0:00:02 > 0:00:05Tonight, the Wales Millennium Centre in the heart of Cardiff Bay
0:00:05 > 0:00:10plays host to the Grand Final of Choir of the Year 2016.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14Six of the UK's best amateur choirs are going to sing for one of
0:00:14 > 0:00:16the most coveted prizes in choral music.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21Welcome to Choir of the Year 2016.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:41 > 0:00:46Hello and a very warm Welsh welcome to the Wales Millennium Centre for
0:00:46 > 0:00:48this Grand Final of Choir of the Year 2016.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52I'm Josie d'Arby and I'm delighted to be presenting again this year
0:00:52 > 0:00:54and even more delighted to be joined
0:00:54 > 0:00:58by star of stage and screen, the wonderful Julian Ovenden.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00Thanks, Josie, that's very kind of you.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Julian, you're a former chorister,
0:01:02 > 0:01:06so you must understand what's so special about singing together.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10Yes, singing is one of the great joys in life.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14I think that joy is magnified when you sing together.
0:01:14 > 0:01:20And although we are in a competition here I would urge all the choirs
0:01:20 > 0:01:22to really savour this experience
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- and allow themselves to be carried away by the music.- Absolutely.
0:01:26 > 0:01:27I think they'll just do that.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Singing in a choir is such a special thing.
0:01:30 > 0:01:31For all of today's choirs,
0:01:31 > 0:01:35this final is the culmination of months of hard work.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37Since entering the competition earlier this year,
0:01:37 > 0:01:40they've had to win through three selection rounds.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Choirs can enter in four different categories and today we're going
0:01:43 > 0:01:46to hear the winners from the Children's, Youth,
0:01:46 > 0:01:48Adult and Open categories.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51They are joined by two additional choirs who were selected
0:01:51 > 0:01:53as wild cards by the jury.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56I was lucky enough to be at the category finals in October
0:01:56 > 0:01:59at Birmingham's Symphony Hall and I can tell you
0:01:59 > 0:02:01that we are in for a real treat tonight,
0:02:01 > 0:02:04so let's introduce the six Grand Finalists.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09The first choir to compete comes from the Rhondda Valley
0:02:09 > 0:02:11in South Wales. Cor Y Cwm.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16From Doncaster, and previous finalists,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19Rainbow Connection Singers.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Next, a children's choir from Jersey,
0:02:23 > 0:02:25Musical Originals Training Choir.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Carrying the flag for male voice choirs, Johns' Boys
0:02:29 > 0:02:31from North Wales.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36Next, a female barbershop choir, from Leeds, The White Rosettes.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41And finally from Newcastle upon Tyne, an a cappella group,
0:02:41 > 0:02:42Voices Of Hope.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50Six very special and very individual choirs.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53To win the 2016 Choir of the Year title, each of them will have
0:02:53 > 0:02:56to impress a distinguished panel of judges.
0:02:56 > 0:02:57It's quite a line-up.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05Conductor and musical director Harry Christophers,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08founder of celebrated choir The Sixteen.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12Whatever choir's onstage, I want to see their personalities come alive
0:03:12 > 0:03:15to me and to the audience and we feel very much part of them.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17Danielle de Niese,
0:03:17 > 0:03:19critically acclaimed operatic soprano.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23We'll be looking for a tremendous sense of intonation,
0:03:23 > 0:03:27that kind of intonation that gives you goose bumps.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30And even if you're not a musician you know what that feels like.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35When you hear perfect intervals of harmony between different voices,
0:03:35 > 0:03:37it makes your hair stand on end.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Choral director, Tim Rhys-Evans,
0:03:40 > 0:03:42founder of Only Men Aloud.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46I'll be looking for great vocal technique, great ensemble,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49and I'll be looking for passion and entertainment.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54And Eska, a singer-songwriter who's been working with choirs
0:03:54 > 0:03:55for the past 25 years.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59A great choir and a great choir sound is one that can be able
0:03:59 > 0:04:03to actually touch people's hearts.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06I haven't even met the choirs yet and I'm getting excited by
0:04:06 > 0:04:08the voices I'm hearing through the walls.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11So goodness knows how it's going to be
0:04:11 > 0:04:14when we get in the main space.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20Now, before we hear our first choir I'd like to introduce you
0:04:20 > 0:04:24to another member of our presenting team, Lloyd Coleman.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28Lloyd, you've been waiting patiently backstage and you're going to be
0:04:28 > 0:04:31chatting to the choirs throughout the day. How are they all feeling?
0:04:31 > 0:04:32Hello, Josie.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Yes, the choirs are incredibly excited and really pumped up to get
0:04:35 > 0:04:39on that stage. And that's despite the fact that many of them have been
0:04:39 > 0:04:42travelling since the crack of dawn this morning,
0:04:42 > 0:04:47hundreds of miles across the UK to be with us here tonight in Cardiff.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49I popped into rehearsals earlier today.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52All of them are sounding suitably excellent.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55'I think they are all really helped by the fact that they know
0:04:55 > 0:04:58'they have done really well to get to this stage in the competition'
0:04:58 > 0:05:02and they just really want to bring their A game tonight.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05You are going to be talking to them after they've performed.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07I'm sure you're going to have a great time, Lloyd,
0:05:07 > 0:05:09and I'm looking forward to having a chat with you
0:05:09 > 0:05:10after the first choir.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13So it's time to get started.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16The first choir we're going to hear are enjoying a home fixture
0:05:16 > 0:05:18this evening, as they've come from just up the road
0:05:18 > 0:05:20in the Rhondda Valley.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22And I'm hoping they've brought a few supporters with them too.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24Am I right?
0:05:24 > 0:05:27CHEERING
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Winners of the Youth category in this competition back in October,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33earning them a place in tonight's grand final,
0:05:33 > 0:05:35it's Cor Y Cwm.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44CHORAL SINGING
0:05:49 > 0:05:53The Rhondda Valley in South Wales is a predominantly
0:05:53 > 0:05:57English-speaking area, but in 2009, two teachers set about
0:05:57 > 0:06:00forming a choir as a vehicle to promote the Welsh language.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06'We have five Welsh medium primary schools in the Rhondda and we
0:06:06 > 0:06:08'took ten singers from each school.'
0:06:08 > 0:06:11They don't have parents who speak Welsh and the only chance
0:06:11 > 0:06:14they get to speak Welsh is in school.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18And to give them opportunities is absolutely amazing, that they
0:06:18 > 0:06:20can speak Welsh outside of school.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24'And originally it was meant just to come together and sing
0:06:24 > 0:06:28'and see how it goes but the choir has gone from strength to strength.'
0:06:33 > 0:06:35'Cor Y Cwm Really does love the Welsh language'
0:06:35 > 0:06:38and you can tell that because we all speak the Welsh language
0:06:38 > 0:06:40whenever we're together.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44The success of the choir also relies on the continued support
0:06:44 > 0:06:46of family members.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50'To do it in Welsh and then to be in competitions where there are
0:06:50 > 0:06:52'choirs coming from all over the place,'
0:06:52 > 0:06:53they get new dresses,
0:06:53 > 0:06:57we travel up, we book a meal and make it an occasion for them.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04'We couldn't exist without the support of the parents.'
0:07:04 > 0:07:06The parents are fab and they come on every trip with us.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09They're always supporting us. You can always hear them.
0:07:09 > 0:07:10Yes, very noisy.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13Yes. We've always normally got about two buses taken away with us
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- wherever we go.- Yeah. They know Cor Y Cwm, don't they?
0:07:17 > 0:07:20THEY SING
0:07:20 > 0:07:22'To win would be'
0:07:22 > 0:07:25an amazing experience and I wouldn't
0:07:25 > 0:07:27stop talking about it, I don't think.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- They're always little winners in our hearts, aren't they?- Yeah. They're brilliant.- Brilliant.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34APPLAUSE
0:07:43 > 0:07:47# This little babe so few days old is come to rifle Satan's fold
0:07:47 > 0:07:49# All hell doth at his presence quake
0:07:49 > 0:07:51# Though he himself for cold do shake
0:07:51 > 0:07:56# For in this weak unarmed wise the gates of hell he will surprise
0:07:59 > 0:08:01# With tears he fights and wins the field
0:08:01 > 0:08:03# His naked breast stands for a shield
0:08:03 > 0:08:05# His battering shots are babish cries
0:08:05 > 0:08:07# His arrows, looks of weeping eyes
0:08:07 > 0:08:09# His martial ensigns, cold and need
0:08:09 > 0:08:12# And feeble flesh, his warriors steed.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17# His camp is pitched in a stall
0:08:17 > 0:08:19# His bulwark but a broken wall
0:08:19 > 0:08:21# The crib his trench Haystalks his stakes
0:08:21 > 0:08:23# Of shepherds he his muster makes
0:08:23 > 0:08:26# And thus, as sure his foe to wound
0:08:26 > 0:08:29# The angels' trumps alarum sound
0:08:30 > 0:08:33# My soul, with Christ join thou in fight
0:08:33 > 0:08:35# Stick to the tents that he hath pight
0:08:35 > 0:08:38# Within his crib is surest ward
0:08:38 > 0:08:41# This little babe will be thy guard
0:08:41 > 0:08:44# If thou wilt foil thy foes with joy
0:08:44 > 0:08:47# Then flit not from
0:08:47 > 0:08:52# This heavenly boy. #
0:08:52 > 0:08:54CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:08:56 > 0:09:00JOSIE D'ARBY: Cor Y Cym with This Little Babe from Benjamin Britten's
0:09:00 > 0:09:01Ceremony Of Carols.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04Next, a carol by Alun Hoddinott, sung in Welsh,
0:09:04 > 0:09:05The Wondrous Night.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11THEY SING IN WELSH
0:11:43 > 0:11:45CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:11:46 > 0:11:49And to finish, a song that's become an anthem for the choir,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52Un Ydym Ni, or We Are One.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56THEY SING IN WELSH
0:14:30 > 0:14:33CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:14:43 > 0:14:46What a fantastic start to this Choir of the Year Grand Final.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49Diolch, Cor Y Cwm.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52It's always very affecting to hear young voices singing together
0:14:52 > 0:14:55and they certainly made an impression here in the hall.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Harry, that last song translates as We Are One.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Did that sense of togetherness and ensemble come across?
