Funeral musicians in Palermo
Palermo has churches of every size: gilded basilicas, Baroque oratories, neighbourhood parishes built in recent decades. For a funeral the size of the church matters less than the care with which the celebration is accompanied. Maestro Ilarion, tenor and pianist, sings and plays on his own: one musician for the whole funeral Mass, at the organ or the piano.
Where
Funerals are held in the Cathedral as well as in neighbourhood parishes, in the church of the Gesù at Casa Professa or in San Domenico; outside the city in Monreale, Bagheria, Carini, Termini Imerese and along the coast as far as Cefalù. The celebration often ends with the journey to the cemetery: the music accompanies the part that takes place in church.
Travel and notice
The Maestro lives in eastern Sicily: for a funeral in Palermo and its province he asks for at least 24 hours' notice, the time needed to arrange the journey and arrive at the church early, agree with the priest and try the organ.
The chants
The liturgy has its own chants; at the moments the priest allows, the Ave Maria by Schubert or Gounod and Panis Angelicus are added, and if the family wishes a piece of their choosing. The guide to church funeral songs explains what is sung at each moment.
Also near Palermo
Monreale, Bagheria, Carini, Partinico, Termini Imerese, Cefalù and the other towns of the province.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will he come from eastern Sicily to sing at a funeral in Palermo?
Yes, with at least 24 hours' notice: the time to arrange the journey and reach the church before the celebration.
Does he also sing in Monreale and Cefalù?
Yes, throughout the province of Palermo, from Monreale to Bagheria and along the coast to Cefalù.
Can we have the same music at the month's mind Mass?
Yes: the Maestro also sings at month's mind and anniversary Masses, with the same pieces or a different programme chosen by the family.