We are proud to announce the performers who have all responded so quickly and so enthusiastically to be part of this unique project. One of the great singers of our time, Sir John Tomlinson, will sing a monologue of Hans Sachs, from Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. Two winners of our international singing competition, Kiandra Howarth and Claire Barnett-Jones will sing the flower duet from Delibes' Lakmé. We are privileged also to present the work of two leading choreographers: Shobana Jeyasingh will stage Mini Contagion performed by members of Shobana Jeyasingh Dance, and we have commissioned the brilliant young South African dancer and choreographer Mthuthuzeli November of Ballet Black to create a new piece for the final scene of Precipice. Tonderai Monyevu will guide us through the scenes with spoken text.

Music Director John Andrews will co-ordinate members of The Grange Festival Chorus in performances of music by Francis Poulenc and Lili Boulanger. Further musical offerings come from Johann Sebastian Bach, John Tavener, Caroline Shaw and others. The full Precipice company also includes acrobats and performance artists. The journey which you will be asked to take is on many levels: physical, emotional and philosophical. It is a response to the extreme challenges of this very moment in all our lives but is ultimately a demonstration of the power of live music, dance, theatre and art as a source of meaning, hope and redemption.

Precipice is directed by Sinéad O’Neill and designed by Joanna Parker, both known to Grange Festival audiences.

Full details and booking arrangements for this event will be sent to you shortly. We can reassure you that Precipice has been conceived in precise adherence to current government guidelines for outdoor assembly. Your safety and the safety of the participants has underpinned our planning.

It is a source of joy to us all at The Grange Festival to be able to stage this production, and to convey to each and every member of the audience that your safety, your good health and your release from worry are fundamental in both the conception and the enactment of this event.