<![CDATA[Hampshire Funeral Singers

<![CDATA[Hampshire Funeral Singers - Blog]]>Wed, 22 May 2024 03:39:51 +0100Weebly<![CDATA[Lump in your throat: why singing at funerals is difficult]]>Tue, 19 Jul 2022 12:04:09 GMThttps://www.hampshirefuneralsingers.co.uk/blog/lump-in-your-throat-why-singing-at-funerals-is-difficult

Thank you very much for your beautiful singing at L‘s funeral. I was holding my daughter’s hand for the hymn and neither of us could sing as we were so choked. Suddenly we heard above all, the strength and beauty of the most colourful enrichment to our grief. We found our voices and sang with you till the end.

You can never know what your sweet voices did for us as no doubt to others too, and I will always treasure the moment.

BM, Farnborough

At Singers for Funerals, we are more than aware that a lot of people find it difficult to sing at a funeral because they are emotionally involved. This is absolutely natural, as if you are upset and literally ‘uptight’, you are constricting your vocal mechanism.

As professional singers, our soloists have years of training that enable them to sing in almost any situation. So, they are able to sing beautifully at a service even when most of the congregation may be in tears. As professional singers, they are able to detach themselves a little from proceedings, enabling them to give their best performance.

And we find it not just the family who appreciate what we do; often, guests come to us afterwards and say how the singing helped then say goodbye, which is perhaps the ultimate compliment.

]]><![CDATA[Finding the best funeral music for mother]]>Wed, 04 May 2022 16:25:07 GMThttps://www.hampshirefuneralsingers.co.uk/blog/finding-the-best-funeral-music-for-mother

What are the best funeral songs and hymns for a funeral for your mum? We’ve sung at 100s of funerals for much-loved mothers, so here’s our list of the top funeral music for mums.

Top funeral songs for mum (religious)

It’s hardly surprising that the top funeral songs we sing as solos are also the most popular at other funerals too. Top of the list is the Ave Maria, an appeal for comfort from the Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

Schubert’s Ave Maria
Caccini’s Ave Maria
Pie Jesu (Lloyd Webber version)
Amazing Grace
The Lord is my shepherd (Howard Goodall version, yes, ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ theme tune!)

SingersForFunerals · Funeral songs for mum

Best funeral hymns for mum

Many families find consolation and comfort by singing favourite hymns, including:

The Lord’s my Shepherd (the traditional Crimond setting)
All things bright and beautiful (many of this sang it at school, and so holds many memories of mothers)
Abide with me
Make me a channel of your peace
Jerusalem (the WI anthem)

Catholic hymns for mother

The most popular Catholic funeral hymns for mum all have lovely tunes. “On eagle’s wings” is also very popular as a solo at Communion during a requiem mass.

Make me a channel of your peace
I the Lord of sea and sky (Here I am Lord)
On eagle’s wings
I watch the sunrise, lighting the sky
This is my body

It’s all in a name

One family’s mother was called Mary and so they wanted all the music during the requiem mass to be around Mary. I sang the following

Almost all of these items have the words Ave Maria in them (some more than others)

O purest of creatures (hymn)
Ave Maria (Schubert)
As I kneel before you (hymn)
O Sanctissima
Hail queen of heaven
Ave Maria (Caccini)

If they had really wanted, I had another version of Ave Maria (by Bach/Gounod)

Popular funeral songs for mum (non-religious)

As ever, each funeral is so different and individual, that the choices songs and hymns are very personal to the family. Here are a few ideas that families chose for their mother’s funeral service.

Songs written especially for mothers:

Pal of my cradle days

This truly is a song for a mother, singing of how sometimes children help turn mother’s hair grey! A country-style song full of love and gratitude.

Mamma

One Italian family wanted nothing more that the wonderful song “Mamma” written by Bixio and made very popular in Italy by both Pavarotti and Bocelli. So, when I said singing in Italian was no problem they were over the moon - I do love this joyous account of a child’s love for their mother.

For the opera loving mothers:

Lascia ch'io pianga - from “Rinaldo”, by Handel

This is a beautiful melody sums up people's feelings in a way only music, and in particular song can express. The deep sadness and melancholy of the aria have proved timeless in its beauty.

You are my heart’s delight - from “Land of Smiles”, by Lehár

Such a wonderful sweeping tune and probably one of the best known songs from operetta.

