We were talking recently to an organist who had been playing for services at a crematorium for over 20 years, during which time he had seen major changes in funeral customs first-hand. Whereas he used to play the music for all the service, including entrance and exit, he usually now only played hymns, and not at every service either.
So, he was especially delighted to accompany our mezzosoprano at a funeral last month, and we were delighted to perform with such a good musician. We had more comments on the 'wonderful music' than we'd had for quite a time.
However, under the obvious professional pride in his work, he was concerned that with the cuts imposed on local councils, he or the other professional organist might be 'let go'.
Let us say right now, that would be a tremendous shame. A good organist is a joy and a treasure (trust us, we've met the others…), and their playing adds so much to any service. At EVERY crematorium funeral service we sing at, at least two people come up afterwards and say how much they enjoyed hearing live music, and how it made the whole service feel special. And, hand on heart, if we've had a live organist play for us, we feel it's been special too. In our view, nothing beats live music at a funeral to help celebrate a life well lived.
So, if you have the option, use your crematorium organist's skills and experience - we always do if we can. Which is why our mezzosoprano Kirsty is proud to a Fellow of the Society of Crematorium Organists, even though she can't play a note herself!
So, he was especially delighted to accompany our mezzosoprano at a funeral last month, and we were delighted to perform with such a good musician. We had more comments on the 'wonderful music' than we'd had for quite a time.
However, under the obvious professional pride in his work, he was concerned that with the cuts imposed on local councils, he or the other professional organist might be 'let go'.
Let us say right now, that would be a tremendous shame. A good organist is a joy and a treasure (trust us, we've met the others…), and their playing adds so much to any service. At EVERY crematorium funeral service we sing at, at least two people come up afterwards and say how much they enjoyed hearing live music, and how it made the whole service feel special. And, hand on heart, if we've had a live organist play for us, we feel it's been special too. In our view, nothing beats live music at a funeral to help celebrate a life well lived.
So, if you have the option, use your crematorium organist's skills and experience - we always do if we can. Which is why our mezzosoprano Kirsty is proud to a Fellow of the Society of Crematorium Organists, even though she can't play a note herself!
RSS Feed