0:15:01 > 0:15:03It certainly did.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07What's really impressive is that you had a phenomenal dynamic range
0:15:07 > 0:15:11so when you got to those fortissimos you had the composure
0:15:11 > 0:15:13to go straight onto piano or mezzo piano,
0:15:13 > 0:15:17really beautifully, and I think that's pretty impressive.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Tuning, beautiful. I really loved it.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22APPLAUSE
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Danielle, it sounds like they have a lot of fans here in the audience.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31- Will you be joining their army of fans?- Absolutely, without a doubt.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35To take yourselves to a very strong dynamic and also really relish
0:15:35 > 0:15:40those beautiful hushed tones, I thought I was looking at angels.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42You had beautiful animated faces.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44It was wonderful to watch all of you.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47I can feel that you're having a good time. Brilliant, brilliant job.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49APPLAUSE
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Thanks, judges, for those comments, and thank you, Cor Y Cwm.
0:15:58 > 0:15:59So the standard has been set.
0:15:59 > 0:16:04Let's head backstage and join Lloyd who's with some of Cor Y Cwm.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07What an opening, as you say.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10And, Gavin, what a showcase for the Welsh language as well.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14Yeah, we were just so glad that we could perform two pieces in Welsh.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18And in front of such prestigious adjudicators as well.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23- And I think they tried their best and that's all we can ask for really.- Absolutely.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26And is there anyone actually left in the Rhondda Valley this evening?
0:16:26 > 0:16:27- They're all here supporting you! - I know.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30We have so many supporters here tonight.
0:16:30 > 0:16:31I hope we've made them proud.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34But we've really enjoyed tonight so I hope that everyone else
0:16:34 > 0:16:35has enjoyed, out there as well.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37I think they did, I think they did.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39And, We Are One, that last piece,
0:16:39 > 0:16:42you've made friends for life, it sounds like now.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46Yeah, I couldn't imagine my life without Cor Y Cwm so I'm just
0:16:46 > 0:16:48so happy that I could share it with everyone on that stage and I hope
0:16:48 > 0:16:50that it did came across to the audience
0:16:50 > 0:16:52and I hope they all enjoyed it as well.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55It certainly did, it certainly did. Thank you all so much.
0:16:55 > 0:16:56A wonderful start.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58APPLAUSE
0:17:00 > 0:17:02Thank you, Lloyd.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05Now, the next choir to perform are Rainbow Connection Singers.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07They're from Doncaster and are
0:17:07 > 0:17:09no strangers to this stage of the competition,
0:17:09 > 0:17:13having appeared in the Grand Final on two previous occasions.
0:17:18 > 0:17:25# I was sitting in my room when the news came on TV... #
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Rainbow Connection Singers have a history of success in Choir
0:17:28 > 0:17:32of the Year, having won the Open category in 2010 and 2014.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36'We've appeared in the final twice before.
0:17:36 > 0:17:37'The first time it was quite a shock.'
0:17:37 > 0:17:42We had lots of radio interviews and newspaper articles that followed and
0:17:42 > 0:17:47that was great because it brought us to the attention of people locally.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51'We've expanded massively choral singing in the area.'
0:17:51 > 0:17:56We now have ten choirs with an age range of five to 84.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02'It's about building aspiration and letting members of all the other
0:18:02 > 0:18:07'choirs know that with hard work and lots of rehearsal they too'
0:18:07 > 0:18:10could be a part of the Rainbow Connection Singers.
0:18:10 > 0:18:16# Flame on burn desire Love with tongues of fire
0:18:16 > 0:18:17# Purge the soul... #
0:18:17 > 0:18:20'I joined the junior choir in 2010.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23'As a junior choir member, you know that the Singers'
0:18:23 > 0:18:25is what is going to come in the future for you
0:18:25 > 0:18:28so sitting and looking at the Singers,
0:18:28 > 0:18:31'they're like rock stars.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35'I am now that senior choir member that I'
0:18:35 > 0:18:38so desperately wanted to be like.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44# With my undying death-defying love for you... #
0:18:44 > 0:18:48'We're always looking for songs that have something to say,
0:18:48 > 0:18:51'that have a story to tell,'
0:18:51 > 0:18:55because we're always interested in the narrative.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58'Our first piece today is The Power Of Love, originally recorded by
0:18:58 > 0:19:00'Frankie Goes To Hollywood.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02'It's mainly about good and evil'
0:19:02 > 0:19:05and that love is the answer to everything.
0:19:05 > 0:19:10'I was born in Cardiff and I feel so proud to be able to bring'
0:19:10 > 0:19:14Rainbow Connection Singers to Cardiff to show off to all
0:19:14 > 0:19:17'my friends how brilliant the Rainbow Connection Singers are.'
0:19:19 > 0:19:21CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:19:30 > 0:19:35# Dreams are like angels They keep bad at bay
0:19:35 > 0:19:43# Love is the light Scaring darkness away
0:19:45 > 0:19:48# I'm so in love with you
0:19:51 > 0:19:55# Make love your goal
0:19:56 > 0:19:59# The power of love
0:19:59 > 0:20:03# A force from above
0:20:03 > 0:20:07# Cleaning my soul
0:20:08 > 0:20:11# Flame on burn desire
0:20:11 > 0:20:14# Love with tongues of fire
0:20:14 > 0:20:16# Purge the soul
0:20:17 > 0:20:22# Make love your goal
0:20:27 > 0:20:30# I'll protect you from the hooded claw
0:20:30 > 0:20:32# Keep the vampires from your door
0:20:33 > 0:20:36# When the chips are down I'll be around
0:20:36 > 0:20:40# With my undying death-defying love for you
0:20:41 > 0:20:44# Envy will hurt itself
0:20:44 > 0:20:47# Let yourself be beautiful
0:20:47 > 0:20:49# Sparkling light
0:20:49 > 0:20:52# Flowers and pearls and pretty girls
0:20:52 > 0:20:55# Love is like an energy
0:20:55 > 0:20:59# Rushing in, rushing inside of me
0:20:59 > 0:21:03# Mmmmm
0:21:04 > 0:21:07# The power of love
0:21:07 > 0:21:10# A force from above
0:21:10 > 0:21:14# Cleaning my soul
0:21:16 > 0:21:18# Flame on burn desire
0:21:18 > 0:21:21# Love with tongues of fire
0:21:21 > 0:21:23# Purge the soul
0:21:23 > 0:21:28# Make love your goal
0:21:32 > 0:21:35# This time we go sublime
0:21:35 > 0:21:38# Lovers entwine Divine, divine
0:21:38 > 0:21:42# Love is danger Love is pleasure
0:21:42 > 0:21:46# Love is pure The only treasure
0:21:47 > 0:21:50# I'm so in love with you
0:21:52 > 0:21:57# Make love your goal
0:21:58 > 0:22:01# The power of love
0:22:01 > 0:22:04# A force from above
0:22:04 > 0:22:09# Cleaning my soul
0:22:10 > 0:22:13# The power of love
0:22:13 > 0:22:16# A force from above
0:22:16 > 0:22:20# A sky-scraping dove
0:22:21 > 0:22:24# Flame on burn desire
0:22:24 > 0:22:26# Love with tongues of fire
0:22:27 > 0:22:30# Purge the soul
0:22:30 > 0:22:34# Make love your goal
0:22:38 > 0:22:41# Make love
0:22:41 > 0:22:46# Your goal. #
0:22:48 > 0:22:50CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:22:53 > 0:22:55JOSIE D'ARBY: Rainbow Connection Singers and their take
0:22:55 > 0:22:58on Frankie Goes To Hollywood's '80s hit The Power Of Love.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02Next, a powerful medley in response to the current refugee crisis.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05This is Displaced.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08# It was a slow day
0:23:08 > 0:23:11# And the sun was beating
0:23:11 > 0:23:14# On the soldiers on the side of the road
0:23:16 > 0:23:17# There was a bright light
0:23:17 > 0:23:20# A shattering of shop windows
0:23:20 > 0:23:22# The bomb in the baby carriage
0:23:22 > 0:23:25# Was wired to the radio
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- # When your dreams - Don't give up
0:23:28 > 0:23:34- # Are blown sky-high - Don't give up
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- # When your dreams - Don't give up
0:23:37 > 0:23:43- # Are blown sky-high - Don't give up
0:23:45 > 0:23:47# Don't give up Don't give up
0:23:47 > 0:23:49# Don't give up Don't give up
0:23:49 > 0:23:53- # Got to walk out of here - Don't give up
0:23:53 > 0:23:57- # I can't take any more - Don't give up
0:23:57 > 0:24:01- # Going to stand on that bridge - Don't give up
0:24:01 > 0:24:02# Don't give up
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- # Keep my eyes down below - Don't give up
0:24:06 > 0:24:08# Don't give up
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- # Whatever may come - Don't you give up
0:24:11 > 0:24:12# Don't you give up
0:24:12 > 0:24:15- # And whatever may go - Don't you give up
0:24:15 > 0:24:17# Don't you give up
0:24:17 > 0:24:19- # That river's flowing - Don't you give up
0:24:19 > 0:24:22# Don't you give up Don't you give up
0:24:22 > 0:24:24# A different sky
0:24:24 > 0:24:28# New worlds to gaze upon
0:24:29 > 0:24:35# The strange excitement of an unfamiliar shore
0:24:35 > 0:24:39# One more goodbye
0:24:39 > 0:24:43# One more illusion gone
0:24:43 > 0:24:50# Just cut your losses and begin once more
0:24:51 > 0:24:55# I'm a cork on the ocean
0:24:55 > 0:24:59# Floating over the raging sea
0:25:00 > 0:25:05# How deep is the ocean?
