New Zealand orchestra uses quiet and peaceful funeral home to practise

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/28/new-zealand-orchestra-uses-quiet-and-peaceful-funeral-home-to-practise

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Marlborough Civic Orchestra in South Island begins practising in chapel of Cloudy Bay Funeral Services, Blenheim

Eleanor Ainge Roy in Dunedin

Fri 28 Jul 2017 02.54 BST

Last modified on Fri 28 Jul 2017 03.01 BST

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A New Zealand orchestra has taken the unusual step of holding practice sessions in a funeral home after struggling to find somewhere quiet to play.

The Marlborough Civic Orchestra in the South Island began practising in the chapel of Cloudy Bay Funeral Services in Blenheim this month.

Although some members were “apprehensive” about playing live music so close to the dead, vice-chair Jenni Stubbs said the orchestra had warmed up to the unorthodox venue and found the peaceful space well suited to their needs.

“I reassured them they wouldn’t see any dead bodies, it is a really peaceful place, it is not an oppressive place,” said Stubbs.

“I don’t think there is any creepy feeling about it, and I think we bring joy to the place. When we are there for rehearsal we concentrate on our music and we are always mindful … I guess there is a bit of extra respect because of the normal use of the place.”

The orchestra have been practising the theme song from The Godfather, the theme from Cinema Paradiso and a medley from Les Misérables.

Funerals and meetings with bereaved families are not scheduled while the orchestra is practising.

“I think it is a beautiful venue and very relaxing being there, and it is not stressful and it is very easy to make music in that environment, strangely,” Stubbs said.

Funeral director David Buckley said the stereotype of funeral homes as gloomy, depressing places was “outdated” and the new generation of funeral homes were warm, welcoming spaces. The partnership with the local orchestra enhanced the atmosphere of his business and helped break down old-fashioned taboos, he said.

“We wanted the community to see [us] as a facility to be used, apart from just having funerals here,” said Buckley.

“Not everyone wanted to be associated with us … a funeral home does conjure up associations for some people, but it is often based on knowledge they don’t have. I naturally thought the orchestra would be a good fit, their music is beautiful.”