Funeral Music
in St. Gallen
Tonora provides live classical music for funeral and memorial services in St. Gallen and the surrounding region. A solo violinist, a duo, or a small string ensemble, chosen to suit the service and coordinated quietly with the family, officiant, or funeral home.
Dan Mihai Ilea
Dan Mihai Ilea is a Romanian-Swiss violinist and Artistic Director of Tonora, with more than 20 years of professional stage experience. He trained at Hochschule Luzern – Musik and the Conservatoire de Musique Neuchâtel.
He is available for services in St. Gallen as a solo violinist, and works alongside the wider Tonora network of conservatory-trained musicians when a duo or a small ensemble suits the service better.
Solo, duo, or ensemble
Soloist Tribute
From CHF 500Most services- ✦Solo violin performance
- ✦Up to 6 musical pieces
- ✦Performance length tailored to the service
- ✦Professional sound setup
- ✦Discreet arrival and setup
Duo Memorial
From CHF 900Ceremonies & gatherings- ✦String duo performance
- ✦Up to 8 musical pieces
- ✦Performance length tailored to the service
- ✦Professional sound setup
- ✦All setup with minimal disruption
Ensemble Farewell
From CHF 1,200Price varies by ensemble size- ✦String ensemble (3–6 musicians)
- ✦Up to 12 musical pieces
- ✦Performance length tailored to the service
- ✦Professional sound system
- ✦Dedicated service coordination
Pieces most often requested
A starting point, not a fixed list. Tell us any piece that mattered to your loved one and we will include it.
Classical Instrumental
- ✦Bach – Air on the G String
- ✦Bach – Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
- ✦Pachelbel – Canon in D
- ✦Albinoni – Adagio in G minor
- ✦Beethoven – Moonlight Sonata, 1st movement
- ✦Fauré – Pavane / In Paradisum
- ✦Barber – Adagio for Strings
- ✦Massenet – Méditation
- ✦Elgar – Nimrod
Vocal & Ave Maria
- ✦Schubert – Ave Maria
- ✦Bach / Gounod – Ave Maria
- ✦Caccini – Ave Maria
Hymns & Choral
- ✦Grosser Gott, wir loben dich
- ✦Näher, mein Gott, zu dir
- ✦Amazing Grace
Where we perform in St. Gallen
We perform in churches, chapels, cemeteries, and private venues throughout St. Gallen and the surrounding region. A travel fee applies for services in St. Gallen and is always included in your quote. Our musicians arrive early, set up discreetly, and play only when the service calls for it.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice do you need for a service in St. Gallen?
We understand memorial services are often planned within days. We do our best to accommodate short-notice bookings and will let you know immediately if a date can't be filled.
Can musicians play specific pieces?
Yes. Tell us any pieces that were meaningful to your loved one, and we'll include them in the program alongside our recommendations.
Do you coordinate with the funeral home or officiant directly?
Yes, we're glad to work directly with your funeral home, celebrant, or clergy on timing, so you don't have to manage those details yourself.
How long is the performance?
Performance length is tailored to the service and confirmed with you beforehand, most memorial bookings run 30 to 60 minutes depending on the format.
We are here for you
Tell us about your event and we'll respond within 24 hours with availability and a tailored proposal.