0:25:05 > 0:25:09# How deep is the ocean?
0:25:09 > 0:25:12# I'm leaving my family
0:25:12 > 0:25:16# Leaving all my friends
0:25:16 > 0:25:18# My body's at home
0:25:18 > 0:25:21# But my heart's in the wind
0:25:21 > 0:25:25# Where the clouds are like headlines
0:25:25 > 0:25:29# Upon a new front page sky
0:25:29 > 0:25:31# My tears are salt water
0:25:31 > 0:25:35# And the moon's full and high
0:25:35 > 0:25:37# And the fog's lifting
0:25:37 > 0:25:39# The sand's shifting
0:25:39 > 0:25:42# I'm drifting on out
0:25:42 > 0:25:48# Old Captain Ahab's got nothing on me
0:25:48 > 0:25:50# So swallow me
0:25:50 > 0:25:51# Don't follow me
0:25:51 > 0:25:55# I'm travelling alone
0:25:55 > 0:25:58# Blue water's my daughter
0:25:58 > 0:26:03# And I'll skip like a stone
0:26:03 > 0:26:05# Love and mercy
0:26:05 > 0:26:11- # That's what you need tonight - Love and mercy
0:26:11 > 0:26:13# Love and mercy
0:26:13 > 0:26:18- # That's what you need tonight - Love and mercy
0:26:18 > 0:26:25# Love and mercy tonight. #
0:26:25 > 0:26:28CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:26:38 > 0:26:42JOSIE D'ARBY: Now, they've appeared in the Choir of the Year Grand Final
0:26:42 > 0:26:43on two previous occasions,
0:26:43 > 0:26:47so I know they mean it when they sing Don't Give Up.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Tim, did they draw you into their world today?
0:26:50 > 0:26:54Utterly, yes. It was powerful stuff.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58Sometimes that sort of choral-ography, as it's known,
0:26:58 > 0:27:03can be meaningless, but when you do it, every movement,
0:27:03 > 0:27:08every bit of staging, came from a real place of intention.
0:27:08 > 0:27:13Not only that, your harmonic language that you employed
0:27:13 > 0:27:16in both arrangements was very, very complex.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19The balance of parts was excellent.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22And well done for taking on such a difficult subject matter
0:27:22 > 0:27:25that is so relevant to our world, with the refugee crisis.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28I was very moved. Well done. Bravo.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Eska, they've just performed a medley of classic songs
0:27:36 > 0:27:40as well as a very sultry The Power Of Love. It's quite a bold mix.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42You love to shake things up in what you do.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46- Did the programme hang together for you?- Incredibly well.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48Can I join, please?
0:27:48 > 0:27:50LAUGHTER
0:27:50 > 0:27:54The movement and singing, you made it look so simple.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58There were some really complicated things that you were doing,
0:27:58 > 0:28:00not only in your voice but in your bodies,
0:28:00 > 0:28:04you used your entire being in that performance
0:28:04 > 0:28:07and it was completely thrilling. Thank you.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09APPLAUSE
0:28:09 > 0:28:11Thanks for those comments, judges,
0:28:11 > 0:28:14and thank you, Rainbow Connection Singers.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21So let's head backstage to join Lloyd.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Paul, we've become used to your amazing arrangements in this
0:28:24 > 0:28:28competition but this one I think was particularly affecting.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Yes, it's been a surprise, really, because to be honest there wasn't
0:28:32 > 0:28:34a note written until after the category final
0:28:34 > 0:28:36for the Displaced arrangement.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40It was lots of late nights and the choir worked
0:28:40 > 0:28:43so hard to get it together. It's very difficult.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45And I'm just so proud of them.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48Amazing. And, Molly, you're a rock star now. You're in the choir!
0:28:48 > 0:28:50I know, I'm so happy!
0:28:50 > 0:28:52I mean, last time the singers did this,
0:28:52 > 0:28:53I was still in the junior choir,
0:28:53 > 0:28:56and I found myself watching the footage
0:28:56 > 0:28:58from the Grand Final over and over
0:28:58 > 0:29:00and over again, thinking, "I'm going to be that in two years!"
0:29:00 > 0:29:02So, you know, it's fantastic.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04I love, love, love being in this choir.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08- Congratulations. And, Helen, welcome home.- Thank you very much.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11I don't know how I got through that, it was quite emotional.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14And are you going to give Eska some tips when she joins as well?
0:29:14 > 0:29:15LAUGHTER She's welcome to join.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18- We'd love to have her. - Very good, thank you, back to you.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21Thanks, Lloyd. It's great to hear that excitement and emotion.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24Now, this next choir left home two days ago and tonight we're here
0:29:24 > 0:29:28to witness the next chapter in their exciting musical journey.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Winners of Choir Of The Year children's category,
0:29:31 > 0:29:35all the way from Jersey, they are Musical Originals Training Choir.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42# There was an old man called Michael Finnegan
0:29:42 > 0:29:44# He grew whiskers on his chin-ne-gan
0:29:44 > 0:29:46# The wind came up and blew them in again... #
0:29:46 > 0:29:50We're the Musical Originals Training Choir and we are from Jersey.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52# There was an old man There was an old man... #
0:29:52 > 0:29:56JOSIE: Musical Originals Training Choir brings together children from
0:29:56 > 0:30:00all over the 46 square miles of Jersey and mixes up
0:30:00 > 0:30:05the traditional classroom barriers with an age range of 7 to 13.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08I just love the community of the choir
0:30:08 > 0:30:11and we're all just like one big family.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13# He kicked up an awful din-ne-gan
0:30:13 > 0:30:15# Because they said he must not sin again... #
0:30:15 > 0:30:17We get to meet up with our mates and we get to make lots of new
0:30:17 > 0:30:20friends, so it's been lots of fun.
0:30:20 > 0:30:21# Finnegan, Finnegan, Finnegan... #
0:30:21 > 0:30:23We have a senior girls choir,
0:30:23 > 0:30:25and we decided to start a training choir because the girls
0:30:25 > 0:30:28coming into choir at secondary school level,
0:30:28 > 0:30:31we just felt needed a bit of training really
0:30:31 > 0:30:35before they started the senior choir and so we start them very young.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38The training choir now has taken on a life of its own.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40# And she... #
0:30:40 > 0:30:42It's unauditioned and so it's open to all, really.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45As long as they're prepared to work hard and they love to sing,
0:30:45 > 0:30:47then we're really happy to have them.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49# There was an old man There was an old man
0:30:49 > 0:30:51# There was an old man There was an old man called... #
0:30:51 > 0:30:53OK, good.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55There's loads of recordings on YouTube and everywhere
0:30:55 > 0:30:58of choirs singing this desperately badly
0:30:58 > 0:31:00and we do not want to be one of those choirs.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03And...
0:31:03 > 0:31:08We work really hard and we practise nearly every day, well, we try to!
0:31:08 > 0:31:10ALL SING
0:31:10 > 0:31:11Just because they're children,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14we don't expect them not to achieve artistic excellence
0:31:14 > 0:31:17and they have sung some really difficult contemporary music
0:31:17 > 0:31:20by the time they even get to the age of 11 or 12.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23# Home time at last Class lessons are so long
0:31:23 > 0:31:24# You wish so hard... #
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Our first piece is by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies
0:31:27 > 0:31:30and it's about the precious time that children have after they've
0:31:30 > 0:31:33been let out of school and they're free for that precious moment.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37# It's home time Home time... #
0:31:37 > 0:31:40The child's voice is a thing of great beauty and it lasts for
0:31:40 > 0:31:44such a short time, and we sing music that's always written for children.
