London Handel Festival 2026
Five weeks of Handel-inspired performances across London in 2026.
Introducing the 2026 London Handel Festival: From Heavenly Harmony, 18 February 2026 – 28 March 2026.
The 2026 London Handel Festival opens on 18 February at Smith Square Hall with Handel’s monumental Saul, performed by Arcangelo under Jonathan Cohen as part of their LHF residency. Performances continue with violinist Rachel Podger and soprano Hilary Cronin in Neun Deutsche Arien at St George’s, Hanover Square (21 Feb), followed by Mr Handel and his Merry Musicians! at the Foundling Museum (22 Feb), featuring Arcangelo’s New Ensemblists.
The English Concert returns on 25 Feb at St George’s with Splendour and Devotion: Music for Court and Chapel, pairing Handel’s Chandos Anthems with Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. Opera Settecento follows on 5 March with the modern-day London premiere of Handel’s Titus L’Empéreur.
The International Handel Singing Competition runs through March, with the Semi-Final on 7 March at Grosvenor Chapel, and Gala Final on 11 March at St George's, Hanover Square, presented by Petroc Trelawny with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment under Steven Devine. LHF also welcomes Paul McCreesh and the Gabrieli Consort & Players (14 March, Smith Square Hall) for Acis and an Ode!, pairing Acis and Galatea with the Ode for St Cecilia’s Day.
Across three nights (26–28 March) at Shoreditch Town Hall, the Handel Opera Studio presents a new staging of Tamerlano, directed by Orpha Phelan and conducted by Laurence Cummings with the Academy of Ancient Music. The 2026 Festival unfolds across London’s most atmospheric venues, including St George’s, Hanover Square; Smith Square Hall; Shoreditch Town Hall; Handel Hendrix House; and The Charterhouse.
Families can enjoy concerts at Handel Hendrix House (1 Mar), the ever-popular Come and Sing! returns, while Lunchtime at the Charterhouse (24 Feb, 3 & 10 Mar) features finalists of the 2025 Singing Competition and young ensembles including Ensemble Augelletti and Ensemble Théodora.
Full Programme: What's On | London Handel Festival
Venue details
- Address:
- Smith Square Hall
- London
- SW1P 3HA