Classical music festival appoints new director

Jack Bazalgette has a background in promoting classical music events

Cheltenham Music Festival has appointed a new artistic director ahead of its 80th anniversary.

Jack Bazalgette, founder of classical music promotions company, called Through the noise, will begin his tenure from 2025.

Mr Bazalgette said he hoped to bring classical music to new audiences through the role.

The festival launched in 1945 and as well as music now showcases film, dance and spoken word performances in venues around the town.

The festival's organisers say they want to reach a diverse audience of classical music fans

Mr Bazalgette said: “Cheltenham Music Festival has been at the heart of the UK’s classical music landscape for nearly 80 years - it’s a real honour to have the opportunity to help take it into a vibrant future.”

He said he would continue the festival’s year-round work with young people and schools, describing it as “crucial to introducing diverse audiences to the joy of classical music”.

Mr Bazalgette has initially been appointed on a three-year basis, the festival’s parent charity Cheltenham Festivals said, with 2025’s programme due to be announced in March.

Ian George, co-chief executive of Cheltenham Festivals, said that previous concerts orchestrated by Mr Bazalgette showed “it is possible to expand classical audiences while placing an absolute premium on artistic integrity and quality”.

Mr George added: “That’s the place where we want Cheltenham Music Festival’s sustainable future to be located.”

The new director will work alongside producer Tamsyn Hamilton, who will remain in post following her appointment last year.

This year's festival will run from 6 to 13 July.