• Funeral Services
• Celebrant for Funerals
• Memorial Services
• Singer for Funerals
• Crematorium Celebrant
• Singer for Crematorium Services
• Poetry and Readings Funeral & Memorial Services
• Organist and Pianist GRSM LRAM ARCM LTCL Examiner

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CELEBRANT FOR:
CHURCH OR CIVIL CEREMONIES

UNIQUE AND COMPLETE FUNERAL OR MEMORIAL SERVICE ORGANIZED TO INCLUDE:

TRIBUTES, POETRY READINGS, SOPRANO SOLO
ORGANIST AND PIANIST ALSO AVAILABLE.

Independent Celebrant Irene Grant-Jones takes a personal and compassionate interest in families as they prepare for the funeral or memorial service enabling them to choose the most appropriate and effective music for this important occasion.

Irene is based in Bedford near the towns of Milton Keynes, Northampton, Cambridge and Luton. However, she will travel any distance to add that special element to a service whether it is conducted at a crematorium or in a church.

Personal Experience and Recommendations:

I have performed as a professional singer at many funerals and memorial services prior to studying at the Royal Academy of Music and on many occasions since. I sang at my mother's funeral in May 2007 and my father's back in 1974. These experiences have formed the foundation on which my thoughts below are based:

To begin with, to sing as a soloist at funerals requires an in-depth strength and sensitivity; and this acorn of strength develops over the years.

To listen to Irene's voice : www.grant-jones.co.uk and www.youtube.com/user/sopranoigj
The chosen singer for this occasion is required to emotionally connect with the music without becoming 'emotional'- where the voice begins to shake unexpectedly. It is important for the family and congregation to feel at ease during a solo enabling them to sit back and relax as much as it is possible and not feel distracted from their personal thoughts and feelings; yet simultaneously feel uplifted aurally and visually. This is the moment when the musician's personality and performance engages and connects with people as they are blessed and uplifted during these moments.


Each funeral and memorial service is individual and unique; it cannot be repeated. We have a responsibility to our family and friends to create and cement an atmosphere that incorporates memorable feelings and thoughts that can be reflected upon in the future.


Everyone has a favourite song or piece of music. Sometimes when planning a service, thinking of the appropriate song becomes a difficult task, especially when a person has had a diverse musical appreciation of many styles.
The funeral service takes approximately 30 minutes. There isn't a lot of time to include everything each member of the family would like to hear or make decisions on so many important matters besides music. Shock and disbelief regarding losing a loved one over-shadows the time when we are required to think clearly. Many people have actually written down a list of things they would like included in their own funeral service and of course this makes it easier for those left behind, yet in reality most people have not done this.


My husband is a music examiner, organist, composer and piano teacher. During his time as a church organist he has understood ‘first-hand' the requirements of the family from a musician's point of view.


For me, as a professional singer, it is an honour and a privilege to be involved in a service at a time when people are feeling most vulnerable. I feel that on each occasion I allow my soul, the 'heart of me' to become transparent. As an example of my work, 'Ave Maria' can be heard on my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/SopranoIGJ
We can also help you choose all the other music and hymns and also transport a (digital) piano to the venue if required.



Recommendations:


‘Your contribution to the funeral service was very much appreciated not only by my family but by everyone present. Your rendition of Purcell's music and Tate's words filled the church and moved us all. My granddaughter was transfixed by you.' Rob Sansome
St Paul's Church Bedford. December 2012

‘I have on a number of occasions experienced Irene's ability to read and sing at funeral services and enhance the occasion with her enormous talent. Irene's contribution is always appropriate and sensitive to the needs of the occasion.' Canon John Glover DL, Vicar of Rhyl