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WEDDING SINGER AND FUNERAL SINGER TESTIMONIALS
For testimonials for singing lessons and musicianship classes, click here
www.celebrationsongs.net/what_people_say.html
“I don't think I will ever forget the sound of Marianne's stunning, soaring voice as she sang Ave Maria on the occasion of
my mother's funeral. It has played through my mind many times in the days following and I can still hear her beautiful tones now.
Her voice filled every corner of the church and captivated everyone present.
Marianne has a wonderful, understated elegance;
her voice truly expresses all the many emotions one feels at such a difficult time whilst bringing a sense of gentle calm and the
utmost dignity to the proceedings.
Marianne's professionalism is unquestionable, her attention to detail impeccable.
We feel extremely blessed that our search for a singer led us to Marianne. Many times, thank you.”
Anthony Cooper, Kingswinford
“Dear Marianne,
Thank you for singing so beautifully today, at my mother's funeral.
Your rendition of Ave Maria by Bach Gounod was very moving and enjoyed by all present.
I was even asked by a local clergy minister where did I find you!
I would very much like to thank you for your quick organisation of this performance given the little time involved.
You took away any additional stress, turned up when you said you would, travelled a good distance to the service,
and on top of all that I could not fault your performance or price.
I would highly recommend you to anyone looking for a funeral/wedding singer who is not only reliable but sings movingly. ”
Sylvia Knibbs, Coventry
“Well we are back from our honeymoon and would like to say a huge thank you for singing at our wedding.
Your voice is breathtaking, which made our ceremony so very special.
We found that having you sing enabled us to take those few minutes, when the focus was on you, to savor and truly take in each other and what was happening. Priceless!
Also, your professionalism from our first email right through to our big day was superb, which helped me greatly to organize it all from abroad. In particular, your ability and willingness to transpose the music we wanted and work with our harpist to enable her to accompany you was amazing.
Thank you so much Marianne!
Please feel free to give out my name and email as a reference.
There is a small token of our gratitude in the post to you - your singing will be treasured by us both in our memories forever.”
Rachel and Mark Harris, Wedding in Hampton Court Castle
“Just wanted to say THANK YOU for being part of yesterday's Christening service
and for your sublime contribution in terms of your voice. Absolutely perfect.
Really appreciated your professionalism and talent.
Many thanks and kind regards
”
Jane Mason, Gloucestershire
“Dear Marianne,
You were absolutely wonderful, your voice is just lovely and I really enjoyed hearing you sing.
I thought you were fabulous and I hope we are able to work together again very soon!
I will be singing your praises !!!
With huge thanks,
All my very best wishes
”
Dee Ryding
Founder and Owner, Divine Ceremony www.divineceremony.co.uk
“Marianne Lihannah recently sang at the funeral service for my dear mother.
Not only did I find her to be the consummate professional in finalizing arrangements, she showed compassion throughout
and I felt as if I had known her for years.
Marianne's voice is both soothing and uplifting at the same time.
She sang with passion, emotion and sensitivity. Most importantly of all..... my dear mother would have loved it!”
Gail Meredith Vaynor, South Wales
“A huge thank you Marianne for all you did to organise the singing and music for our wedding, we are very grateful.
We found you so very helpful in the planning stages and were very appreciative for your dedicated advice,
flexibility and promptness in communication and that you were also able to organise the organist to play.
On the day, we were delighted with your beautiful singing - it was just perfect and we were so glad you could also lead the congregation in the other songs. Our guests commented on what a lovely service
it was and your singing was an important part of that.
We would recommend you to anyone without hesitation.
Thanks again”
Julie & Phillip Hemmings, Wedding in Chipping Camden
“Marianne I cannot thank you enough for making my Mums Funeral at Avening Church in February this year so very special for us. It was a very difficult time and you were so accommodating with all the date change and so compassionate,
it was like having you as part of our family.
I would recommend Marianne every-time for such a service.
Her voice is beautiful, she sang with such passion, emotion and sensitivity.
I am very pleased I met you Marianne - thank you so very much”
Maggie Kington, Gloucestershire
“Dear Marianne
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you for providing such enrichment to Huberts funeral service.
You did a wonderful job and people wanted to know who you were and everyone was so impressed.
Many many thanks again for all your help.
With much appreciation ”.
David and Doreen, Gloucester Crematorium
*****
“Thank you so much Marianne for singing at our 25th Wedding Anniversary in our local church in June 2016.
