Soprano Lucy Crowe becomes president of Deal Music and Arts

Deal Music and Arts (DMA), the organisation behind the annual Deal Festival, has today announced the appointment of soprano Lucy Crowe as its next president. Crowe will succeed trumpet soloist, arranger, producer, and music educator Alison Balsom who has been president of DMA since 2015.

In her new role, Crowe will work closely with composer Luke Styles, who became the organisation’s artistic director in November 2022 following the withdrawal of bass Matthew Rose from the role due to ill health. She will also work with DMA’s vice presidents: cellist and former DMA artistic director Steven Isserliss; composer David Matthews, also a former DMA artistic director; harpsichordist and conductor Trevor Pinnock CBE and jazz singer and lyricist Norma Winstone MBE.

Styles said: ‘I have been enthralled by Lucy's voice and supreme musicality since first hearing her during our student days at the Royal Academy of Music… Lucy is a committed community musician empowering local communities and bringing together artists and the public in life affirming performances and collaborations. I can't wait for her to bring her magic to Deal and to be inspired by her musicianship.’

Now a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music, Crowe was made an OBE in the 2023 King's Birthday Honours and enjoys a busy and varied career. This season Crowe is set to sing the title role in Handel’s Rodelinda with the English Concert on a tour to the US and Asia, as well as performing alongside the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, the Handel & Haydn Society, the Orchestra of Age of Enlightenment and the Monteverdi Choir & Orchestra.

Crowe said: ‘The dynamic team at Deal Festival are united behind a shared vision of making the experience of music and the arts welcoming and inclusive to all, and I am truly excited to be part of this. I am looking forward to getting to know the artistic community here at Deal, which I know appreciates creativity, artistic excellence, and innovation.’