Ebben Lontana- from “La Wally’, by Catalani

This Opera is not often performed, but the aria made a comeback when it was used in a 1981 film Diva - and this mother loved the film.

Si, mi chiamano Mimi - from “La Bohème”, by Puccini

The world’s No 1 weepy opera! No one does a tune quite like Puccini. The family chose this as mum loved the story of “La Bohéme”. When performing the whole opera I usually sing the other more feisty role of Musetta, so it was nice to revisit the more gentle and reserved Mimi.

Unusual song choices

Sometimes family ask for songs for mother that are new to us, or are songs that we know but haven’t sung at a funeral before. Here are a few for inspiration.

You are my sunshine

This was the song that the mother sang to her daughter as a young child and it held very special memories for her.

Bring me sunshine - (Morecambe and Wise version)

The Morecambe and Wise Show was one of the family’s favourite and their mother loved nothing better than for all the family to be together and watch Eric and Ernie.

One day at a time sweet Jesus

A popular country and western song written in 1974 and has proved the test of time for country and western devotees. I did enjoy learning this and it now has become a popular choice for many families.

When I leave the world behind

This request from the daughter was a an Irving Berlin song written in 1915 that her elderly mother had sung to her throughout her childhood and so this song brought back many memories to the daughter left behind.

Ye banks and braes

A lovely Scottish song, gentle and evocative of their mother’s homeland.

Unforgettable

The family said that Nat King Cole was “mother’s favourite singer” and the words of “Unforgettable” conveyed exactly how they felt about their mother.

The Fields of Athenry
May the road rise to meet you

One Irish family wanted mum’s tribute to be full of Irish music and ‘Athenry’ was one of her favourites. The family were so pleased when I was able to sing the Irish blessing “May the road rise to meet you” for them as well.

The Carnival is over

This family’s mother loved The Seekers so this classic song was just right for her send-off.

Mr Sandman

When this mother was a young women, she often dreamed of her ‘man of her dreams’. So “Mr Sandman” was a very appropriate song to remember mum by. Everyone left the service humming the tune and with a spring in their steps.

Want something special for your mum’s funeral?

If your family is looking for something special for mother’s funeral, a live singer can add that special touch to a service, and help celebrate a life with the music you and they loved most. Call us with your requirements - you’d be surprised what songs we know

]]><![CDATA[Two funerals, one crematorium, one day]]>Fri, 07 Jun 2019 16:23:38 GMThttps://www.hampshirefuneralsingers.co.uk/blog/two-funerals-one-crematorium-one-day

Two funerals on one day is nothing new to Singers for Funerals, but we've never actually managed it without changing venues. This usually involves a drive from city crematorium to remote country church, and a swift prayer to both the traffic gods and the parking fairy en route.

So, we were amazed when two totally unconnected bookings came in on the same day at Portchester Crematorium, even including a very civilised hour between services for a bite to eat. The whole experience took Kirsty back to her early days performing opera roles on tour, as she explains:

When you're touring in an opera production and NOT playing one of the major roles, you get to sing every show, and that includes matinees. Twice a week, you have a day when you perform the entire opera twice, usually with different principals singing in the afternoon and the evening.

And inevitably there comes a point in the second performance where you get to a place where one principal does something totally different from another, and think 'Have we done this bit yet?!' It can be quite disconcerting…

Luckily, this actually hasn't ever happened on a two funeral day, simply because services are so different. The 'cast' has changed; different family, different vicar, different organist. So has the 'libretto'; different live stories, different tributes, different readings. Even the 'score' has changed: different music choices for hymns, songs, entry and exit music. So there never is really a chance of deja vu creeping in to knock your concentration, and with a gap in between you can both relax and prepare for the next without that terrible opera matinee; do I take the wig/dress and makeup off and then have all the hassle of putting it all back on again?!

Instead, in between 'performances', I sat in the Hampshire sunshine, watching the sunlight glint on the waves in Portsmouth Harbour from my vantage point on a bench in the crematorium grounds. It was very peaceful, very calm and reminded me that singing at a funeral is a very worthwhile and fulfilling role in itself.

Unlike some matinee performances I've sung with an theatre full of those most demanding of critics, the retired. Never shall I forget my grand entrance in a flowing overdress to a loud whisper from the middle row of "Eeeeh, what does she look like in them their curtains…"

Give me funerals anytime!