Your voice is beautiful and really made our day.
We would definitely recommend you to anyone wanting a lovely singer with a voice like yours for any occasion. Thank you once again”.
Carol and Leo xx, Birmingham
“Your singing at Dad's funeral really was perfect. It was exactly what we wanted, poignant and beautiful.
We could not have asked for more and many many people have commented about how lovely the service was and how they have not
been to a funeral like it before.
Your singing felt very personal to us and your adaptation and interpretation of the songs was perfect and so well suited to the occasion.
We really can't thank you both enough for everything. I know that Dad would have been really pleased and probably a bit overwhelmed by the beauty of it.
Thank you so very much for everything.”
Marie Mooney, Filton, Bristol
“Marianne's voice and attention to detail made her the perfect addition to our civil partnership. Her delivery was heartfelt
and very emotional. The ease with which Marianne reworked the requested song with additional lyrics and her professional manner, assisted
in making us feel very assured of smooth delivery on the day. Her attention to detail included driving out to the venue prior to our wedding
day as well as testing the acoustics within the venue to ensure perfect delivery on the day.
We could not have asked for more, Marianne's singing will be part of our fond memories of our special day for many years to come. We can
definitely recommend Marianne!”
Anri & Jane, Oxfordshire
“What a truly amazing voice you have. Singing Ave Maria at my grandads funeral was simply stunning. It was so moving and brought tears to everyone's eyes.
It made the day so special and we will cherish the memory forever. I can't recommend you highly enough.
Very helpful and organised even with only days to prepare. A true Joy.”
Louise Figgett, Tewkesbury
“I can't thank you enough for singing at my father in laws funeral service, you made it so special and
so many people commented one what a lovely voice that you have .......I think that you are very special and
that you have been given such a lovely gift to have a voice like that but I am sure that you are reminded of that all the time.
I hope that you are feeling ok because I know that you have had upsets of your own.
Once again thank you for all the effort that you put into everything for us.”
Maggie Compson x, Stourbridge
“Thank you so much for singing so beautifully at the funeral. It really was perfect and everyone commented on
how poignant the moment was. It gave everyone time to reflect not only about Grandma but also about how beautiful
the song really is.
Thanks again for everything. I really appreciate how easy it was to organise things with you, at what was a
very difficult time.”
x Marie Mooney, Bristol
“Marianne sang at my Fathers funeral and sounded glorious. This was in a very large church.
She sang ‘How great tho art’ and ‘We will meet again’, which came across beautifully.
Within a couple of months my dear mother then passed away so we had no hesitation in asking Marianne
to sing once again in the same church.
This time she sang ‘Memory’ as the entry song, and ‘How great tho art’ as we left the church.
So as expected she did not let us down and her communication leading up to both services was excellent.
She has such a beautiful voice
and I would recommend Marianne to anyone who is looking for a singer.”
Ian Burrows, Leominster
“After asking Marianne to sing ‘Ave Maria’ at my mothers funeral she mentioned she would do a rehearsal at the
church prior. My sister and I were filled with emotion as we heard Mariannes voice fill the church as we approached the church
door. That amazing feeling hearing her voice comforted us that it would be a special day, - and it was.”
“Thank you Marianne for your professional approach, sensitivity and beautiful voice.”
Jeremy Bisset
“I got lots of compliments about your singing at Mum's funeral.
It was very sad but very beautiful too and your singing was the highlight for me.
It really was a gift - I know you have described singing at events in that way. I could really see how you were giving
something very personal to us in a very generous way.”
love
Shona, Gloucestershire
“Dear Marianne,
Thank you so much for singing for me on the Sunday celebration of my Ordination at
‘The Priory Church of the Annunciation’, Woodchester, on the Sunday before this.
I keep thinking about it with such joy and gratitude. To me these are “life-changing” moments, and are
what happy memories are made of (I mean that!)
I enjoyed it so much and particularly when you looked over in my direction while you were singing.
You have a particularly beautiful voice!
Looking forward now to the developments with the recording that Rachel told me about. She is thrilled that you
have asked her to accompany you - it is a pity we do not have a lovely grand piano for the occasion.”
Father Bill, Gloucestershire
“I am sorry I have not had the time or energy to write before now, but very many thanks for your wonderful contribution to
Father Bill's 20th Anniversary.
He was over the moon! And still is!
