Small last minute changes

They were very clear what they wanted.
Time to say goodbye (a popular choice) as the curtains closed.

So I had it all planned - ask everyone to stand, press the button for the music. Read the committal words over the strings at the beginning, practiced and timed like the DJ I once dreamed of being, let the Italian begin and then hit the button for the curtains just as Ms Brightman starts with the chorus.

It was ready.

I was slick.

The FD shook my hand just before the service and said "Oh, slight change of plan. We're keeping the curtains open".

I smiled and said "okay, fine" - what else could I do?

Still read the words over the intro, though - save the poor congregation standing for too long.