Musicians for church music in Taormina

People looking for musicians for church music for a wedding in Taormina usually think of the result: the moving Ave Maria, the bride walking in to the sound of singing. But few people know what really happens behind the scenes while the ceremony unfolds. This page tells you, from the musicians' point of view. Maestro Ilarion, tenor, sings in Taormina for weddings, baptisms and other celebrations, together with the parish organist and, if you wish, the parish choir.

A wedding seen by the musicians

One hour before. The church is still empty. The florist arranges the last flowers on the pews. The tenor and the organist arrive, greet the sacristan, try a few notes. Every church in Taormina sounds different: the Cathedral has a wide resonance, the smaller churches return the voice more closely. You have to find where to stand, how much to open the sound, how much to let the silence breathe.

Thirty minutes before. The first guests arrive. The organ plays softly in the background as the church fills. The Maestro goes over the order of the celebration with the priest: when the bride enters, where the Ave Maria fits, how long the signing takes.

The entrance. Someone at the back gives a signal: the bride has arrived. The organ pauses for a moment. Then it begins, and the tenor sings. From where they stand, the musicians see what the guests do not: the groom stiffening at the altar, the mother raising a hand to her mouth, the father gripping his daughter's arm a little tighter than necessary.

The Mass. The tenor and organist follow the priest step by step. The Alleluia before the Gospel. A chant at the offertory. At communion, the music grows more intimate. Every contribution is measured: church music must never cover the liturgy, it must support it.

The Ave Maria. The bride rises with her flowers and walks towards the Madonna. It is the moment the church falls completely silent. The tenor does not sing to be heard: he sings so that the prayer arrives. From the back of the church, sometimes, you hear someone sniffle.

The recessional. The signing, the applause, a final bright piece. The couple step out onto the churchyard and Taormina welcomes them with the sea below. Inside, the musicians close their scores. Nobody thanks them right away: everyone is outside throwing rice. But that is exactly the sign that the music did its job.

Who the church musicians are

• The tenor sings the solo pieces: the entrance, the Ave Maria, the offertory and communion chants.
• The parish organist accompanies the chants and supports the congregation.
• The choir, when present, joins in the common chants and the Alleluia.
• The parish priest approves the programme: every church has its own guidance.

Church music in Taormina, not only for weddings

The Maestro also sings for baptisms, wedding anniversaries and private religious ceremonies for Italian and international guests.

He sings at the Cathedral of San Nicolò, the Church of San Giuseppe, the Church of San Pancrazio, the Church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, the Chiesa del Carmine, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Rocca and in the churches of the hamlets of Mazzarò, Villagonia and Trappitello. And in nearby villages: Castelmola, Letojanni, Giardini Naxos, Gallodoro, Forza d'Agrò, Sant'Alessio Siculo, Savoca, Santa Teresa di Riva, Calatabiano and Castiglione di Sicilia.

See also the page on church wedding musicians in Taormina and the one on church music in Castelmola.

After the ceremony

Maestro Ilarion is a tenor and pianist: he can also accompany the dinner or reception with elegant live music, on Taormina's terraces.

Tell us about your occasion with the request for church music.

Looking for wedding musicians near another town? Find yours in the full list of places where I sing.