0:00:01 > 0:00:03Connie!
0:00:04 > 0:00:07You may remember me from a place that was alive
0:00:07 > 0:00:08with the sound of music.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12Well, I've been set free to explore a much more beautiful place
0:00:12 > 0:00:16where the hills truly are alive with the sound of music.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20I'm taking a magical mystery tour
0:00:20 > 0:00:23to draw my very own musical map of Wales.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26I'll be travelling the length and breadth of the country,
0:00:26 > 0:00:29meeting some fabulous people...
0:00:29 > 0:00:31I used to be where you are.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34..all with wonderful talents...
0:00:34 > 0:00:36# That will bring us back to... #
0:00:36 > 0:00:38..and amazing tales to share.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43Hold on for a bumpy ride.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47I haven't driven a car in 10 years. It's really fine, honestly.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Famous last words!
0:00:50 > 0:00:55# When you're 16 going on 17
0:00:55 > 0:00:59# Waiting for life to start... #
0:00:59 > 0:01:02I'm slightly biased, but I think this journey will take us
0:01:02 > 0:01:04through the most stunning part of Wales -
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Pembrokeshire, my old home.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11I'll be going back to many of my old haunts as I travel the country
0:01:11 > 0:01:13and coast of God's own county.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15It's going to be a beautiful ride.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19And my travelling companion
0:01:19 > 0:01:22is one of the very few remaining Welsh-built cars, the Gilbern -
0:01:22 > 0:01:24or Gilbert, as I've christened him.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27We'll get there, Gilbert, come on.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29His age and my driving have been a challenge,
0:01:29 > 0:01:32but I'm confident now I'm back home.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35I know these roads like the back of my hand.
0:01:35 > 0:01:36Pride before a fall!
0:01:36 > 0:01:39As I drive across the Preseli hills
0:01:39 > 0:01:42towards the first destination on my map,
0:01:42 > 0:01:43I think I've got time to stop off
0:01:43 > 0:01:46to let you in to a little secret from way back when.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50All those years ago, locals would spot a waif-like girl
0:01:50 > 0:01:54walking across the beautiful hills and if they got close enough,
0:01:54 > 0:01:57they might even think I was more than a little odd.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01I didn't talk to myself but I did sing to myself.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03SHE HUMS
0:02:05 > 0:02:07Little did I know!
0:02:07 > 0:02:10# The hills are alive
0:02:10 > 0:02:15# With the sound of music
0:02:15 > 0:02:20# With songs they have sung for a thousand years...
0:02:22 > 0:02:26I've sung that song a thousand times in theatres around the UK,
0:02:26 > 0:02:30but if I don't get a move on, I'll be in trouble with my first ever singing teacher.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35The thing about Pembrokeshire is that it has lots of windy lanes
0:02:35 > 0:02:39and where I lived growing up, there were many a winding road.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42I used to bomb down these roads on the way to choir practice
0:02:42 > 0:02:45in Maenclochog and that's where I'm headed now.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49# Long and winding road to Maenclochog...
0:02:49 > 0:02:53# In the Gilbert! #
0:02:58 > 0:03:03So here I am in Maenclochog, a place I'm very familiar with
0:03:03 > 0:03:06because I spent every weekend I can remember of my childhood
0:03:06 > 0:03:09singing in Cor Iua Newyddion Da.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11That's a fabulous choir led by Marilyn Lewis
0:03:11 > 0:03:15and they're in there at the moment rehearsing for an eisteddfod,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18so I'm here to surprise them at their dress rehearsal.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25They sound pretty good, under-12s.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Amazing.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32Here we go.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Da iawn! Helo!
0:03:35 > 0:03:37Surprise? THEY ALL LAUGH
0:03:37 > 0:03:39They're very quiet.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41Ffion's face is full of surprise!
0:03:41 > 0:03:43- How are you, sweetheart? - Good to see you!