0:31:44 > 0:31:45# Home time
0:31:45 > 0:31:47# Time Home time at last... #
0:31:47 > 0:31:51I'm really proud to be representing Jersey because there's not
0:31:51 > 0:31:55many choirs in Jersey and it's such a little place.
0:31:56 > 0:32:01I just love singing and it's really exciting to have got so far
0:32:01 > 0:32:04and I just want to get that step further.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:32:12 > 0:32:16# Home time Home time
0:32:16 > 0:32:19# Home time Home time
0:32:19 > 0:32:23# Home time Home time
0:32:23 > 0:32:26# Home time at last Class lessons are so long
0:32:26 > 0:32:28# You wish so hard the bell would ring
0:32:28 > 0:32:30# That you get your sums all wrong
0:32:30 > 0:32:33# And then the teacher's cross and makes a flabbergasted fuss
0:32:33 > 0:32:37# He looks as if he's glad to go and see the back of us
0:32:37 > 0:32:39# It's home time
0:32:39 > 0:32:43# Home time Home time
0:32:43 > 0:32:45# Home time
0:32:45 > 0:32:47# Home time
0:32:47 > 0:32:49# Home time-time
0:32:49 > 0:32:53# Home time at last The sun shines through the door
0:32:53 > 0:32:55# Inviting us by sea and local nature to explore
0:32:55 > 0:32:59# And now I must make up my mind which way to wander back
0:32:59 > 0:33:01# So, where does the beach go - by the bay?
0:33:01 > 0:33:03# Or take the hillside track
0:33:03 > 0:33:05# It's home time
0:33:05 > 0:33:09# Home time Home time
0:33:09 > 0:33:11# Home time
0:33:11 > 0:33:13# Home time
0:33:13 > 0:33:14# Home time-time
0:33:14 > 0:33:18# Home time at last There's so much to do and see
0:33:18 > 0:33:21# In the little time they leave us between the end of school and tea
0:33:21 > 0:33:24# I race around the school yard I leap across the wall
0:33:24 > 0:33:31# And then a certain stillness where only...
0:33:31 > 0:33:34# It's home time
0:33:34 > 0:33:39# Home time Home time
0:33:39 > 0:33:45# Home time
0:33:45 > 0:33:49# Time... #
0:33:49 > 0:33:52CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:33:52 > 0:33:54JOSIE: Two folk songs next from the choir...
0:33:54 > 0:33:56There Was An Old Man and This Old Man,
0:33:56 > 0:33:59quite literally two for the price of one.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06# There was an old man There was an old man
0:34:06 > 0:34:08# There was an old man There was an old man
0:34:08 > 0:34:11# There was an old man called Michael Finnegan
0:34:11 > 0:34:13# He grew whiskers on his chin-ne-gan
0:34:13 > 0:34:15# The wind came up and blew them in again
0:34:15 > 0:34:16# Poor old Michael Finnegan
0:34:16 > 0:34:18# Begin again, begin again Begin again
0:34:18 > 0:34:20# There was an old man There was an old man
0:34:20 > 0:34:22# There was an old man There was an old man
0:34:22 > 0:34:26# This old man, he played one He played knick-knack on my drum
0:34:26 > 0:34:29# With a knick-knack paddywhack Give the dog a bone
0:34:29 > 0:34:31# This old man came rolling home
0:34:31 > 0:34:33- # Rolling home - Rolling home
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- # Roll-ing home, puppa-puppa... - Home
0:34:36 > 0:34:39# There was an old man called Michael Finnegan
0:34:39 > 0:34:41# He kicked up an awful din-ne-gan
0:34:41 > 0:34:43# Because they said he must not sin again
0:34:43 > 0:34:45# Poor old Michael Finnegan Begin again
0:34:45 > 0:34:47# Finnegan, Finnegan Fi-Fi-Finnegan
0:34:47 > 0:34:49# Finnegan, Finnegan Fi-Fi-Finnegan
0:34:49 > 0:34:52# There was an old man called Michael Finnegan
0:34:52 > 0:34:54# He went fishing with a pin-ne-gan
0:34:54 > 0:34:56# Caught a fish but dropped it in again
0:34:56 > 0:34:58# Poor old Michael Finnegan Begin again
0:34:58 > 0:35:00# Finnegan, begin again Finnegan, begin again
0:35:00 > 0:35:01# Finnegan, begin again
0:35:01 > 0:35:03- # This old man - This old man
0:35:03 > 0:35:04- # He played three - He played four
0:35:04 > 0:35:06# He played knick-knack on my door
0:35:06 > 0:35:08# With a knick-knack paddywhack Give the dog a bone
0:35:08 > 0:35:10# Give the dog a bone A bone
0:35:10 > 0:35:12# A bone, a bone, a bone
0:35:12 > 0:35:13- # Give the dog a bone - Give the dog a bone
0:35:13 > 0:35:15# Give the dog a bone A bone, a bone
0:35:15 > 0:35:16# A bone, a bone
0:35:16 > 0:35:19- # Grrrr! - Grrrr!
0:35:19 > 0:35:21# There was an old man called Michael Finnegan
0:35:21 > 0:35:23# Climbed a tree and barked his shin-ne-gan
0:35:23 > 0:35:26# Took off several yards of skin-ne-gan
0:35:26 > 0:35:28# Poor old Michael Finnegan Begin again
0:35:28 > 0:35:30# There was an old man called Michael Finnegan
0:35:30 > 0:35:32# He grew fat and then grew thin again
0:35:32 > 0:35:34# Then he died and had to begin again
0:35:34 > 0:35:37# Poor old Michael Finnegan
0:35:37 > 0:35:39# Rolling home
0:35:39 > 0:35:44# Roll-ing home
0:35:46 > 0:35:48# There was an old man There was an old man
0:35:48 > 0:35:49# There was an old man
0:35:49 > 0:35:52# This old man came roll-ing home Puppa-puppa-puppa...
0:35:52 > 0:35:55- # Home - Puppa-puppa-puppa-pah
0:35:55 > 0:35:56# Home! #
0:35:56 > 0:35:59CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:36:04 > 0:36:08JOSIE: A change of mood now for Musical Originals Training Choir
0:36:08 > 0:36:12with the poignant and tender Prayer Of The Children by Kurt Bestor.
0:36:12 > 0:36:18# Can you hear
0:36:18 > 0:36:24# The prayer of the children
0:36:24 > 0:36:29# On bended knee
0:36:29 > 0:36:34# In the shadow of an unknown room?
0:36:35 > 0:36:39# Empty eyes
0:36:39 > 0:36:43# With no more tears to cry
0:36:43 > 0:36:48# Turning heavenward
0:36:48 > 0:36:52# Towards the light
0:36:52 > 0:36:56# Crying, Jesus, help me
0:36:56 > 0:37:01# To see the morning light of one more day
0:37:01 > 0:37:07# But if I should die before I wake
0:37:07 > 0:37:12# Give me loving arms
0:37:12 > 0:37:17# Away from harm
0:37:17 > 0:37:21# Whoa-oh
0:37:21 > 0:37:24# Doh-doh-doh-doh
0:37:24 > 0:37:27# Whoa, doh, doh-doh-doh
0:37:27 > 0:37:31# Whoa, doh, doh, dah
0:37:31 > 0:37:36# Dah-dah-dah-doh
0:37:38 > 0:37:43# Can you hear
0:37:44 > 0:37:49# The voice of the children?
0:37:49 > 0:37:54# Softly pleading
0:37:55 > 0:37:59# For silence in a shattered world?
0:37:59 > 0:38:02# Angry guns
0:38:02 > 0:38:05# Preach a gospel full of hate
0:38:06 > 0:38:10# Blood of the innocent
0:38:10 > 0:38:13# On their hands
0:38:13 > 0:38:18# Crying, Jesus, help me
0:38:18 > 0:38:23# To feel the sun again upon my face
0:38:23 > 0:38:29# For when darkness clears I know you're near
0:38:29 > 0:38:36# Bringing peace again
0:38:37 > 0:38:42# Dali cujete
0:38:43 > 0:38:48# Sve djecje molitve?
0:38:49 > 0:38:54# Can you hear
0:38:54 > 0:39:13# The prayer of the children? #
0:39:14 > 0:39:16CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:39:30 > 0:39:32- MAN:- Bravo!
0:39:32 > 0:39:34CHEERING
0:39:41 > 0:39:44The wonderful Musical Originals Training Choir.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48I think they've just made Jersey very proud. Harry.
0:39:48 > 0:39:49Oh, it was absolutely brilliant.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53You're so young and that last piece takes you into many, many parts
0:39:53 > 0:39:55and it was quite amazing.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58We're talking about choirs today, but real praise to your conductor.
0:39:58 > 0:40:03You composed the children so well, but you made them all feel at ease
0:40:03 > 0:40:05and that's really important on such a big stage.
