The Brixi Singers have, in the past, been asked to assist with music at several funerals. A small
number of the choir usually attend, helping to make the funerals more reflective and meaningful.
At
one, for example, at the request of the family, the Brixi Singers sang an unaccompanied piece in 4 part harmony,
as the coffin was quietly brought into the church. The Brixi Singers then supported the singing of the hymns, along
with the resident church organist. At the end, the Brixi Singers sang a simple hymn in harmony, as the coffin
left the church, followed by the family and the mourners.
At another, the Brixi Singers supported
the singing of the hymns chosen by the family, from a raised gallery at the back of the church. This filled
the large church space with quiet reverent music, consistent with the sadness of the occasion, but also
the celebration for the life of the departed loved one.
Another example was a funeral in Heywood,
the Brixi Singers supported the singing of the hymns, and at the request of the family, sang "Bless
this house", a favourite of the deceased. The eulogy included amusing stories of the deceased,
making the church ring with laughter, a lovely way to remember and celebrate the life of the departed loved one. Then,
at the request of the family, we sang "We'll meet again" as the coffin left the church.
More recently,
in Bolton, the choir sang the coffin in to the chapel with Rutter's setting of "God be in my head". They
supported the mourners in singing the hymns chosen by the family, and the singing of Psalm 23, The Lord Is My
Shepherd. The choir then sang the coffin out of the chapel, with Bruckner's setting of the lovely words of
"Locus Iste, a deo factus est" - this is the place that the Lord has made.
Another
funeral was in Atherton. The choir supported the mourners in singing the hymns chosen for this lovely simple service,
and were moved by the obvious love and admiration in which the deceased was held by her family.
At
the last funeral we attended, before the pandemic struck, the funeral was in Audenshaw, where
a small number of the Brixi Singers encouraged the mourners in singing the Requiem Mass and hymns. The coffin was
led out to a Taize chant chosen by the family. The family later sent this message... "We can't thank you enough for
this morning. You made the Mass perfect. Thank you so much".
If
you would like to discuss how the Brixi Singers could support the musical aspect of a funeral you may be organising,
please ring our Concert Secretary, Ros, on the number above.