0:03:43 > 0:03:46I used to be where you are.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48Can I sit at the back and be quiet?
0:03:48 > 0:03:51No, take over if you want to because I'm feeling old now.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55Go on, then, give me your best rendition. I'll give it a shot.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58THEY SING IN WELSH
0:04:01 > 0:04:04Being here brings back so many memories
0:04:04 > 0:04:08and my first lesson with Marilyn really cut me down to size.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11And I went to the singing lesson thinking, "I'm quite good, yeah."
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Came out crying. I was in tears.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17At that time, you used to say to your parents after many a lesson,
0:04:17 > 0:04:21"I'm never going back again," and they had to work on her to come back.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24If she hadn't, she wouldn't have got where she was now.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28No, I don't go out to make them cry. It's just...
0:04:28 > 0:04:30It is tough love.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33If you want to go down into the entertainment,
0:04:33 > 0:04:37you know how much of a back-stabbing life it is.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40People will drag you down and you've got to be hardened
0:04:40 > 0:04:42for the outdoor life.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45But you were focused for the stage from the beginning.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49You just lived it and that's what I see
0:04:49 > 0:04:51in a couple that are coming up here again,
0:04:51 > 0:04:54and I really think some of those, you'll hear of in time.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58Who would you prefer to conduct you in the eisteddfod tomorrow?
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- Me or that woman there?- Connie.
0:05:01 > 0:05:02What?!
0:05:05 > 0:05:08Helen Hunt, your days are numbered!
0:05:08 > 0:05:11This isn't in my contract, right?
0:05:11 > 0:05:14No, it's a dangerous life you lead!
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Well, you've got some mistakes so let's see if Connie
0:05:16 > 0:05:18can pick them out.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20Right, here we go, then.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28Believe it or not, this is the first time I've ever properly conducted
0:05:28 > 0:05:31and I always thought it was so easy,
0:05:31 > 0:05:34but with 12 pairs of eyes focused on your every move
0:05:34 > 0:05:37for the beat and rhythm, I'm starting to realise
0:05:37 > 0:05:40I don't know my crotchet from my quaver.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44# Hallelujah, hallelujah... #
0:05:44 > 0:05:48For me and the children, this eisteddfod's no laughing matter.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51# Hallelujah, hallelujah... #
0:05:51 > 0:05:54If we don't keep the little eisteddfodau going,
0:05:54 > 0:05:56there won't be any big ones.
0:05:56 > 0:05:57You have to feed the big ones.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01Like the eisteddfod in little Brynberian in north Pembrokeshire
0:06:01 > 0:06:02is really important.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04Very important to us.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07It's a great platform, I think, which other countries don't have.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- This is why we're called the land of song.- Definitely.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14And you know what I said about leaving singing lessons crying?
0:06:14 > 0:06:16I could leave my conducting lesson in tears too.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Right, OK, we'll work the ending.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24Maz, you've come to save the day!
0:06:24 > 0:06:27You know, I really think I have!
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Well, if we're going to win, we might need your help.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32Conduct in a strict four meter.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35OK. Conduct a strict four meter. What does that mean?
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Un, dau, tri...
0:06:40 > 0:06:41OK.
0:06:41 > 0:06:42THEY SING
0:06:52 > 0:06:53Speak with your eyes.
0:06:53 > 0:06:54Yes.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00# Hallelujah, hallelujah.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04# Hallelujah...
0:07:04 > 0:07:08# Hallelujah, hallelujah
0:07:08 > 0:07:11# Hallelujah... #
0:07:13 > 0:07:15One, two, three, four, five,
0:07:15 > 0:07:18six, seven, eight, nine, ten, off!
0:07:18 > 0:07:20Yeah!
0:07:22 > 0:07:27Ah! OK, there's a part of me that's laughing and smiling.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30The other part of me's really nervous because I now have
0:07:30 > 0:07:35a new song to learn, to learn how to conduct, learn the words
0:07:35 > 0:07:38and learn to clap in time. How am I going to learn this?
