London Handel Festival

Our core mission at the London Handel Festival is to enrich people’s lives through the performance of Handel’s music and to embody his spirit throughout all our work. Handel’s impact on the cultural life of London, the UK and the world can still be experienced today, and all of us at the LHF remain committed to celebrating the life, the music, and the continued legacy of this great cultural icon.

The 2026 Festival, From Heavenly Harmony, is a five-week celebration of Handel’s music guided by the Festival’s purpose to enrich lives through Handel’s music, the programme channels heavenly harmony, revealing the composer’s gift for touching every human emotion while lifting listeners toward the sublime.

The 2026 Festival will see the celebrated ensemble Arcangelo return as Principal Ensemble in Residence alongside Artistic Adviser Jonathan Cohen. The Handel Opera Studio will present a brand-new production of Tamerlano, while the Gabrieli Consort and Players, led by Paul McCreesh, make their much-anticipated Festival debut. Returning ensembles include The English Concert, Opera Settecento, and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, reaffirming their close connection with the Festival. In addition, an expanded Creative Learning & Participation programme will offer new family events, a major youth singing project, and relaxed performances designed to engage wider audiences. The 2026 Festival also marks the launch of a special pathway leading to LHF’s 50th anniversary celebrations.