(Credit: Frances Marshall)

The London Händel Festival has announced its 2022 lineup, which will be entitled “New Beginnings.”

For the purposes of this article, our focus will be on vocal and operatic performances only.

Opening Night will feature Laurence Cummings leading the Academy of Ancient Music and the National Youth Choir of Great Britten as well as the Chamber Choir in a wide range music by Händel including “The King Shall Rejoice,” “Zadok the Priest,” and “As Pants the Heart,” among others.

Performance Date: March 23, 2022 

Soprano Anna Dennis will headline “Händel in Hackney” which includes music by Hildegard von Bigen, Mazzoli, Cambell, Snider, Monteverdi, and Leith. She will be joined by 12 Ensemble.

Performance Date: March 25, 2022 

Danielle De Niese and Laurence Cummings will perform music from several Händel operas.

Performance Date: March 27, 2022

David Bates will conduct a series of performances of “Acis & Galatea” as directed by Andrew Staples. Anthony Gregory, Madison Nonoa, Will Thomas, David Webb, and James Way headline the cast. Bates will conduct La Nuova Musica.

Performance Date: March 31 – April 2, 2022 

Mezzo-soprano Bethany Horak-Hallett will perform a lunchtime recital.

Performance Date: April 5, 2022

Opera Settecento under Leo Duarte will present the premiere of “Fernando, Re di Castiglia.” Cast members include Owen Willets, Susanna Fairbairn, Ciara Hendrick, David Greco, Jorge Navarro Colorado, and Hamish McLaren. Jess Dandy will be at the harpsichord.

Performance Date: April 4, 2022 

The company will also present International Händel Singing Competition.

Performance Date: March 18, 2022 (Semifinal); April 8, 2022 (Final) 

Soprano Hilary Cronin will headline “Music for Holy Week” along with the London Händel Orchestra. The concert will include music by Händel and Vivaldi.

Performance Date: April 13, 2022 

Laurence Cummings will present “La Resurrezione” alongside Rachel Redmond, Nordus Williams, Helen Charlston, Ed Lyon, Callum Thorpe, and the London Händel Orchestra.

Performance Date: April 18, 2022