0:07:38 > 0:07:40I'm really, really nervous.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44And there's not even time to do my homework,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47as I've got a very important appointment further west
0:07:47 > 0:07:50in the cathedral city of St David's.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53But I can't resist going the pretty way
0:07:53 > 0:07:57to revive sweet memories and pass through some old haunts.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01It's a bit weird coming back. It's like a musical time warp.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03# Let's do the time warp again. #
0:08:03 > 0:08:06Hands on the wheel at all times.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10I love Newgale.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Seven miles of beach, did you know that? Seven miles.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Who could get bored of that?
0:08:16 > 0:08:19I don't think there's anything nicer for me than to come home
0:08:19 > 0:08:21and come to Newgale.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24I used time out here as a teenager. This was my misspent youth.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28Hanging around, did a bit of body boarding, once maybe...
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Throw pebbles at bottles, have bonfires, barbecues,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34bit of camping. What more could you want?
0:08:34 > 0:08:37Ah, maybe a bit of singing as well.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43Even the summers were hotter back then - but enough nostalgia already,
0:08:43 > 0:08:47as I'm moving seamlessly on from Beach Boys to choir boys.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51I'm heading up the coast road to a very different place
0:08:51 > 0:08:53with a very different musical tradition.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55ORGAN MUSIC PLAYS
0:08:59 > 0:09:03St David's cathedral has resounded to the chords of celestial music
0:09:03 > 0:09:05for over six centuries.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09Tens of thousands of worshippers and some amazing musicians
0:09:09 > 0:09:12have made music within these hallowed walls.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19I haven't been here since I was a teenager
0:09:19 > 0:09:22with the John S Davies choir.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25We came here to perform Handel's Messiah. You know the one...
0:09:25 > 0:09:27SHE VOCALISES
0:09:27 > 0:09:30That one. You can hear the beautiful acoustic.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33The only trouble was, I wasn't really happy
0:09:33 > 0:09:36stood in the front row with the Messiah in front of me.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38I wanted to give it all that...
0:09:38 > 0:09:40That wasn't really allowed in the choir.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45# Hallelujah, hallelujah
0:09:45 > 0:09:47# Hallelujah, hallelujah... #
0:09:47 > 0:09:50And if there's one instrument other than the human voice
0:09:50 > 0:09:53that feels perfect here, it's the organ.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58I've got an appointment with cathedral organist, Alex Mason.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00He might even let me have a go.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04Alex, thank you so much for meeting with me.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09You're possible the hottest organist I've met, quite young.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12Tell me, what's the actual link between the organ
0:10:12 > 0:10:15and music in worship? Why not a flute, why not a fiddle?
0:10:15 > 0:10:19The reason the organ won the day was because of its sheer power
0:10:19 > 0:10:21and as congregations grew,
0:10:21 > 0:10:23you needed an instrument which could lead hymn singing.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27An observation, playing the organ is quite a dance, isn't it?
0:10:27 > 0:10:31You're sat there and your legs don't actually touch the ground.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35Organists are probably the most athletic musicians on the planet.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39And you've to be able to almost balance from your sitting bones
0:10:39 > 0:10:42and reach the keys and use your feet at the same time.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- So you've got a good six-pack. - Absolutely, yes.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49I was wondering if you could teach me maybe a tune on the organ.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51I think so. Shall we go on up?
0:10:51 > 0:10:52Let's do it.
0:10:53 > 0:10:54After you.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00So we're in the nerve centre where the magic happens,
0:11:00 > 0:11:02where the music all happens.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Where do you start? What do all these knobs do?