]]><![CDATA[Catholic funeral masses: why we don’t sing the responses]]>Wed, 03 Oct 2018 14:38:01 GMThttps://www.hampshirefuneralsingers.co.uk/blog/catholic-funeral-masses-why-we-dont-sing-the-responses

At Hampshire Funeral Singers, we often sing for Catholic funerals, including both simple and full mass services. Indeed, soprano Toni is the soloist of choice for several Catholic churches in Hampshire, and in particular the Southampton/Portsmouth areas.

Toni has an extensive knowledge of Catholic hymns including modern favourites such as “On Eagle’s Wings” and has a deep appreciation and understanding of the elements of the mass.

However, the one thing she and the rest of us here don’t do is sing the responses, for one simple reason; they are never the same from one church to the next.

Every single church uses a different set, and changes them regularly according to the Church calendar. To learn every set of responses would take us literally months, and to be honest, we just haven’t the time nor the access to the sheet music.

So, instead, we let the priest and congregation lead on these, and if by any chance we do know them, we will of course join in.

Sometimes these take us by surprise; mezzo Kirsty was singing at a RC funeral in Woking, which included as a response the Song of Farewell “May the choirs of angels”. Toni had been learning it in the office just the previous week to sing as a solo, and it had obviously sunk into Kirsty’s brain too, so she was able to join in almost without realising it!

If you require a soloist for any style of Catholic funeral service, either in church or at a crematorium, do call us. We can discuss suitable funeral music including solos and hymns, and add in your choices and requests. Do bear in mind that your funeral priest will need to approve all music choices in advance, so do ensure you allow time for this to happen.

]]><![CDATA[New music for 2018]]>Tue, 04 Sep 2018 15:22:25 GMThttps://www.hampshirefuneralsingers.co.uk/blog/new-music-for-2018

Hands on piano keys, learning new funeral music

So far this year we've sung over 100 individual songs and hymns for funerals, burials and memorials services. As you would expect, this total includes some of the most popular items, including:

• Schubert’s Ave Maria (still the most popular request by far)
• Pie Jesu (the Lloyd Webber version)
• Over the Rainbow
• Danny Boy

We have also learnt several special requests for families, which we always enjoy doing. Some are new new favourites, including:

• In the arms of the Angel - Sarah McLaughlin
• Bring him home - from the musical Les Miserables
• Evergreen - Barbra Streisand
• The fields of Athenry - Pete St John
• Suo Gan - Welsh lullaby

Some required a fair amount of work beforehand including:

• Dulce domum - The Winchester school song.
We were sent the link to the new version, but the deceased would have sung the original version. In the end, we learnt this from an old recording on YouTube before finally tracking down the music two days before the service!

• How beautiful upon the mountains - Stainer
With just a few days’ notice, we had to to not only learn this but make a solo arrangement as this was originally written for 4 singers

• The Hymn of the Hampshire countryside
Yes,there is one!

So, if a family is looking for something special and unusual, we can probably help!

]]><![CDATA[Live music or recorded music: which is best?]]>Tue, 07 Aug 2018 13:18:24 GMThttps://www.hampshirefuneralsingers.co.uk/blog/live-music-or-recorded-music-which-is-best

When you’re organising a funeral, there isn’t always a lot of time to investigate lots of options for the service. So, you (and many families like you) may not even realise you can have live music at a funerals service. And that applies to the songs you and your loved one enjoyed, not just the hymns.

So, why would you choose to have live music? Here’s five reasons that families have told us.

1. Something special for the service

Live music adds a special something to a funeral service. It’s more personal, more immediate and adds extra interest in a service celebrating a life. In an age of digital music available anytime anywhere, it also shows that you and your family have taken just a little extra time to find music that’s special to you all.

We want to thank you so much for making Jean's funeral so special this morning. You sang so beautifully and it was the making of the service.

G&MP, mother's funeral. North East Surrey Crematorium, Morden

2. Someone singing the hymns

Most families like to have a hymn or two in a church funeral service, and many crematorium services too. The problem is, singing when you’re upset isn’t easy. What’s more, not everyone will know the hymn tunes, especially the younger generation. Add in those who think they can’t sing, of members of a community that don’t sing, and you may have a church where only a handful of people are singing at all!

A professional singer can help by leading the hymn singing. With a strong, clear voice singing the tune, people are more confident to join in, and whilst there may only be a few who sing verse one with us, by verse four we’ve got more people singing as they’ve picked up the tune. It also relieves the pressure on the family to sing, and many older folk like to sit back and just listen as their favourite hymn fills the church.