0:40:05 > 0:40:06Top marks.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:40:11 > 0:40:12Eska, let me come to you.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16It's such an exciting opportunity and probably a bit scary
0:40:16 > 0:40:20for a young choir like this to perform in such a big venue.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23You were so incredibly articulate.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27The way that you delivered those lyrics, especially that last song.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31This actually reminds us of the power of singing and choral singing
0:40:31 > 0:40:36because it's beyond what we can just talk about in words.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39You were able to sing it and really reach hearts and minds.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41Thank you so much.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43- Here, here.- I agree.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48The Musical Originals Training Choir!
0:40:48 > 0:40:51CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:40:51 > 0:40:53Let's head backstage,
0:40:53 > 0:40:56where some of Musical Originals Training Choir have joined Lloyd.
0:40:57 > 0:40:58They have indeed.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02Yes, and, well, I can't imagine how you must be feeling.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05You've just performed at the Choir Of The Year final, how was that?
0:41:05 > 0:41:07It was amazing, um...
0:41:07 > 0:41:10It's just so nerve-racking before you go on,
0:41:10 > 0:41:13but then now we've come off it, it's just...overwhelming!
0:41:13 > 0:41:16I'm sure, but you looked as cool as anything.
0:41:16 > 0:41:17Freddie, how was that for you?
0:41:17 > 0:41:22Yeah, it was quite joyful to get all the nerves out and...yeah.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- D'you feel like you're on top of the world now?- Yeah, pretty much.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27- LAUGHTER - And, Imogen, I mean,
0:41:27 > 0:41:29such an ambitious programme,
0:41:29 > 0:41:33but it just goes to show that young people can rise to the challenge.
0:41:33 > 0:41:34They really can.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37I never talk down to the children and I don't expect them not to be
0:41:37 > 0:41:39as good as they possibly can be, however young they are.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42The children aced it, I was so proud of them.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45I was so proud to be on that stage with these children from
0:41:45 > 0:41:47the tiny island of Jersey, it was immense.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50You've made Jersey extremely proud, well done all of you.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52APPLAUSE
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Thank you, Lloyd and Musical Originals Training Choir.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Now it's time to meet the first of our two wild card finalists.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01Even though they didn't win their category, they did enough to
0:42:01 > 0:42:03impress the jury and secure their place here in Cardiff.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06And it may be worth mentioning at this point that the last
0:42:06 > 0:42:09three winners of Choir Of The Year were wild cards themselves.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11It's been quite a year for this choir.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14They've been together less than 12 months and their very first
0:42:14 > 0:42:17public performance was at the Choir Of The Year auditions.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19From Rhosllanerchrugog near Wrexham,
0:42:19 > 0:42:23or just plain Rhos as it's known locally, it's Johns' Boys.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31MEN SING
0:42:37 > 0:42:38I grew up in the...
0:42:38 > 0:42:41Well, some say I've never grown up, to be honest with you,
0:42:41 > 0:42:45but I grew up in the male voice choir, I joined my father's choir
0:42:45 > 0:42:47when I was 16, and I got so much out of that.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52North Wales was once rich with male voice choirs
0:42:52 > 0:42:55with strong ties to the coal and steel industries.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58The factories have largely disappeared,
0:42:58 > 0:43:00but the choral tradition remains and,
0:43:00 > 0:43:03just a few months ago, a new choir was formed,
0:43:03 > 0:43:07Johns' Boys, named after two much-loved local choir leaders.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12The choir was named in part after my father,
0:43:12 > 0:43:15who was John Glyn Williams, and the other was John Tudor Davies,
0:43:15 > 0:43:17they were both friends.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20The choir rehearse at the local miners' institute
0:43:20 > 0:43:22known as "the Stiwt".
0:43:22 > 0:43:26The Stiwt is a vital part of the community,
0:43:26 > 0:43:28but also vital to male voice choirs.
0:43:28 > 0:43:33It was built in 1926 by the miners locally deducting a penny
0:43:33 > 0:43:35from their wages to build the place
0:43:35 > 0:43:38and, really, it is important for us as a community because it closed
0:43:38 > 0:43:42in the 1970s when the pits closed here and the steelworks.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45MEN SING
0:43:45 > 0:43:48The local authority wanted to demolish it and a group of us
0:43:48 > 0:43:52got together, raised money and it's been open now
0:43:52 > 0:43:53for the last 20 years or so.
0:43:53 > 0:43:55Nearly all the choirs rehearse there
0:43:55 > 0:43:58and it's the heart of the community for most of us.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00MEN SING
0:44:02 > 0:44:03That's the idea. Make sure...
0:44:03 > 0:44:05Aiming to keep the male voice tradition alive,
0:44:05 > 0:44:10Johns' Boys has set about recruiting a new generation of singers.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14The way life has changed for young people these days,
0:44:14 > 0:44:18they're very busy, I felt it was important to keep those involved
0:44:18 > 0:44:19in traditional singing.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22MEN SING
0:44:22 > 0:44:24We do have a lot of fun and the generation gap
0:44:24 > 0:44:25doesn't seem to be there.
0:44:25 > 0:44:27Can you do this for me...?
0:44:27 > 0:44:30ALED SINGS
0:44:30 > 0:44:33- MAN:- No. - ALL LAUGH
0:44:35 > 0:44:36Here we go, ready?
0:44:36 > 0:44:37I think it's really important
0:44:37 > 0:44:40that we keep this male voice tradition going.
0:44:41 > 0:44:43My dad was a big part of my life,
0:44:43 > 0:44:45a big part of the community as well, and I think
0:44:45 > 0:44:47he would be proud of what we're doing
0:44:47 > 0:44:50and it would be a dream come true if we were to manage to win it.
0:44:51 > 0:44:54ALL SING
0:44:56 > 0:44:59CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:45:14 > 0:45:18# Glory and love to the men of old
0:45:18 > 0:45:22# Their sons may copy their virtues bold
0:45:22 > 0:45:26# Courage in heart and a sword in hand
0:45:26 > 0:45:30# All ready to fight All ready to die for Fatherland
0:45:30 > 0:45:33# Now to home again
0:45:33 > 0:45:38# We come, the long and fiery strife of battle over
0:45:38 > 0:45:41# Rest is pleasant after
0:45:41 > 0:45:44# Toil as hard as ours beneath a stranger sun
0:45:44 > 0:45:49# Beneath a wild and stranger sun Many a maiden fair
0:45:49 > 0:45:53# Is waiting here to greet her truant soldier lover
0:45:53 > 0:45:56# And many a heart will fail and brow
0:45:56 > 0:45:59- # Grow pale to hear - To hear
0:45:59 > 0:46:02# To hear the tale of cruel peril he has run
0:46:02 > 0:46:04# And many a heart
0:46:04 > 0:46:07# And many a heart will fail and brow grow pale
0:46:07 > 0:46:10# To hear the tale of peril he has run
0:46:10 > 0:46:12# We are at home
0:46:12 > 0:46:16# We are at home, we are at home We are at home
0:46:16 > 0:46:21# Glory and love to the men of old
0:46:21 > 0:46:24# Their sons may copy their virtues bold
0:46:24 > 0:46:29# Courage in heart and a sword in hand
0:46:29 > 0:46:31# All ready to fight for Fatherland
0:46:31 > 0:46:35# All ready to fight All ready to die for Fatherland
0:46:35 > 0:46:38# All ready to fight All ready to die
0:46:38 > 0:46:40# All ready to die
0:46:40 > 0:46:49# For Fa-ther-land. #
0:46:49 > 0:46:52CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:46:56 > 0:46:59JOSIE: From Gounod's rousing Soldier's Chorus
0:46:59 > 0:47:01to a delicate Russian prayer next.
0:47:04 > 0:47:14# Blagoslovi, dushe moya, Gospoda
0:47:14 > 0:47:23# Blagosloven esi, Gospodi
0:47:23 > 0:47:33# Blagoslovi, dushe moya, Gospoda
0:47:33 > 0:47:39# I vsya vnutrennyaya moya
0:47:39 > 0:47:46# Imya svyatoe Ego
0:47:47 > 0:47:57# Blagoslovi, dushe moya, Gospoda
0:47:57 > 0:48:05# I ne zabyvai vsekh vozdayanii Ego
0:48:05 > 0:48:15# Ochishtayushtago vsya bezzakoniya tvoya
0:48:15 > 0:48:23# Istselyayushtago vsya nedugi tvoya
0:48:23 > 0:48:33# Izbavlyayushtago ot istleniya zhivot tvoi
0:48:33 > 0:48:42# Venchayushtago tya milostiyu
0:48:42 > 0:48:50# I shtedrotami
0:48:52 > 0:49:03# Blagoslovi, dushe moya, Gospoda
0:49:03 > 0:49:09# I vsya vnutrennyaya moya
0:49:09 > 0:49:16# Imya svyatoe Ego
0:49:18 > 0:49:25# Blagosloven esi
0:49:25 > 0:49:40# Gospodi. #
0:49:41 > 0:49:45APPLAUSE
0:49:45 > 0:49:47JOSIE: And, to close their programme,
0:49:47 > 0:49:51Johns' Boys turn to a popular Welsh folk song, Y March Glas -
0:49:51 > 0:49:52The Prize Stallion.