0:11:05 > 0:11:08Each one controls a different sound on the organ.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10We've got some which are called flutes.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- I play one of those. - And they sound like flutes really.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16HE PLAYS NOTES
0:11:16 > 0:11:18Very serene, lovely.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23On top of the one, two, three, four layers, there are 30 stops.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25You've got, what, 15 pedals as well.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28We've got a whole keyboard down here
0:11:28 > 0:11:31so I can play tunes or just baselines with my feet.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33Listen to this.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36LOW, GRINDING NOISES
0:11:36 > 0:11:39I don't know what to say to that really.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41That was a surprise for an organ.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43What's your favourite sound the organ makes?
0:11:43 > 0:11:46I love the power of the full organ.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48POWERFUL, VOLUMINOUS MUSIC
0:11:57 > 0:12:00I love it and your feet are doing a tip-tap dance routine.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Yes, the feet are going too.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- OK.- Shall we swap places?- OK, fine.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09The gloves are off. That's it.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11- Pull out all the stops for this. - Are you having all the stops?
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- I was joking!- Go on, do it, just play a really big chord.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18LOUD CHORD
0:12:18 > 0:12:22Yeah, now with your left foot, play the bottom C down there.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- Can you see that? - Yeah, the bottom C.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- No!- Now put that chord on top.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- So these are notes as well as these? - Yeah, exactly.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35DENSE AND DRAMATIC MUSIC
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- Wow!- Great! Shall we try a piece.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- Do you know Baa Baa Black Sheep? - Yes, I think I do.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44OK, shall I do the chord and you do the right hand.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46Three, and...
0:12:46 > 0:12:52SONG: "Baa Baa Black Sheep"
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Right.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- I love it!- Brilliant!
0:13:10 > 0:13:14Well, I think if I keep working at it, one day I'll rival Alex.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Or, maybe not!
0:13:24 > 0:13:28But no time for an encore as Gilbert and I are back on the road again
0:13:28 > 0:13:31heading some 20 miles further up the coast.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35But my vintage ride seems to be having a bit of a senior moment.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41It's a bit worrying when Gilbert does that,
0:13:41 > 0:13:44especially with the big silage lorry going past.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51This part of Pembrokeshire has been hugely influenced by the sea,
0:13:51 > 0:13:54in work, play and music.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58My next port of call, Fishguard, has been a port for centuries,
0:13:58 > 0:14:03welcoming sailors, travellers and a range of musical influences.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07All my life, I've lived in Pembrokeshire and I've never been down here.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11I'm about to discover exactly what I've be missing,
0:14:11 > 0:14:15as I find out about the local tradition of singing sea shanties.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17# In Yarmouth town, there lived a man
0:14:17 > 0:14:19# And he kept the tavern by the Strand
0:14:19 > 0:14:22# The landlord had a daughter fair
0:14:22 > 0:14:24# A plump little girl with long, blonde hair...#
0:14:24 > 0:14:28Sea shanties like this were heard on ships and in port.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32Gary Jones is determined that they still be heard for many a year.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35What we have got here is a port which, at one time,
0:14:35 > 0:14:37had 150 sailing ships.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41Sea shanties are work songs.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45The guys who used to work the ships here were known for singing as they worked.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49The whole idea is if you've got a beat, you are busy pulling together.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52One, two, three, one, two, three and so on.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54And different songs for different jobs.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58So you had long-haul, short-haul, pump shanty...
0:14:58 > 0:15:02If you're working the pump you worked a different tune, different beat.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07It was always said that the sea shanty could improve their performance by 25%.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- Really?- So if your crew men all pulled together,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13a sea shanty would make them work quicker and better.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- I should do it while I'm cleaning, I'd get more done. - I think you could.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19So can anyone join in on the sea shanty?
0:15:19 > 0:15:23Yes, you don't have to know the words at all.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Only one person knows the words and that's the shanty man,
0:15:26 > 0:15:30he sings the verse and the chorus you pick up.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34# In South Australia I was born.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37# Heave away, haul away!
0:15:37 > 0:15:39# In South Australia round Cape Horn
0:15:39 > 0:15:42# Bound for South Australia
0:15:42 > 0:15:44# Haul away, you rowing kings
0:15:44 > 0:15:46# Heave away, haul away!