Your lead in the hymn singing motivated and encouraged the other mourners to give voice. As one of our friends who attended said. ”You certainly gave dear Carol a superb send-off, and the singer was a masterstroke.

MN, wife’s funeral. Croydon Crematorium

3. Your favourite songs, beautifully sung

We all have favourite singers, but we also have favourite songs that have been sung by many singers over the years. We always say to families, “If you love the singer, play the CD, if you love the song, we’ll sing it live.”

So, if you love Eva Cassidy’s voice, play her version of “Over the Rainbow’. If you love the song and it was a family favourite, chances are everyone knows a slightly different version, such as the original version sung by Judy Garland. When we sing it live as a solo with gentle accompaniment, we perform it simply and with genuine feeling, to bring the focus back on the song and its message of a better place beyond the clouds, “way up high”.

Feedback from others at the funeral was so enthusiastic. They were touched by your wonderful voice, sincerity of presentation and overall performance. “Time to Say Goodbye” was most people’s favourite, moving song. My Aunt was a bit of a perfectionist herself and I know she would have thoroughly approved of your amazing contribution to a beautiful service.

JD, aunt’s funeral. St Michael’s Catholic Church, Cranford Middx

4. A special performance just for you

Every time we sing at a funeral service, it’s a one-off, a bespoke performance just for those in the church, crematorium, chapel or burial ground. It’s a unique, private concert, if you like, and no two are ever they same. Yes, there are favourite hymns and song we sing more often, such as “Ave Maria” and “Time to say goodbye”, but there are often special choices the family have asked for, from “Fields of Athenry” to “Bring Me Sunshine”!

In addition to being a superb singer, Toni suggested wonderful songs that were in addition to her repertoire, that were perfect for my Aunt. Thank you Toni; I know my aunt would have been very happy.

AS, aunt’s funeral, Woking Crematorium, Woking

5. Time for reflection

In a world of endless hustle and bustle, there’s something special about taking a few minutes just to sit and listen to a single voice singing a song. We know that music can move people, so we’re never worried when people start to cry when we sing. It’s simply the memories and the music combining to express their sense of loss, and it can be very beneficial as part of the grieving process. So often people come up to us afterwards, several tissues later, and say “That was so lovely”.

Words cannot describe the pain of grief over the past 5 months but what is lovely is to remember how many people's hearts were touched just listening to you during the service. We will talk about you for a very long time. In the nicest way of course!

LA, mother’s & father’s funerals, St James' Catholic Church, Reading

How to hire a funeral singer

It’s easy. Just call us to discuss what you’ve got in mind, or for suggestions of suitable songs if you’re stuck for inspiration. We’re always happy to talk and happy to help 01252 511 762.

This was originally published at Singers for Funerals.

]]><![CDATA[Do I need a choir for a funeral service?]]>Thu, 05 Jul 2018 15:06:16 GMThttps://www.hampshirefuneralsingers.co.uk/blog/do-i-need-a-choir-for-a-funeral-service

Many families ask for a choir to sing at a funeral because that’s usually what everyone has, isn’t it?

Not necessarily. A solo funeral singer (or duo) can be a better option.

Why have singing at a funeral service?

Singing is a natural ‘fit’ for a funeral service. The sound of the human voice can be soothing and healing. It can bring comfort, joy and solace, and is especially effective as a fitting tribute to a departed loved one.

So, if you’re looking for live singing for a funeral service, which is best for you, choir or funeral soloist? Here are five points to bear in mind:

1. Availability On Your Funeral Date

CHOIR: As funerals are often held during the week, it can be difficult to find a choir available, as many members will be at work or have other commitments.

FUNERAL SINGER: A professional funeral singer is just that, a professional singer who will be available during the week. Most funeral singers will also travel further afield than a choir.

2. Size and Quality of Sound

CHOIR: Where a choir has a large proportion of retired members, they may be available but equally pose a different problem. Though experienced and keen to perform, many are not very strong singers and can sound somewhat shaky. (Sadly, it’s the nature of how our voices age.) As a result, they often create a rather small sound given the number of people.

FUNERAL SINGER: A professional singer has the experience, training and vocal ability to make their sound travel to fill a cathedral or large church. They also have the ability to keep the sound personal and intimate, in the smaller locations of crematorium chapels and smaller churches. Whatever the space, rest assured a professional singer will be heard!

