Petworth Festival brings in ‘unique curation experience’ with two new artistic directors

Petworth Festival has appointed two “outstanding” musicians to be co-artistic directors as STEWART COLLINS steps down from programming the Proms and Summer Festivals after 15 years.

Ahead of the West Sussex music festival’s 50th anniversary in 2029, violinist and vocalist LIZZIE BALL and pianist CHARLES OWEN will jointly take up the role from 1 September next year.

Ball is a Ronnie Scott’s Allstar and the founder of Classical Kicks, a night of classical music performance often hosted at the London jazz club. As a solo violinist, Ball has played alongside singers such as Ariana Grande, Liam Gallagher and Hugh Jackman.

Owen has performed at concert halls across the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Moscow Conservatoire and Lincoln Centre and alongside top orchestras such as the London Philharmonic and the Hallé.

He is also professor of piano at the London Guildhall and co-artistic director of the London Piano Festival at King’s Place.

“In partnership with Lizzie Ball, I’m excited by the opportunity to curate and build upon the outstanding reputation of this much-loved festival by continuing to bring an exceptional range of musicians to the heart of West Sussex,” said Owen.

Ball said she was “thrilled” to join the team, adding: “It’s a particular honour to attempt to fill Stewart’s shoes – he’s a much-admired and respected colleague”.

Collins will continue as director of the Literary Festival, but the 2026 Proms and Summer Festival seasons will be his last, having overseen the “most successful” season in the festival’s history this year.

“Stewart has accomplished so much during his tenure,” said Petworth Festival chair NEIL FRANKS. “Particularly the musical breadth of the festival and its reputation for outstanding live performance across the programme.”

Collins added: “The Summer Festival is a real force not just locally but also regionally and – dare I say – nationally. It punches way above its weight.

“In handing over the artistic reins to Charles and Lizzie, I am fully confident that what we have built over many years stays in safe hands.”