0:15:46 > 0:15:48# All the way you'll hear me sing
0:15:48 > 0:15:51# We're bound for South Australia. #
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- What's unique about the sea shanty in Fishguard?- It's the only place
0:15:55 > 0:16:01where you've got a weekly folk music session in probably the whole of west Wales.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- And that happens in these pubs? - It happens in these pubs.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05# Haul away...
0:16:05 > 0:16:08It would have been on board ship years ago,
0:16:08 > 0:16:10but nowadays it's pubs and it's spontaneous
0:16:10 > 0:16:14and it's traditional and it's not a revival, it's something that's always happened
0:16:14 > 0:16:16and still keeps going, which is nice.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- Why keep this traditional alive, then?- It's really good fun!
0:16:20 > 0:16:24OK, girls, we're gonna get a lot of action in this.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28This is a hauling shanty and we're gonna haul a mast up aloft.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- OK? Are you ready? - Arr.- Arr.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35# One hundred years on an eastern shore
0:16:35 > 0:16:38# Oh, yes, oh!
0:16:38 > 0:16:40# One hundred years on an eastern shore
0:16:40 > 0:16:42# One hundred years ago
0:16:42 > 0:16:45# When first I went away to sea
0:16:45 > 0:16:47# Oh, yes, oh!
0:16:47 > 0:16:50# My girl said she'd be true to me
0:16:50 > 0:16:52# One hundred years ago! #
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- Oi!- Hey!
0:16:56 > 0:16:58What's this?
0:16:58 > 0:17:02Oh, thank you!
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Swept away at sea!
0:17:06 > 0:17:08I got my crab!
0:17:10 > 0:17:14To be honest, sea shanties were a closed songbook to me
0:17:14 > 0:17:18but after this, I'll be whistling them as I work.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Fuelled by sea shanty and sea food,
0:17:22 > 0:17:27Gilbert and I are nearly at the end of the road as we head back inland.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30I've got a couple more stops before that dreaded eisteddfod.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32No time for the faint-hearted!
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- Woo! - MAN:- A little bit slower...
0:17:36 > 0:17:39We'll be fine but if something goes wrong,
0:17:39 > 0:17:43luckily our next destination is connected with the music of heaven and angels.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45HARP MUSIC
0:17:45 > 0:17:48Harps are always associated with Wales.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53Well, it is heaven on earth and ours are so good, we strung them thrice.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Wales has been the home of the triple harp for centuries
0:17:56 > 0:18:00but in the last few years, they've become an endangered species.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04I'm meeting Alun Thomas, who is trying to keep the tradition alive.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Alun, we're here in your workshop.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09The harp is a traditional instrument to Wales.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12Tell me how you would go about making a harp?
0:18:12 > 0:18:14You break it down into three different parts.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17The neck with the tuning pins on.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20The column and the soundbox with a sound board on it.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24There's laminates used inside for strength
0:18:24 > 0:18:28and veneered on the outside to give the beauty of the natural wood.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31Do you think it's a dying tradition?
0:18:31 > 0:18:35I think I could be the only person in Wales making triple harps.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38I don't know. It would be nice if somebody did carry it on.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Alun, do you play the harp?
0:18:41 > 0:18:44No, unfortunately, I don't. My father didn't learn to play either.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47He said he was too busy making the harps for other people to play
0:18:47 > 0:18:49and get their enjoyment out of the instrument.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53- It's all right, I know a man who can.- Right.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59Robin Huw Bowen is one of Wales's most accomplished triple harpists.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05I love being serenaded.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- Robin, you are a triple harpist. - Absolutely.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- How many of you are there in Wales? - There is not so many.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13The one thing about the triple harp in Wales -
0:19:13 > 0:19:16is it's still an unbroken oral folk tradition
0:19:16 > 0:19:20that has been passed down from the time when it was much more common. It's still around.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23Where did it originate?
