The Board of The Grange Festival announces Artistic Director Michael Chance’s decision to retire from The Grange Festival at the end of the 2026 Festival.

Since the formation of the festival in 2017 Michael has led the company, both as Artistic Director and CEO, and re-created a festival, The Grange Festival, at its glorious home under the most challenging of circumstances. The vibrancy of the Festival is a great testament to his determination, his characteristic charm, vigour and enthusiasm, together with his love of opera, singing and music making. For all that he has given to the Festival, we offer our sincere thanks and appreciation.

Through the formative years since 2017 under the leadership of Michael Chance, The Grange Festival has continued to build its reputation, audiences and success arriving today at an inflection point enabling the company to broaden its ambition, diversify its programme and thus appeal to wider audiences. With the arrival of Tyler Stoops as Chief Executive in 2024 and in partnership with Michael Chance, the 2025 Festival is clear evidence of a new direction and a significant increase in performances and attendances. The 2026 Festival shows equal promise.

Upon his retirement Michael Chance will assume the role of Artistic Director Laureate.

Michael said:

“The invitation in 2015 to create a new opera festival to fill a sudden vacuum came totally out of the blue. For a singer to be asked to do this is rare. The joyous privilege of being part of a committed and experienced team was clear to me from the start, and continued as we achieved so much together.

Giving opportunities to so many working in the performing arts is both vital and humbling. I have relished opening minds and hearts to a wealth of repertoire and talent.

There are so many connected to The Grange Festival to whom I’m profoundly grateful – our performers, volunteers, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, technical and office team, trustees, and, of course, our committed audiences, both local and beyond. The Grange Festival looks brightly forward.”

Sir Richard Mantle, Chair of the Board, commented:

“Leading an arts organisation is a work of life, and Michael has demonstrated that through his dedication to the creation of what is now The Grange Festival, his legacy will be forever with us.

On behalf of the Board, I want to express our enormous appreciation and gratitude to Michael for his many achievements and am delighted to announce that he is appointed Artistic Director Laureate upon his retirement, and we plan to dedicate our 2026 production of Handel’s Giulio Cesare to him, which could not be more appropriate. There will undoubtedly be many opportunities to celebrate with Michael both at the Festival and during the year.

Michael has enjoyed a glittering operatic career, as a distinguished singer and a leader, and the opportunity to share his knowledge, musicality and talent through his leadership of The Grange Festival has made a profound impact on opera in Hampshire and across the UK.”

We look forward to celebrating Michael’s many contributions in the months to come and during the 2026 Festival.