Apparently today after Mass he
said that Sunday
was a life-changing experience.
Your singing was a brilliant start to the day's celebrations.
He especially loves your voice and said to me that it touches his soul!”
Sara Harvey-Craig, Gloucestershire
“I cannot recommend Marianne enough, her voice is beautiful and she offers a friendly and personal service. She recently sang
‘Ave Maria’ for us at our church wedding during the signing of the register. Many of our guests commented on how much they
enjoyed her singing and how she complimented our service perfectly. We kept Marianne's attendance a surprise and she
blended in with our guests until it was time for her to sing! As well as doing a great job on the day she offered so much
help and guidance to us before the day. Well, Marianne sang the song joyfully and with emotion that was perfect. She also went to the church before the day
and even went to the extra effort of speaking with the organist to ensure that everything went smoothly.
If you are not sure whether to book Marianne, then trust me when I say you should! Wedding preparations can be such a costly thing
and to spare a little part of that expense for Marianne is well worth it as she adds that something special. Thanks Marianne! ”
Amanda & Adam, Bristol
“Dear Marianne
Just want to say a Big THANK YOU for yesterday. You have such a lovely voice and I am sure mum is very grateful as are the whole of my family
and friends who came to the church. So many lovely comments from everyone. Thank you so much.”
Ginny and family Xxx, Cardiff
“I'm old-fashioned enough to find email inadequate as a means of expressing my thanks to you for your singing at the funeral of
my mother on Monday. Your efforts beforehand to check the music and arrange to practice with the organist Gary, your calm professionalism and uplifting performance added so much to the occasion,
and I am very grateful. With very best wishes”
Wish to remain anonymous, Funeral in Bristol city in Christchurch with St Ewen
“Dear Marianne
We just wanted to thank you very much indeed for singing so beautifully at our mothers Service of Remembrance on Thursday.
You did both songs huge justice and we all feel that Mummy would have loved it.
Very best wishes ”
Alex and Henrietta, The Minster, Warminster
“Thank you so much for your wonderful performance yesterday at Mums funeral.
Amazing grace - was amazing and so well sung.
Unfortunately I did not get to hear much of “Abide with me” as the slight delay by the organist and that the hearse was leaving quite soon after the service,
but I am sure you sang it all wonderfully well.”
Andy Wright, Cinderford
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for singing at my father's funeral in Brecon Cathedral yesterday.
I am sorry I didn't get to thank you for long in person. All my family loved your performance
and many people were saying how your singing made the service very special.”
Peter Orton, Wales
“We got back from our honeymoon earlier today and wanted to thank you for helping to make our wedding day so special
The day itself went by so quickly and immediately after the ceremony we were whisked away so I am truly sorry that we didn't get a chance
to speak properly and thank you in person.
The singing was lovely and made the ceremony very special and something we will never forget.
Thank you also for taking the trouble to rehearse ‘Summertime’ with Charlotte, it was lovely to hear our favourite songs
sung for us personally.
Thank you again for singing for us and for helping to make our day so special.”
Best wishes
John and Debbie Brace, Chippenham
“Dear Marianne,
We would like to thank you so very much for yesterday.
From the moment we entered the church with our darling Dad, the music, your voice, enveloped us, and made the occasion even more special and spiritual.
So many people have told us how wonderful it was to have you there and to listen to beautifully sung hymns.
We are so grateful you agreed to travel to Oxford to do this for us.
With our thanks and best wishes
”
Bev and Mandy x, Iffley, Oxford
“PERFECT attention to my request is the word that comes to mind when I try to explain how you all have fulfilled my wish to leave my Grandson through song and music my LOVE for him after I leave his life. Thank you so much.
All the best for your future.
”
Val xx, Leeds
(I recorded a song with the guitarist James Cheseldine, which is to be played at Val's funeral. It is her message to her only Grandson.
We added her words to a song.)
“You did a wonderful job at Mum's funeral, Marianne. I would certainly book you again if the occasion arose.
You sounded and looked so beautiful up there in the pulpit.
I would have thanked you in person, but so many people were outside wanting to speak, then we were hurried along and it was all a bit overwhelming.
I could have listened to you for longer, soaking up the atmosphere, it felt so magical walking into Church to your singing.
Thank you so much x
Sue Millington, Worcester
“Marianne's quiet presence at my mother's funeral was well judged and pleasing.
Her sensitive rendition of Schubert's ‘An die Musik’ was beautiful and we felt very blessed to have her with us.”