0:19:23 > 0:19:26Originally, the idea of the three rows of strings was an Italian idea.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28An Italian invention, really.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32A Welsh harpist in London in 1650 brought it back to Wales,
0:19:32 > 0:19:34possibly about 1670, 1680
0:19:34 > 0:19:37and it became known as the uniquely Welsh harp.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41On a single row of strings you basically get do, re, me.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49It's like two sets of the white notes of the piano with the black notes in between.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52You have to reach through with your fingers to get at them.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- Can you show me? - Yes, of course I will. Why not?
0:20:08 > 0:20:11Something as beautiful as that has to be preserved.
0:20:14 > 0:20:20I'm travelling 50 miles to meet someone who recently had the hottest gig in town.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26And it was straight to the most exclusive of receptions
0:20:26 > 0:20:28in Buckingham Palace, no less.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32Wales and the harp are well represented by the then royal harpist, Claire Jones,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35who played for the 600 guests.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38She happens to be from Pembrokeshire
0:20:38 > 0:20:41and just happens to be an old mate from our eisteddfod days.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Small world, big harp.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- Hiya!- Hello. - Do you remember me?- Of course.
0:20:48 > 0:20:49- Can I come in?- Come in.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52I met her just before the biggest wedding of the year.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- Do you remember the eisteddfod days? - I do, more than ever.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59I never thought I'd be playing with a royal harpist then
0:20:59 > 0:21:02but you don't look so glamorous in this, do you?!
0:21:02 > 0:21:04Thank you, Connie!
0:21:04 > 0:21:07How an earth do you go from Pembrokeshire to the Palace?
0:21:07 > 0:21:10I was asked to perform for the Prince of Wales.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14At a private audition and the Prince of Wales stood pretty much where I'm standing here.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- This close, listening to me perform. - No way!
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Is he a bit hard of hearing?
0:21:20 > 0:21:24I've performed for the Royal Family and Her Majesty The Queen
0:21:24 > 0:21:28probably on about 150 occasions over the last four years.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30That includes private performances for Her Majesty,
0:21:30 > 0:21:32where she's come into the room
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- and sat a few feet away and I've performed.- No way!
0:21:36 > 0:21:40Can I be the Queen for a second and maybe be the serenaded by you?
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- Of course you can. - I'm going to take my seat.
0:21:44 > 0:21:49Oh, Claire, would you please play me a tune. I do like your playing.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Wow! Do you know what, your neighbours are lucky people.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22There's such a passion when you're playing. Where does that come from?
0:22:22 > 0:22:26It's such a huge part of our history and culture and heritage, isn't it?
0:22:26 > 0:22:30I think it comes naturally to a lot of us!
0:22:30 > 0:22:34- Can I maybe have a pluck? - Of course, of course. Have a go.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38Take a seat. If you just hold the harp between your knees, there.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42- Gosh!- Then just use one hand, followed by the other.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- Exactly!- It was all a dream!
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Or it could be my worst nightmare.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01# It's a world of laughter A world of tears
0:23:01 > 0:23:05- # It's a world of... - OK, I can't put it off any longer.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08I'm going have to face the ultimate test -
0:23:08 > 0:23:12conducting the Maenclochog choir in the X Factor of all eisteddfods,
0:23:12 > 0:23:18the final of the Under-12s choral section. OMG!
0:23:20 > 0:23:23You film me conducting my imaginary choir.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26I'm getting so nervous, it's ridiculous.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30I mean, it's only Eisteddfod Gadeiriol Brynberian,
0:23:30 > 0:23:34but feels like the Palladium. No, it feels like Wembley.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39All they see is my back, but I have to look like I know what I'm doing.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41One, two, three...
0:23:41 > 0:23:45For those of you who haven't competed at an eisteddfod,
0:23:45 > 0:23:49you may be surprised to see that we're the only choir competing.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52That doesn't mean that we're going to get the prize. Oh, no!
