Michelle AlandThe Chair and Board of Trustees of the Handel House Trust Ltd. are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Director. Michelle Aland joined the staff on Monday 16 November 2015.

Michelle Aland comes to Handel & Hendrix in London after nearly ten years at the Royal Albert Hall, initially as Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations, and since 2010 as Head of Development Funding and Sponsorship. Prior to this, she was responsible for the commercial development of Kew Gardens.

Michelle joins the organisation at an exciting moment, as the final stages of an extensive capital project are being completed. She will oversee the opening of the Hendrix Flat at 23 Brook Street in February 2016, and initiate an exciting new programme of events in the purpose built Studio space. Her extensive experience and skills in PR, marketing and fundraising will be vital in the next stage of the museum’s development, which will include the opening of the ground floor and basement of Handel’s House at 25 Brook Street.

Michelle Aland says: ‘Recognizing the fantastic work done by the staff thus far to make Handel & Hendrix in London a reality, I am thankful to the Trustees for the opportunity to lead the museum during this transformative time. Handel & Hendrix in London is a must-see destination for all music and architecture fans of every age, an opportunity to experience a glimpse of musical legend and history. In the heart of the cultural capital, this museum celebrates the rich, vibrant musical heritage of London in the 1730’s and 1960’s. The unveiling of the Hendrix Flat in February allows fans to witness the rooms where the greatest rock instrumentalist in history conducted his famous jam sessions and, most excitingly, to view highlights from his varied music collection. We are delighted to bring to life Handel & Hendrix in London and afford fans the opportunity to explore and discover this gem of a museum on Brook Street.’

Alistair Stranack, Chair of the Board of Trustees, says: ‘We are delighted that Michelle is joining to lead the team at this exciting time in the Trust’s development. As Hendrix takes his place alongside Handel at the House, we will be reaching out to a wider audience and offering a broader range of cultural, musical and educational events than ever before. With ten years of commercial, marketing and fundraising experience at one of London’s most diverse musical venues, Michelle is ideally placed to take Handel & Hendrix in London forward, celebrating the lives and legacies of two of history’s greatest musicians’.