0:50:00 > 0:50:03# Gen i farch glas, a hwnnw'n towli
0:50:03 > 0:50:05# 'Does dim o'i fath yn sir Aberteifi
0:50:05 > 0:50:07# Ffal a rwdl didl dal Ffal a rwdl didl dal
0:50:07 > 0:50:10# Ffal a rw, ho, ho! Ffal a rw, ho, ho!
0:50:10 > 0:50:11# Ffal a rwdl didl dal
0:50:12 > 0:50:15# Gen i gyfrwy newy' o groen ochr mochyn
0:50:15 > 0:50:17# Ffrwyn dwbwl reins a gwarthol a sbardun
0:50:17 > 0:50:19# Ffal a rwdl didl dal Ffal a rwdl didl dal
0:50:19 > 0:50:21# Ffal a rw, ho, ho! Ffal a rw, ho, ho!
0:50:21 > 0:50:23# Ffal a rwdl didl dal
0:50:25 > 0:50:28# Gen i het silc o siop Aberhonddu
0:50:28 > 0:50:30# 'Phrisiwn i fawr roi sofren amdani
0:50:30 > 0:50:33# Ffal a rwdl didl dal Ffal a rwdl didl dal
0:50:33 > 0:50:35# Ffal a rw, ho, ho! Ffal a rw, ho, ho!
0:50:35 > 0:50:37# Ffal a rwdl didl dal
0:50:37 > 0:50:38# Ffal a
0:50:38 > 0:50:41# Gen i got fain o waith teiliwr Llunden
0:50:41 > 0:50:43# Stitshoi'n dynn oboiti fy nghefn
0:50:43 > 0:50:45# Ffal a rwdl didl dal Ffal a rwdl didl dal
0:50:45 > 0:50:47# Ffal a rw, ho, ho! Ffal a rw, ho, ho!
0:50:50 > 0:50:53# Ffal a rwdl, ffal a rwdl Ffal a rwdl, ffal a rwdl
0:50:53 > 0:50:54# Ffal a rwdl didl dal
0:50:57 > 0:51:00# Ffal a rw, ho
0:51:00 > 0:51:03# Ffal a rw, ho
0:51:03 > 0:51:05# Ffal a rw Ffal a rw
0:51:05 > 0:51:07# Ffal a rwdl didl dal
0:51:11 > 0:51:19# Ffal a rwdl didl dal
0:51:19 > 0:51:23# Ho, ho, ho-o-o-o-o! #
0:51:23 > 0:51:26CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:51:30 > 0:51:32Ladies and gentlemen, Johns' Boys!
0:51:32 > 0:51:34CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:51:37 > 0:51:40Now, someone who certainly knows a thing or two about male voice choirs
0:51:40 > 0:51:42is Tim Rhys-Evans.
0:51:42 > 0:51:45Tim, you must be pleased to see this new choir helping to maintain
0:51:45 > 0:51:48that rich Welsh male voice tradition?
0:51:48 > 0:51:53Absolutely. Da iawn, boys. Great, robust sound.
0:51:53 > 0:51:56Uh, great evenness of voice throughout the register,
0:51:56 > 0:52:01from the bases to the fantastic ringing top B-flat in the Faust.
0:52:01 > 0:52:03Superb. Going onto the Russian...
0:52:03 > 0:52:06Bravo for taking on the Russian language and capturing
0:52:06 > 0:52:12the colour of that Russian musical world, it... I just...
0:52:12 > 0:52:14My hat off to you there.
0:52:14 > 0:52:17In fact, I would've loved to have heard the Gounod in French as well
0:52:17 > 0:52:19and taken us there.
0:52:19 > 0:52:20- Da iawn.- Thank you.
0:52:20 > 0:52:23APPLAUSE
0:52:24 > 0:52:25Thank you, Tim.
0:52:25 > 0:52:28Ah, Danielle, not only did they present three contrasting pieces,
0:52:28 > 0:52:31they also sang, as Tim mentioned, in three different languages.
0:52:31 > 0:52:34Were you impressed with their linguistic skills?
0:52:34 > 0:52:37I'm hugely impressed and I just wanted to say that
0:52:37 > 0:52:40it is one of the things that we look for, as judges,
0:52:40 > 0:52:46is great breadth of variation in the programme, and male voices,
0:52:46 > 0:52:49we expect that robust sound, as Tim said,
0:52:49 > 0:52:52what we don't expect is a sort of majesty,
0:52:52 > 0:52:56but also an intimacy and to do that in three languages...
0:52:56 > 0:52:59And I also would have liked to have heard the Faust in French -
0:52:59 > 0:53:00I look forward to hearing it in the future.
0:53:00 > 0:53:02So thank you very much.
0:53:02 > 0:53:04Thanks, Tim and Danielle.
0:53:04 > 0:53:06And...thank you to Johns' Boys!
0:53:06 > 0:53:09- APPLAUSE - Let's catch up with Johns' Boys,
0:53:09 > 0:53:13who are hopefully backstage with Lloyd and not in the pub already!
0:53:13 > 0:53:16- LAUGHTER - Don't worry, they're not there just yet, although I hear
0:53:16 > 0:53:19you've got an appointment with a hotel bar afterwards, Aled.
0:53:19 > 0:53:21Ooh, I don't know anything about that, mate.
0:53:21 > 0:53:23Ooh, I haven't got a clue about that. I'll pass on that one.
0:53:23 > 0:53:25You're the leader, you should know these things,
0:53:25 > 0:53:28but you do know how to train a choir and Tim and Danielle,
0:53:28 > 0:53:31obviously, are huge fans of that robust sound.
0:53:31 > 0:53:33How did you create that in only a few months?
0:53:33 > 0:53:36Yes, it's a heck of an achievement to form
0:53:36 > 0:53:40- a choir February time and come all this way.- Mm-hm.
0:53:40 > 0:53:45But, luckily, we've got choirs in Wales, established choirs,
0:53:45 > 0:53:48that show that with hard work you can achieve a heck of a lot.
0:53:48 > 0:53:50Absolutely, and, Dylan,
0:53:50 > 0:53:53a performance and a choir certainly worthy of your father's name.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56- Merci beaucoup, um... - LAUGHTER
0:53:56 > 0:53:59- That's about as far as it goes... - There you go.
0:54:00 > 0:54:03I really appreciated the judges' comments and...
0:54:03 > 0:54:06I felt quite emotional on the stage, I hope that connected with
0:54:06 > 0:54:09the audience as well and I really enjoyed it.
0:54:09 > 0:54:10Absolutely, and, Aled,
0:54:10 > 0:54:13you were saying to me earlier that sort of inspiring the next
0:54:13 > 0:54:17generation of male voice singers is an important part of this choir's,
0:54:17 > 0:54:19you know, existence.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22Yeah, very much so, and actually to ensure that the community,
0:54:22 > 0:54:23you know, different generations,
0:54:23 > 0:54:26we can actually enjoy music together and that's really important.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29There's a marvellous tradition in Wales and it is a tradition
0:54:29 > 0:54:30that we need to pass on.
0:54:30 > 0:54:33We'll obviously learn some French as well. LAUGHTER
0:54:33 > 0:54:36Absolutely, but I'll just say diolch for now, just the Welsh, thank you.
0:54:36 > 0:54:39Dioch. APPLAUSE
0:54:41 > 0:54:43Merci beaucoup to both of you.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46Tim and Danielle, I hope you got your fix of French there.
0:54:46 > 0:54:48Well done to Johns' Boys.
0:54:48 > 0:54:51So, we've heard from the boys and now it's time for the girls
0:54:51 > 0:54:52to show us what they're made of.
0:54:52 > 0:54:55The penultimate choir to perform in this Grand Final
0:54:55 > 0:54:57is a female barbershop chorus.
0:54:57 > 0:55:01They made it here to Cardiff as one of two wild card selections.
0:55:01 > 0:55:05From Leeds, they're the 75-strong The White Rosettes.
0:55:10 > 0:55:13WOMEN SING
0:55:16 > 0:55:18The White Rosettes are a barbershop chorus based in Leeds,
0:55:18 > 0:55:23there's 72 members, all ranging from 18 to 84.
0:55:23 > 0:55:26JOSIE: The White Rosettes are titans of the barbershop world.
0:55:26 > 0:55:30They've won the ladies' British barbershop championships
0:55:30 > 0:55:35an unprecedented 15 times and the secret of their success is
0:55:35 > 0:55:36down to their technique.
0:55:36 > 0:55:38Barbershop's a very different sort of singing,
0:55:38 > 0:55:40it's four-part a cappella singing
0:55:40 > 0:55:42and, because it's only four parts,
0:55:42 > 0:55:44you can do it with four people, you can do it with 80 people.
0:55:44 > 0:55:48The idea is that the four parts stack their notes together
0:55:48 > 0:55:50to create harmonics,
0:55:50 > 0:55:53so that we actually hear five and six notes at any one time.
0:55:53 > 0:55:55That's the science of the sound that we try to make.
