13–29 June 2025, 12pm–5pm
Iken Church, Iken

Free; no need to book

An extraordinary pre-recorded sound installation of tenor Allan Clayton’s interpretation of Priaulx Rainier’s Cycle for Declamation: a solo song cycle with text by the metaphysical poet John Donne.

Allan Clayton’s powerful rendition of Rainier’s music will be played in Iken Church on each day of the Festival. The work was commissioned by tenor Peter Pears and sets three of Donne’s Meditations from his Devotions upon Emergent Occasions.

The music, which lasts around 10 minutes, will be accessible via a “press to listen” option, allowing visitors to play the recording at their convenience. There will be no preset timings for playback.

If you would like to walk, there is a river path leading from Snape Maltings to Iken Church; the walk takes around 50 minutes and crosses fields and boardwalks.

Please be aware that occasionally the boardwalk can flood at high tide.

Priaulx Rainier: Cycle for Declamation (9’)
Wee Cannot Bid the Fruits (from Meditation XIX)
In the Wombe of the Earth (from Meditation XVIII)
Nunc, lento, sonitu dicunt, morieris (from Meditation XVII)