3. Sound Samples

CHOIR: To hear what a choir sounds like, you would usually need to hear them at a church service. Few choirs have web sites, let alone online sound samples, and with not all members able to attend, they may not sound the same as on a Sunday anyway.

FUNERAL SINGER: A professional singer will have online sound samples for you to hear, so you can listen whenever you like. You’ll also know beforehand how the singer will sound. Their recorded sound will be eclipsed on the day, as a live performance has something 'extra' that cannot be captured when listening on a website.

4. Choice Of Music Available

CHOIR: A choir will have a standard list of hymns and religious music they sing. This will include anthems and choral items that are sung in harmony. However, choirs are not usually be able to learn a particular request should you have a favourite song you would like sung.

FUNERAL SINGER: The professional singer will usually have a wider selection of music for you to choose from, including popular songs and musical theatre, as well as religious and sacred items. If you have a request that is not in the singer's current repertoire, they are usually able to locate and learn the music in time for the funeral. Failing that, they should have a suggestion that will be very close to your idea.

5. Funeral Services Not in Church

CHOIR: Many local church choirs are just that, choirs that sing in one church. They may not be available (or willing) to sing in other churches, or at crematoriums. It’s also worth bearing in mind that crematorium chapels can be smaller spaces, and that a choir will take up a fair amount of room, and that leaves less seats for mourners.

FUNERAL SINGER: A professional soloist will be just as happy to sing in a church as a crematorium, or outside by the graveside in a cemetery, or at a burial ground. If they have their own quality backing tracks and wireless speaker system (as we do), your professional funeral singer should be able to sing accompanied almost anywhere.

Still Not Sure Which To Choose?

Talk to Hampshire Funeral Singers.
Deciding on a singer rather than the standard choir doesn’t have to be a stressful decision! Hampshire Funeral Singers soloists can help celebrate the life of a loved one, creating fond memories with favourite music.

We’ve years of experience in performing in churches, in intimate spaces and for outside opera events (unamplified).

Give us a call to discuss your requirements, as and when you need us.

This article originally appeared on Singers for Funerals website

]]><![CDATA[A sleeper of a funeral song.]]>Tue, 21 Feb 2017 11:22:19 GMThttps://www.hampshirefuneralsingers.co.uk/blog/a-sleeper-of-a-funeral-song

This song has surprised us by being a popular request for funerals. Not usual for opera.

Lascia ch'io pianga (Let me weep)

The composer is George Frederick Handel, and I never thought that a Handel aria would prove such a hit with people. I think it goes to prove if you have a great tune, then it doesn't matter when it was written it appeals to people.

Great tune? - then use it again

The melody for the song began its life as an Asian dance in his 1705 opera Almira. He then used it as an aria in the 1707 oratorio 'Il trionfo del tempo e del disinganno', with a different text and name, "Lascia la spina". Handel then recycled the melody again to the now famous Lascia ch'io pianga in his 1711 opera Rinaldo. This rendition was a major triumph for Handel, and it is this version which we know and love today that has become so popular.

I think the baroque instrumentation and melody summs up people's feelings in a way only music, and in particular song can express. The deep sadness and melancholy of the aria have proved timeless in its beauty.

The character of Handel’s opera is bemoaning and mourning her freedom, sad to be away from her lover and trapped seemingly beyond help. This sadness easily translates to the sadness associated with the loss of a loved one.

Lascia ch'io pianga
la cruda sorte,
e che sospiri
la libertà.

Il duolo infranga
queste ritorte
de' miei martiri
sol per pietà.

Let me weep
cruel fate,
and sigh
for liberty.

May sorrow break
these chains
Of my sufferings,
for pity’s sake.

Famous uses

The aria has been recorded by many artists and is featured in several films including:

Farinelli
All Things Fair, by Bo Widerberg
L.I.E., by Michael Cuesta
Antichrist and Nymphomaniac, by Lars von Trier.

But I think many of us know it as the tune from the Harrod's sale advert. Here's a short excerpt for you, and yes I do love singing it!

]]><![CDATA[Songs for Civil or Humanist Funerals]]>Tue, 15 Nov 2016 16:41:51 GMThttps://www.hampshirefuneralsingers.co.uk/blog/songs-for-civil-or-humanist-funerals

Choosing music for a Humanist or Civil Funeral can be a daunting task. You can have almost any type of music you wish, and there are no legal restrictions.

