The London Handel Festival has appointed its first-ever Principal Ensemble in Residence and Artistic Adviser.

The company said that beginning in 2025, the ensemble Arcangelo will take up residence at the London Handel Festival and Jonathan Cohen will join as Artistic Adviser.

As Principal Ensemble in Residence, Arcangelo will be integral to the Festival’s artistic identity and will perform several concerts throughout each Festival.

Cohen, founder and Artistic Director of Arcangelo, will work with Festival Director Gregory Batsleer to further elevate the Festival’s artistic vision and strengthen its position as a leading international center for the greatest performances of Handel’s music.

In a statement Batsleer, Festival said, “This is an exciting time for the London Handel Festival. The 2024 season has been our best yet. I am particularly excited we’re now able to announce this major new collaboration for the Festival. Working with artists with the reputation of Jonathan and Arcangelo ensures that the London Handel Festival places world-class music-making right at the heart of its programming. I’ve no doubt that together we will continue to enhance the Festival’s reputation as the globally recognised destination for the finest performances of Handel’s music.”

Cohen added, “I am delighted to open this new chapter for Arcangelo at the London Handel Festival, and at the opportunities it brings to champion more of Handel’s endlessly glorious music with great musicians and artists. I am looking forward to working with Greg and the LHF team, and to everything that we can achieve together to carry forward all of Laurence’s superb and dedicated work with the LHO and so many musicians over the years.”