On Sunday, October 13, in the Radboudkerk in Jorwert, in cooperation with Nijkleaster, there was a surprising afternoon full of music and imagination. Indeed, the funeral choir Cygne led by conductor Gerben van der Veen performed with a varied and rich program.

The church quickly filled up. Fortunately, there was still plenty of room for those who made reservations on time. It was a beautiful sight when the choir entered with about 25 singers in warm white attire!

The choir chose a surprising arrangement, sometimes the singers stood together, but in addition they always sang in different formations, around the ûnbetrêde paed that had been laid out in the church, where everyone could leave her or his footprint. The choreography was well chosen. The program was varied, also because the songs were interspersed with poems by Hilda Domin and Hester Knibbe, beautifully recited by Saskia Leene of Nijkleaster, who also introduced the program.

Cygne's repertoire consists of classically oriented music as well as world music and compositions by the conductor, with Frisian songs by Eppie Dam, for example, in between. And how beautifully they sang! The church was quiet as a mouse; people listened breathlessly to the various songs, which ranged from "Donna nobis pacem" by Egil Hovland to "O radiant dawn" by James McMillan. At Huub Oosterhuis' song "What I Have Wanted," everyone held their breath and there were cries of emotion.

For a performance at a funeral or memorial, eight available singers (double quartet) are selected. A larger lineup can also be performed if desired. The Cygne Choir consists of experienced amateur singers; all singers are volunteers. Only an expense allowance is requested for a performance.

What a wealth that this choir exists and that it is now possible to literally give more splendor to a funeral or memorial in this way. We had another beautiful afternoon in the church of Jorwert!