WORDS FROM RICHARD OWEN
Singing at funerals is like any other gig. It has to be.
I don't mean that a funeral isn't special, nor does it mean I treat it like I would when singing at the opera house, or leading a group of international classical singers. I mean that, we need to ensure we're using all of our transferable skills from our various experiences in music and professional work to truly honour the deceased, and their family and their wider mourning community.
When I was at college, we learned pieces deeply. We learned that there are vowels, mutations, and a certain way of 'doing things', regardless of the language or style. I'm reminded of Nigel Richards, who won the French Language World Scrabble Championship in 2015 and 2018. The man does not speak French! He understands the logic, the architecture, the way Scrabble works - and, yes, is certainly a genius, though, his methods are similar to the way we must work in music. One does not have to work for a church to sing in a church. One does not have to have known the person at the funeral who has passed to do a fantastic job.
The most stressful concert - a soloist does of any instrument, is their first. However stressful the concert is, you use your experience; and your duty is to make it as though you are "rehearsing" the music - so that the performance is fresh and comfortable. We want to give this similar feel when we are at funerals. We want to know the person through music making the experience comfortable, for everyone. It is the most tender of times.
Trust each other - the music director, the organist, the people next to you. Even if something seems unfamiliar, have faith in the people around you. Honour the music and we can honour the person and the memory in our performance. This is what distinguishes us from the congregation, we can therefore lift and support them as they sing their praises and say goodbye.