0:55:55 > 0:55:59WOMEN SING
0:56:03 > 0:56:06The magic thing about it is when you lock chords and you just get
0:56:06 > 0:56:09the buzz in your ears and it just makes you tingle
0:56:09 > 0:56:12and it's wonderful, it makes me happy.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15WOMEN SING
0:56:18 > 0:56:23There is a real science to the way you produce sound in the head
0:56:23 > 0:56:27and then a science to matching that together when it's ensemble singing.
0:56:27 > 0:56:29ALL SING
0:56:29 > 0:56:33I praise each individual voice and, based on their own natural
0:56:33 > 0:56:36resonance, I place them in a stack on the risers.
0:56:36 > 0:56:40They are placed based on their own resonance in their head.
0:56:40 > 0:56:43WOMEN SING
0:56:43 > 0:56:46I try and make it my job to value everybody.
0:56:46 > 0:56:49I think the stacking does that because it celebrates the voice
0:56:49 > 0:56:50the way that it was built.
0:56:50 > 0:56:53You analyse somebody's voice and celebrate how THEY sing,
0:56:53 > 0:56:54not how you want them to sing.
0:56:54 > 0:56:57WOMEN SING
0:56:57 > 0:56:59It is a community, it is my life,
0:56:59 > 0:57:03I've been doing this now for 34 years and it's the feel-good factor
0:57:03 > 0:57:06of being within this marvellous beast that is
0:57:06 > 0:57:08The White Rosettes.
0:57:08 > 0:57:10WOMEN SING
0:57:10 > 0:57:14The first song that we'll be singing in the final is Skyfall,
0:57:14 > 0:57:16which is from the Bond movie, Skyfall.
0:57:16 > 0:57:18# Stand tall and face it all together at Skyfall... #
0:57:18 > 0:57:21It's quite sinister, has some sinister chording in it,
0:57:21 > 0:57:22appropriately, cos it's Bond!
0:57:22 > 0:57:24This one has become quite a favourite
0:57:24 > 0:57:26and it's a really good opener.
0:57:27 > 0:57:31CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:57:38 > 0:57:43# Wah-ah-ah-ah
0:57:43 > 0:57:48# Doo-bah-doo, bah-doo
0:57:48 > 0:57:54# Doo-bah-doo, bah-doo
0:57:54 > 0:58:00- # Doo-bah-doo, bah-doo - Bah-dah-doo-bah, bah-dah-doo-bah
0:58:00 > 0:58:05# Buh-rum, buh-rum
0:58:05 > 0:58:10# This is the end
0:58:10 > 0:58:16# Hold your breath and count to ten
0:58:16 > 0:58:21# Feel the earth move and then
0:58:21 > 0:58:28# So overdue I owe them
0:58:28 > 0:58:34- # Swept away, I'm stolen - I am stolen, I am stolen
0:58:34 > 0:58:37# Let the sky fall
0:58:37 > 0:58:40# When it crumbles
0:58:40 > 0:58:42# We will stand tall
0:58:42 > 0:58:45# And face it all together
0:58:45 > 0:58:48# Let the sky fall
0:58:48 > 0:58:51# When it crumbles
0:58:51 > 0:58:53# We will stand tall
0:58:53 > 0:58:55# And face it all together
0:58:55 > 0:58:57# At Skyfall
0:58:57 > 0:59:01- # Doo-bah-doo, bah-doo - Bah-dah-doo-bah, bah-dah-doo-bah
0:59:01 > 0:59:06# At Skyfall
0:59:07 > 0:59:12- # Skyfall is where we start - Where we start
0:59:12 > 0:59:18- # A thousand miles and poles apart - A thousand miles and poles apart
0:59:18 > 0:59:21# Where worlds collide and days are dark
0:59:21 > 0:59:25# You may have my number You can take my name
0:59:25 > 0:59:29# But you'll never have my heart
0:59:29 > 0:59:32# Let the sky fall
0:59:32 > 0:59:35# When it crumbles
0:59:35 > 0:59:38# We will stand tall
0:59:38 > 0:59:40# And face it all together
0:59:40 > 0:59:43- # Let the sky fall - Let the sky fall
0:59:43 > 0:59:46- # When it crumbles - When it crumbles
0:59:46 > 0:59:48# We will stand tall
0:59:48 > 0:59:50# We will stand and face it all together
0:59:50 > 0:59:52# At skyfall
0:59:52 > 0:59:55# Let the sky fall, let the sky fall
0:59:55 > 0:59:57# We will stand tall
0:59:57 > 1:00:01# At the fall, at the fall
1:00:01 > 1:00:03# Oooh
1:00:03 > 1:00:05# At skyfall
1:00:05 > 1:00:10# Oooh
1:00:10 > 1:00:22# At skyfall. #
1:00:23 > 1:00:26CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:00:26 > 1:00:27Adele's Bond classic.
1:00:27 > 1:00:32Next, an unexpected visit to the 16th century and Thomas Morley's
1:00:32 > 1:00:35magical April Is In My Mistress' Face.
1:00:35 > 1:00:41# April is in my mistress' face
1:00:41 > 1:00:49# April is in my mistress' face
1:00:50 > 1:00:59# April is in my mistress' face
1:00:59 > 1:01:05# And July in her eyes hath place
1:01:05 > 1:01:08# And July in her eyes
1:01:08 > 1:01:14# And July in her eyes hath place
1:01:15 > 1:01:20# Within her bosom
1:01:20 > 1:01:24# Within her bosom
1:01:24 > 1:01:34# Is September
1:01:34 > 1:01:37# But in her heart
1:01:37 > 1:01:42# But in her heart
1:01:42 > 1:01:52# But in her heart a cold December
1:01:52 > 1:01:55# But in her heart
1:01:55 > 1:02:00# But in her heart
1:02:00 > 1:02:03# But in her heart
1:02:03 > 1:02:20# But in her heart a cold December. #
1:02:20 > 1:02:24CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:02:24 > 1:02:26And to finish their programme,
1:02:26 > 1:02:28a song written and made famous by Peggy Lee,
1:02:28 > 1:02:31I Love Being Here With You.
1:02:31 > 1:02:33# I love the east, I love the west
1:02:33 > 1:02:36# And north and south, they're both the best
1:02:36 > 1:02:38# But I only want to go there
1:02:38 > 1:02:39# As a guest
1:02:39 > 1:02:42# Cos I love being here with you
1:02:42 > 1:02:45# I love the sea, I love the shore
1:02:45 > 1:02:48# I love the rocks and what is more
1:02:48 > 1:02:51# With you there they'd never be a bore
1:02:51 > 1:02:54# Cos I love being here with you
1:02:54 > 1:02:56# Just singing in the shower
1:02:56 > 1:02:58# Laughing by the hour
1:02:58 > 1:03:01# Life is such a breezy game
1:03:01 > 1:03:04# Love all kinds of weather, as long as we're together
1:03:04 > 1:03:07# I love to hear you say my name
1:03:07 > 1:03:10# I love good wine and fine cuisine
1:03:10 > 1:03:13# And candle light, I love the scene
1:03:13 > 1:03:16# But, baby, if you know just what I mean
1:03:16 > 1:03:19# I love being here with you, with you
1:03:19 > 1:03:21# I love, love, love
1:03:21 > 1:03:24# I love being here with you
1:03:24 > 1:03:25# With you
1:03:28 > 1:03:32# I want you so much more than the sun and the sky up above
1:03:32 > 1:03:35# How I love, how I love
1:03:35 > 1:03:37# How I love being here with you
1:03:37 > 1:03:39# Baby, baby
1:03:39 > 1:03:41# I'd love to sing in Basie's band a-swinging
1:03:41 > 1:03:44# There's something else you know
1:03:44 > 1:03:45# Oh yeah
1:03:45 > 1:03:47# They know how to say it
1:03:47 > 1:03:50# They just wind it up and let it go
1:03:50 > 1:03:53# Wind it up and let it go, oh
1:03:53 > 1:03:56# Been a lot of hours
1:03:56 > 1:03:59# Waiting for the applause
1:03:59 > 1:04:02# But, baby, don't you worry cos I'm still yours
1:04:02 > 1:04:05# I love being here with you
1:04:05 > 1:04:08# With you, the only one I love
1:04:08 > 1:04:11# I love
1:04:11 > 1:04:15# Cos being with you is what I love
1:04:15 > 1:04:17# That's what I love
1:04:17 > 1:04:23# Baby, that's what I love
1:04:23 > 1:04:35# That's what I love. #
1:04:35 > 1:04:40CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:04:50 > 1:04:55I think Julian loves being here with you ladies! That's what I'm saying!
1:04:55 > 1:04:59Three very different pieces from three different centuries.
1:04:59 > 1:05:02Eska, did they, for you, succeed in owning each piece?
1:05:03 > 1:05:05Every piece.
1:05:05 > 1:05:09You gave such emotion and such a sense of being really present
1:05:09 > 1:05:11in that piece.
1:05:11 > 1:05:15What a great delivery and celebration of lots of
1:05:15 > 1:05:17different styles.
1:05:17 > 1:05:20Harry, this choir has had enormous success in
1:05:20 > 1:05:22barbershop competitions.
1:05:22 > 1:05:24Did that experience shine through in their performance today?
1:05:24 > 1:05:26Oh, it certainly did.