0:23:52 > 0:23:56In many eisteddfodau, the adjudicators decide that nobody is good enough to win.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00That's meaner than Simon Cowell and Andrew Lloyd Webber on a bad night.
0:24:00 > 0:24:05It would be worse than coming second. I mean, the shame of it!
0:24:12 > 0:24:13APPLAUSE
0:24:17 > 0:24:18PIANO
0:24:20 > 0:24:23THEY SING IN WELSH
0:24:36 > 0:24:38# Hallelujah
0:24:38 > 0:24:41# Hallelujah
0:24:41 > 0:24:42# Hallelujah...
0:24:45 > 0:24:48# Hallelujah, hallelujah
0:24:48 > 0:24:51# Hallelujah...
0:25:01 > 0:25:03APPLAUSE
0:25:05 > 0:25:09The official adjudicator's making too many notes for my liking.'
0:25:10 > 0:25:15But here it comes. The results are in from the Maenclochog jury.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE
0:25:26 > 0:25:31- Yes! Congratulations, guys. We won. How do you feel?- Amazing.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35The adjudication said you had lovely, sweet voices
0:25:35 > 0:25:38and you sang brilliantly as a group, so hopefully
0:25:38 > 0:25:41we shall go on to win the Yr Urdd National one day.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43Caws.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46That was so nerve-racking, I can't tell you.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50You know what? I'm used to standing up on stage and singing a song
0:25:50 > 0:25:52and trying not to forget the words.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55When I stood there conducting it, it was like doing this,
0:25:55 > 0:25:57conducting, remembering the words, clapping.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59I'm not sure I've got an alternate career
0:25:59 > 0:26:03but I'm happy it's over and I did my one, two, three, four perfectly.
0:26:03 > 0:26:04Phew.
0:26:09 > 0:26:14Ha! Despite the doubters, Gilbert and the driver have made it back
0:26:14 > 0:26:18to the very beginning and what a magical musical map we've drawn.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20Well, it's been an amazing journey.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24I've seen some stunning landscape, I've caught up with old friends
0:26:24 > 0:26:26and I've heard some incredible home-grown talent.
0:26:26 > 0:26:33Gilbert and I have proved Wales is truly alive with the sound of music.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37Now it all went so well and the weather was so lovely,
0:26:37 > 0:26:40but I did have one or two...moments.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44Are you sitting comfortably? Then we'll begin.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48# How do you solve a problem like Maria?
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Da-da da-da da-di-da di-da.... da!
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Forget Geri Halliwell. I've got the new dress.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57I'm afraid they don't sing.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59- Could you give me Bread Of Heaven? - DOG BARKS
0:26:59 > 0:27:00Not at all.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- Does it matter I look to the road now and again?- MAN: No, I love it.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05Oh, a hill start.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09Oh! Sorry, sorry.
0:27:09 > 0:27:10SHE LAUGHS
0:27:10 > 0:27:13Everyone behind me's laughing.
0:27:13 > 0:27:14This driving lark's hard, innit?
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Sorry, the door's stuck.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21So, I'm here...
0:27:21 > 0:27:22SHE LAUGHS
0:27:22 > 0:27:23Sorry.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- Wow, and... - TUMMY RUMBLES - Excuse me.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28Don't... Agh!
0:27:28 > 0:27:30LAUGHTER
0:27:31 > 0:27:35# Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her
0:27:35 > 0:27:38# Many a thing she ought to understand...
0:27:38 > 0:27:41- You look a bit Mick Jagger. - Do you think so?
0:27:41 > 0:27:44- Go on, do it, do it. - I haven't got the lips any more.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- Feed the pigeons...- And a new Hollywood star is born.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49Rock'n'roll. You love it.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52Oh, are we nearly there yet?
0:27:52 > 0:27:55No, I need a wee wee.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59That's all, folks.
0:28:06 > 0:28:12# Goodbye...