STEWART COLLINS TO STEP DOWN AS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF THE PETWORTH FESTIVAL
After 15 amazing years as Artistic Director, Stewart Collins has decided to step down from programming the Proms and Summer Festivals. He will continue as Director of the Literary Festival.
The 2026 Proms and Summer Festival seasons will be Stewart’s final programmes. Everyone at the Petworth Festival applauds his extraordinary achievements as the festival has grown from strength to strength. The 2025 festivals have by any measure been the most successful in our long history.
As we prepare to celebrate the Petworth Festival’s 50 th anniversary in 2029, we are delighted to announce the appointment of two world class musicians, violinist Lizzie Ball and pianist Charles Owen as co-Artistic Directors from 1 September 2026. It is testament to Stewart’s legacy that the festival can attract such extraordinary talent.
Petworth Festival Chairman, Neil Franks commented:
“Stewart has accomplished so much during his tenure, particularly the musical breadth of the festival and its reputation for outstanding live performance across the programme. We are thrilled his legacy will be taken forward by two outstanding musicians in Charles and Lizzie, both of whom cherish their own Petworth performances and bring with them unique curation experience. We look forward to them working closely with Executive Director, Alastair Waddington, as we look ahead to our 50th birthday in 2029.”
Lizzie Ball and Charles Owen are well known to Petworth audiences. Between them they have made multiple appearances at the festival, and both have hugely relevant Artistic Director experience: Lizzie at Ronnie Scott’s Classical and Charles with the London Piano Festival.
Stewart Collins said:
“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. Both are brilliant musicians with huge experience where it counts, and impeccable instincts. Onwards!”
Lizzie is a violinist and vocalist who transcends musical genres. Classically trained, she is a Ronnie Scott’s Allstar and Founder of Classical Kicks. She led Nigel Kennedy’s Orchestra of Life for 8 years and has appeared as a solo violinist with such superstars as Ariana Grande, Jeff Beck, Liam Gallagher and Hugh Jackman. She is currently studying for an MBA in Global Arts and was once named by the Daily Mail as one of the UK’s most inspirational women.
Lizzie Ball said:
“I am thrilled to start this new journey with Charles, who I have known and greatly respected for many years. Being Co-Artistic Director of Petworth - a festival I’ve held close to my heart for many years now - is special. Charles and I are so excited to plan for 2027 and beyond. It’s a particular honour to attempt to fill Stewart’s shoes – he’s a much admired and respected colleague.”
Charles was described by Gramophone Magazine as “one of the finest British pianists of his generation”. He has performed at concert halls all over the world including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Centre, Wigmore Hall, the Moscow Conservatoire and Champs Hill! Charles has performed concertos with some of the world’s leading orchestras including the London Philharmonic and the Halle. He is a Professor of Piano at the London Guildhall and co-Artistic Director of the London Piano Festival at King’s Place.
Charles Owen said:
“Performing at the Petworth Festival is always a highlight of my summer music making, an event where strong connections between artists and audiences are palpable. 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.”
In their new roles, Charles and Lizzie will combine their expertise across classical, jazz, blues, contemporary, folk, world music and comedy.
Please join us in welcoming Lizzie and Charles to Petworth!
