Henry Edmundson, Chair of CSM added, “As Cambridge Summer Music moves to increase its scope and diversity, I am thrilled that Ben will be leading the CSM team. With his formidable reputation as a performer and his proven experience in other festivals, I have no doubt that he will steer Cambridge’s oldest music festival to even greater heights and ambitions.”

Regarding his appointment, Johnson noted, “I am thrilled to be joining Cambridge Summer Music as Festival Director. I join a passionate and enthusiastic team, and I thank them for their warm welcome. In a turbulent time for the UK Arts industry, I am particularly mindful of the value and privilege of providing world-class music in the historic and beautiful city of Cambridge, something of great value to performers and audiences alike.”

Johnson co-founded the Southrepps Music Festival in Norfolk and is currently a vocal professor at the Royal College of Music. He has performed at the BBC Proms, Carnegie Hall, and Symphony Hall as well as at the English National Opera, Glyndebourne Festival, Opera de Lyon, Bergen National Opera, and Opéra National de Bordeaux.