choice to lead us into our next phase of growth.”
Festival Director Gregory Batsleer said:
“We are at a pivotal moment for the London Handel Festival. As we look ahead to celebrating our 50th anniversary, Tanya’s leadership and deep commitment to the arts will be invaluable to the continued development of this remarkable organisation.”
The London Handel Festival warmly welcomes Tanya Joseph as Chair-elect and looks forward to her leadership in this exciting new chapter of innovation, inclusion, and artistic excellence.
The 2025 Festival, Fantasy, Myth and Legends drew record audiences and featured world-class performances across London. In addition, The Festival also expanded its Creative Learning and Participation Programme, reaching new communities. It also welcomed Arcangelo as its Principal Ensemble in Residence, with Jonathan Cohen joining as Artistic Adviser.