Cathy Dine, Ringwood
“In spite of the difficult time you have had lately; the pressure wasn't showing at all in your performance. You were professional
throughout (so you hid it very well). It is so difficult also sometimes to be able to distance oneself from all the emotions present
from the family and friends - again well done - you managed just that.
And to that end I would like to say how grateful I was for your part in the ceremony; you sang under difficult conditions - very strong
emotions of bereavement, time restrictions and strange environment.
You did brilliantly - we can all be self critical - it's what keeps our feet firmly on the ground - but you have nothing to
worry about, you were wonderful.
Yes, I am starting to collate a list of professional people that can help support families during a final farewell funeral - and you
name is among that (at the top I might add).
Please be assured that if I am requested to provide a singer in future you will be my first choice.
I wish you the very best, and hope your web site brings you the additional success that you so rightly deserve.
Regards
”
Rob Rowe, Swindon
(Civil Funeral Celebrant)
“I am delighted to write in support of Marianne Lihannah, whom I consider to be a singer with many fine qualities.
I am a singer with 40 years' experience, having worked in Great Britain and on the Continent.
I have done theatre work, broadcasting, soundtrack for film and recording.
During this time I have heard many wonderful voices.
It was with great pleasure that I came across Marianne's singing a couple of years ago and was struck by the
wonderful timbre
of her voice and her vocal ability.
Her modest demeanour belies a total commitment to the performance of her music where her sincerity shines through.
This is an exciting and original new voice on the music scene that deserves to be heard.”
Ron Taylor, Cheltenham
“Thank you Marianne for singing so beautifully at our recent wedding -
it was such a treat to have you there!
So many of our guests have told us what a lovely touch they thought it was to have you sing during the Communion and
signing of the register, and it made the ceremony extra special for us.
You made the booking process so easy and offered us lots of advice on which pieces to choose.
We will definitely recommend you!”
Claire Granados, Wedding in Gloucestershire
“We have just been listening to Marianne‘s CD in the car, which is, for us,
a great place for music.
She does have the most beautiful voice
and I can hear that she has mastered lots of technicalities and difficulties - Bravo! I assume that she got her diploma with flying colours
and is now able to go on to the next stage of her musical path. Please pass on our great pleasure in her voice, we specially liked the Ave Maria.”
Claudia Naydler, France
“Your recording of the Beata Viscera is by FAR the prettiest I‘ve ever heard.
Even better than Hilliard Ensemble.
Any way to get an mp3 of it? I encourage you to do a whole CD of early music since not only do you know how to engage the ear,
but it sounds like you did your best to be authentic and actually learned to read the original score. Wow.
Keep me informed if you make a cd!”
William Frankeberger, California, U.S.A.
“Thank you Marianne. Please convey my sincere thanks to Liz as well. The singing and music were excellent and portrayed the
exact mood we were looking for. So many people commented on it afterwards and it would be an honour to recommend you to friends and
family for their special events.”
Ruth Smith, Gloucestershire
“Thank you very much Marianne, your heavenly voice brought a real sense of occasion to our wedding service. We were so happy to have you there,
helping to make our special day exactly what we wanted it to be.”
Love, Richard and Emily xx, Gloucestershire
“On 7/12/2007, Marianne as part of the ‘Si Canta’ duet, performed the most beautiful singing at a candlelit evening
gathering to celebrate our wedding. Every care had been taken to consult us beforehand as to what would be appropriate and we ended
up with several superb songs on the theme of ‘Love’, which were a real delight to listen to, making the whole evening
very memorable.”
Jane and Neil, Gloucestershire
“Marianne Lihannah sang the hymns at my father's funeral, accompanied by pianist Liz Leachman. Her dignified presence and beautiful
singing made a great impression on everyone. Liz also played some Bach for the entrance music and her own arrangements for the exit music
which helped to make the occasion very special. I felt privileged to have Marianne and Liz taking part in the ceremony.”
David Edwards, funeral at Memorial Woodlands, Alveston, Bristol
“Marianne's voice and attention to detail make her the perfect addition to any celebration.
Anyone considering hiring Marianne
for their wedding, christening or funeral can be assured of her professionalism and beautiful singing.
Marianne is a joy to work with.
She is always well-prepared, professional and sensitive to the needs of your special occasion. Her beautiful voice is a lovely additional
to any celebration. Marianne's high notes ring out like a beautiful bell, I love the way she ‘tells the story’ when she
sings.”
