Funeral Music
Music for a funeral at Christ Church South Yarra
Music is one of the most important and personalised elements of a funeral service. There are many options for you to choose from.
- Organ only (included in standard service rate)
- Choir of 4-8 adults with organ plus director ($600 – $1500)
- Soloist with organ ($300 – $500)
- Other musicians and ensembles (at price)
You can choose different music for different parts of the service:
- Gathering – prior to the service and as a processional
- Psalm (optional)
- During an audio-visual display (not done live)
- Reflection – during candle lighting or in stillness (optional)
- Recessional (as the funeral party exit the church)
Hymns may also be sung, although we recommend that you only have hymns if a good number of those attending are regular church goers who will know the tune and sing out. Otherwise it may be that the celebrant is only one heard singing! A list of suitable hymns is included below, along with other music to enhance the beauty and ambience of the service.
The Choir at Christ Church is one of the best in Melbourne, with a repertoire that stretches from plainsong to sacred music of the present day, and can help with leading the hymns. Beyond this, the Director of Music, Michael Fulcher, can arrange professional soloists and ensembles, as required. The cost of the choir and additional musicians will be an extra expense and may be separately invoiced. Michael can be contacted at music@ccsy.org.au.
The use of recorded music is permitted in limited circumstances, after discussion with the Celebrant. It should be noted, however, that it may be an infringement of copyright to broadcast professionally recorded music in any public arena without a licence. Please note that instrumentalists and singers must provide their own amplification.
The clergy of the parish are available to assist during this time and to help with funeral preparations.
Music for a Funeral
A selection of music and hymns to enhance the beauty and ambience of the service is included below.