​At a recent funeral I came across this wonderful, evocative poem especially appropriate for a Catholic funeral Mass. This was the first time I'd heard this and it struck me as a wonderful celebration of how ordinary things brings us closer together.

This blog was originally posted on Singers for Funerals

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:

Music at a funeral service is often one of the first things to be discussed, as music has a great effect on people’s emotions.

Choosing music for a funeral can seem a daunting task, as you can have almost any type of music you wish at a funeral. Don’t feel pressured by this thought. Take time to consider if the deceased had favourite songs, hymns or instrumental music they loved. These pieces of music would add a greater meaning to the service, rather than just the first thing that come to mind.

Choosing funeral songs can be difficult, and even more so if you're choosing for a Roman Catholic Funeral.​

We have sung at a number of Roman Catholic funerals, when there has been some confusion beforehand about what music may be sung during a requiem mass.

There's something particularly moving about singing at the graveside.

​​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.

There's something particularly moving about singing at the graveside.

As performers, we're acutely aware of our relationship with our audience. It may look like we're engrossed in our performance, but all performers develop a 'radar' that keeps them updated on the mood and energy of the people watching the.

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

Lascia ch'io pianga (Let me weep)

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.

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.