Singers for Funerals

_A rare treat for singer Kirsty last week, two funerals in two days with her favourite funeral organist Paul Burgoyne. Two very contrasting services too!

First, a RC mass in London where Kirsty led the hymns and sung various responses, while Paul conquered a rather reluctant piano that had no sustain! A sincere and heartfelt service with lovely family contributions, including readings and a song by the grandchildren.

Then, a quiet but very refined service at the lovely little chapel at the North East Surrey Crematorium. Very peaceful, very elegant, just like the lady herself, I gather. Paul had advised on the purchase of their new chapel organ, and it was a delight - a lovely sound and so right for the space, much enhanced by Paul's sensitive and expressive playing.

"Kirsty, you & Paul (organist) were absolutely amazing, thank you from the bottom of my  heart. Everyone was talking about you, full of praise. My dad was so pleased, and he kept  saying "Beautiful, beautiful" which it was - you were both so magical!"
CA, on her mother's funeral mass in Camberwell, London

"Thank you for singing - it made the service so special and so suitable for my opera-loving mother."
SG, funeral service at North East Surrey Crematorium, Lower Morden

This year, we've all seen what real snow is like again. You know, the kind of snow that covers your boots and means you have to use a shovel to clear your drive. However, it seems that now the mere sight of it terrifies us again.

Monday saw a icing-sugar dusting of snow here in Hampshire, but the effect on the traffic was terrific. Our soprano funeral singer was due to sing at a funeral in Surrey, just a 20 mins drive from our office. Having left nice and early for a good rehearsal with the organist, she actually arrived almost an hour later after endless traffic jams!

Luckily, years of experience clicked in, allowing her to assess the acoustics, rehearse the 5 numbers with the organist (more than usual because it was a full mass), change her shoes from snow boots to more elegant heels, and still give a lovely performance that drew praise from family and guests alike.

Needless to say, by the time the service was over at 12 noon, the snow had all melted away and the traffic had all but disappeared!!