Wendy Clifford, Gloucestershire
Dear Marianne,
Thank you for your wonderful recordings and your beautiful voice singing a tender sadness through my words.
I would like it very much if you could realise your project. Such love and rich deep feeling come through in your singing: and
these things are rare. So please write back to me to tell how far you've gone and the precise way I can help. I really hope
this letter reaches you at the right time and in the right way so you can share your good gifts. Meanwhile keep well; look after
yourself; and be joyful.
Much warmth,
Ben Okri (award winning author of many books)
“A lovely evening of lovely singing. Your voice is beautiful Marianne and you have real presence. That was so moving. I LOVE
your Irish and other Folk especially.”
Liz Leachman (GRSM, PGCE), Gloucestershire
“Marianne
Thanks again for your performance at my Moms funeral.
It added a lot and many people said how beautiful your singing was.
We gave my Mom a great send off and you certainly contributed so thank you.
Regards ”
Mike West, Birmingham)
“Thank you for your beautiful performance at our wedding. Many of our
guests commented on the lovely and unusually beautiful sound of your singing. It certainly added some character to our service
and we were pleased you agreed so readily to play a part in it.”
A London Couple (wish to remain anonymous)
Hi Marianne!
We had a thrilling time listening to AVE MARIA and THE SEA INVOCATION.
Ethereal vocals, rendition.
We would recommend friends 2 get married, just 2 have U as the Singer.
Thanx so much 4 comin' by
Cheers from ‘The Olympic Music Messengers.’
“It was amazing hearing Marianne sing ‘My Lagan Love’. Normally you'll have to have grown up within the tradition
to sing like that. She sings with all the ornaments typical of the old Irish singing style (Seán Nós), that was so moving.”
Comment from Irish audience member. Subscription Room concert.
Dear Marianne,
I looked at your website - it is very lovely, and your repertoire is also very beautiful. I live in Ireland and love medieval
music and Scottish songs and music as well as Irish of course. The most beautiful singing comes from the Outer Hebrides, the
waulking songs and the songs about the sea; and you have some of these in your repertoire.
What a pity that you do not live in
Ireland; I think that if you were to give a performance in Dublin (perhaps sharing a platform with Róisín Elsafty
or Anúna!) you would fill the concert hall!
Anyway, nice to be in touch!
All the best,
Jack O'Sullivan, Ireland
“Sweet talented ‘Songstress’, - whenever I listen to your
beautiful singing, I feel myself transported back in the time of King Henry VIII and the Tudors. Such is the power of your great
voice and my colourful imagination.”
‘Ha Spirit’. (Author, poet and artist)
“Hi Marianne,
I have heard your gorgeous singing today. When will you cut a CD so I can hear some more of your songs?
It sounds really wonderful, - I got very touched by your beautiful voice.”
James Whitney, Denmark
“Greetings Marianne! Talented and beautiful… a rare mix.”
Julian from ‘Behind Closed Eyes’. (Experimental Music)
“You have a fantastic voice Marianne!”
Josie Lloyd. (Classical composer)
“Your voice is very beautiful! Wonderful songs too!”
Clive Murrel from ‘Wyrdstone’. (Folk band)
“Simply beautiful! Love your music, - you have such a pure and
beautiful voice.”
‘Celtic Chill’. (TV and Film Composer)
Dear Marianne:-) Your “Ave Maria” is so enchanting… keep up doing this great work.
All the best from Berlin.
Oliver Larsenbacher, Berlin, Germany
Hey there Marianne and Catharina,
Wow what singing you have here, some incredible harmonies!
I am enjoying more of your haunting and wonderful singing again this morning. :)
Enchanted by the singing you do, it's most beautiful.
Cheersfurnoo
Owen (from Triflemore)
Hello “Marianne”!
I enjoy listening to you singing Classical Music, and A'Cappella: “Ave Maria”…! It's so nice.
You are a Great Singer!
With my best regards,
Jean-Bernard, Brittany, France.
Thank you Marianne. Lovely operatic singing there yourself! Good luck with getting those wedding and funeral bookings!
With your lovely voice I'm sure you'll do well!
All the best,
Andy Smythe
Hello Marianne,
I listened to your singing again, it's really beautiful. It makes me think what an amazing person your teacher
Michael Deason-Barrow must be…!
Amanda Frescura, London
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