Humanist funerals or civil funerals are the perfect way to celebrate the life of a non-religious person. Often arranged in accordance of the wishes of the deceased, these ceremonies are created specifically to celebrate the their life.

By their very nature, these are very personal, creative ceremonies, so the music possibilities are endless. Non-religious or religious music are both suitable for a Civil Funeral, though Humanist services are purely non-religious.

Your choice of music

You can choose the music that means most to you and your family. Songs can help both celebrate and remember the passing of a loved one. Having a favourite song sung live adds an extra level of thought, care and personalisation to the service.

Civil funeral services have very little formal structure so you can have as much or as little music as you wish. Having a solo song or two during a service gives another 'voice' apart from your celebrant. (They are often the only person speaking, as many families find reading a tribute too emotional for them.)

Top songs for civil funerals

Here are out Top 10 non-religious songs people have asked us to sing at non-religious funerals. Have a listen:

Time to say goodbye
We'll Meet Again
Danny boy
Do not stand at my grave and weep
Senza Catene / Unchained Melody

Lascia ch'io pianga
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
You are my heart's delight
You raise me up
Bring me sunshine

]]><![CDATA[A Cathedral, Two Crems and a Cemetery ]]>Mon, 12 Sep 2016 16:45:30 GMThttps://www.hampshirefuneralsingers.co.uk/blog/a-cathedral-two-crems-and-a-cemetery

Singing at funerals across southern England does ensure we sing in many different types of venues. The contrast in venues is sometimes very marked, but as professional opera singers we're able adjust our voices to suit each venue accordingly.

Recently, I've sung in the cavernous Winchester Cathedral, which is always a challenge as there is a one second delay between the front and the back of this magnificent building!

Delay aside, the Cathedral is a marvellous place to sing in, especially accompanied by the wonderful pipe organ in all its glory. I was able to use my operatic experience to fill the space, sending my voice down the nave and up to the ceiling in Howard Goodall's 'The Lord is my shepherd' and Andrew Lloyd-Webber's 'Pie Jesu'. It certainly helped the family:

"The fact that I cried whilst you sang Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem was more to do with the emotion of mine at the time. … You are very lucky that you can help people come to terms with a lost one. I have listened to the recording just now and I cried again! Thank you for making the service so beautiful for my brother. I am sure he was listening"

The very next day, I was singing in the much more intimate space of Easthampstead Crematorium, for a select group of just five mourners. They too had chosen Howard Goodall's 'The Lord is my shepherd' and Andrew Lloyd-Webber's 'Pie Jesu' as well as Schubert’s setting of 'Ave Maria' and the lovely Handel aria, ‘Lascia ch'io pianga’. Here, I needed to rein in my voice both in volume and focus, to bring a more intimate feel to the songs. Again, the family were very pleased.

"Thank you very much for singing at the above service. You have a lovely voice, and you sang beautifully. Your singing uplifted the service in a spiritual way, which made it special for us. My mother would have loved to hear you, as she had a great appreciation of music and beauty."

Singing opera in the intimate setting of a crematorium can be a challenge, but one a enjoy very much, as I can use different colours and volumes in my voice to make each performance as individual as the person I'm singing for. I sang a range of music for a funeral at Forest Park Crematorium in Essex. The service started with the operatic Mario Lanza classic 'I'll walk with God', then the favourite hymn 'All things bright and beautiful' and finished with 'We'll meet again', a really lovely song with very apt words for the occasion.

"I would like to say a very huge thank you for your wonderful performance at my mother's funeral yesterday. Everyone told me they wanted to give you a standing ovation but obviously this was not appropriate. You sang beautifully and brought us happiness to a very sad occasion. I know my mother was listening especially so when you sang 'I'll Walk with God'."

Singing by the graveside is not for everyone. Some singers are not happy outdoors when you are the mercy of the elements. However, at Hampshire Funeral Singers we have a portable backing track system and quite a lot of experience singing outdoors for opera performances which we can bring to burials. Personally, I relish the chance to add music to this part of a funeral.

A family asked me to sing by the grave at Slough Cemetery. They chose the modern praise song 'You raise me up' which was lovely and the family were pleased as it helped them through a difficult time. I think the Funeral Director summed up my singing best:

"That was lovely, well done, you filled the whole cemetery!”

You never know when and what you will be called on to sing for a funeral. But most importantly I do enjoy my job and the diversity of music, spaces and people I sing for.

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