1:05:26 > 1:05:29It's a pure velvet sound you make, which is so good.
1:05:29 > 1:05:31And that comes so much from the lower voices,
1:05:31 > 1:05:34really supporting everything that happens above them.
1:05:34 > 1:05:35That was gorgeous.
1:05:35 > 1:05:37Thanks very much, Harry and Eska.
1:05:37 > 1:05:39Thank you again The White Rosettes.
1:05:39 > 1:05:43CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:05:48 > 1:05:51Plenty of encouraging comments from the judges.
1:05:51 > 1:05:53Let's join Lloyd backstage.
1:05:53 > 1:05:55Thank you very much.
1:05:55 > 1:05:59Well, Harry Christophers described your sound as pure velvet.
1:05:59 > 1:06:01That scientific approach really paid off.
1:06:01 > 1:06:03Well, yeah, it looks like it.
1:06:03 > 1:06:06And what a great compliment that it's pure velvet.
1:06:06 > 1:06:07And the work that we do
1:06:07 > 1:06:09in developing our own individual resonance
1:06:09 > 1:06:13to create the ensemble connection is something we take great pride in.
1:06:13 > 1:06:15It's been such a thrill.
1:06:15 > 1:06:16Absolutely. Jane,
1:06:16 > 1:06:19what would it mean to add this Choir of the Year trophy to the cabinet?
1:06:19 > 1:06:23We are within a barbershop style. We do that day in day out.
1:06:23 > 1:06:27To be part of the talent that's been on that stage today and to be even
1:06:27 > 1:06:30up against it, fantastic. Can't express it.
1:06:30 > 1:06:31Wonderful.
1:06:31 > 1:06:35Alice, it's your job to get these 70 ladies to each perform.
1:06:35 > 1:06:38That's surely a full-time job by itself?
1:06:38 > 1:06:39Pretty much, yes.
1:06:39 > 1:06:42Basically, I make them scared of me so they do I need them to do
1:06:42 > 1:06:43when I need them to do it.
1:06:43 > 1:06:45It seems to work most of the time!
1:06:45 > 1:06:47It certainly worked tonight. No messing with you guys.
1:06:47 > 1:06:49- Thank you very much.- ALL:- Thank you.
1:06:49 > 1:06:53So, we've come to the last choir in this Grand Final of
1:06:53 > 1:06:55Choir of the Year 2016.
1:06:55 > 1:06:58They were the winners of the adult category back in October.
1:06:58 > 1:07:01They're an a cappella or an unaccompanied chamber choir
1:07:01 > 1:07:02from Newcastle.
1:07:02 > 1:07:05They are called the Voices Of Hope.
1:07:10 > 1:07:13CHOIR SINGS
1:07:15 > 1:07:19We're a 20-piece chamber choir called Voices Of Hope
1:07:19 > 1:07:22and we're from the northeast of England.
1:07:22 > 1:07:23We formed five years ago.
1:07:23 > 1:07:26We were raising money for the British Heart Foundation
1:07:26 > 1:07:30on the first anniversary of my mother's death.
1:07:34 > 1:07:37It was initially just a one-off concert that we were going to
1:07:37 > 1:07:38do together, a group of friends.
1:07:38 > 1:07:41# On my own... #
1:07:41 > 1:07:44We thought it would be really nice to keep going.
1:07:44 > 1:07:47What's really great is that the second ever concert we did
1:07:47 > 1:07:49was an audition for Choir of the Year four years ago
1:07:49 > 1:07:52so it's nice that it's come full circle.
1:07:52 > 1:07:55# The man of the Pharisees... #
1:07:55 > 1:07:58There's something very special about singing in an a cappella choir.
1:07:58 > 1:08:02We trust each other and when we sing in a circle and smile at each other,
1:08:02 > 1:08:04we know we're going to create a really good sound.
1:08:04 > 1:08:07# Jesus was a man who desired to know
1:08:07 > 1:08:09# How man can... #
1:08:10 > 1:08:13In the five years since the choir was founded,
1:08:13 > 1:08:16Voices Of Hope have formed a strong relationship with
1:08:16 > 1:08:20one of the area's most iconic buildings, the Sage Gateshead.
1:08:20 > 1:08:23It's important to have a relationship with Sage Gateshead
1:08:23 > 1:08:26because quite a lot of us work there and I'm one of them.
1:08:26 > 1:08:28We are very proud to work in this building,
1:08:28 > 1:08:32which is a beacon for the northeast of music.
1:08:33 > 1:08:35We have a really great connection with the classical
1:08:35 > 1:08:38department and with the learning department and it gives us
1:08:38 > 1:08:41opportunities to sing in this incredible environment
1:08:41 > 1:08:43and gives us other opportunities outside of the building as well.
1:08:43 > 1:08:46We have this great connection with the northeast as a whole.
1:08:46 > 1:08:49We love singing the music from here and we love doing lots of
1:08:49 > 1:08:53community work. People in the northeast feel like we're theirs.
1:08:53 > 1:08:54It's a really nice feeling.
1:08:54 > 1:08:56Brill. Let's try it.
1:08:56 > 1:08:58And...
1:08:59 > 1:09:02CHOIR SINGS
1:09:02 > 1:09:04We're going to be singing a piece of music by Will Todd,
1:09:04 > 1:09:06who was born in Durham.
1:09:06 > 1:09:09The text of the piece, Christus Est Stella,
1:09:09 > 1:09:10was written by the Venerable Bede.
1:09:10 > 1:09:14There's an inscription of that engraved in Durham Cathedral
1:09:14 > 1:09:17so I think that anchors us in the northeast with that little
1:09:17 > 1:09:20piece of programming.
1:09:21 > 1:09:25To win Choir of the Year would mean an enormous amount.
1:09:25 > 1:09:28The people in this choir are so fantastic and they mean
1:09:28 > 1:09:32so much to me that I just want to win it for them.
1:09:32 > 1:09:35CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:09:41 > 1:09:47# Christus est stella
1:09:47 > 1:09:53# Matutina
1:09:53 > 1:09:58# Alleluia
1:10:00 > 1:10:12# Qui nocte saeculi transacta
1:10:12 > 1:10:18# Alleluia
1:10:19 > 1:10:26# Christus est stella
1:10:26 > 1:10:31# Matutina
1:10:33 > 1:10:38# Alleluia
1:10:38 > 1:10:47# Alleluia
1:10:50 > 1:10:56# Lucem vitae
1:10:56 > 1:11:02# Lucem vitae
1:11:02 > 1:11:10# Sanctis promittit
1:11:12 > 1:11:17# Alleluia
1:11:18 > 1:11:23# Alleluia
1:11:23 > 1:11:26# Alleluia
1:11:26 > 1:11:29# Alleluia
1:11:29 > 1:11:36# Alleluia
1:11:36 > 1:11:42# Et pandit aeternam
1:11:42 > 1:11:51# Et pandit aeternam
1:11:53 > 1:12:03# Alleluia
1:12:05 > 1:12:11# Christus est stella
1:12:11 > 1:12:17# Matutina
1:12:17 > 1:12:21# Alleluia
1:12:22 > 1:12:25# Alleluia
1:12:25 > 1:12:30# Alleluia
1:12:34 > 1:12:40# Alleluia
1:12:41 > 1:12:48# Alleluia
1:12:50 > 1:13:09# Alleluia. #
1:13:11 > 1:13:15CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:13:15 > 1:13:17In a programme of sacred music,
1:13:17 > 1:13:20Voices Of Hope turn next to the
1:13:20 > 1:13:22Estonian composer Arvo Part.
1:13:24 > 1:13:26THEY SING IN RUSSIAN
1:14:32 > 1:14:37CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:14:38 > 1:14:42And the last song in this Grand Final is the popular spiritual,
1:14:42 > 1:14:44Witness.
1:14:44 > 1:14:47# There was a man of the Pharisees
1:14:47 > 1:14:50# His name was Nicodemus and he didn't believe
1:14:50 > 1:14:53# The same came to Christ by night
1:14:53 > 1:14:55# Wanted to be taught out of human sight
1:14:55 > 1:14:59# Nicodemus was a man who desired to know
1:14:59 > 1:15:02# How a man can be born when he is old
1:15:02 > 1:15:05# Christ told Nicodemus as a friend
1:15:05 > 1:15:08# "Man you must be born again"
1:15:08 > 1:15:11# He said, "Marvel not, man, if you wanna be wise
1:15:11 > 1:15:14# "Repent, believe and be baptized"
1:15:14 > 1:15:16# Then you'll be a witness
1:15:16 > 1:15:20# Then you'll be a witness for my Lord
1:15:20 > 1:15:23# Then you'll be a witness for my Lord
1:15:23 > 1:15:25# You'll be a witness
1:15:25 > 1:15:28# My soul is a witness for my Lord
1:15:28 > 1:15:32# You read about Samson, from his birth
1:15:32 > 1:15:36# He was strongest man that ever lived on Earth
1:15:36 > 1:15:39# Way back yonder in ancient times
1:15:39 > 1:15:43# He killed ten thousand of the Philistines
1:15:43 > 1:15:46# Then old Samson went wandering about
1:15:46 > 1:15:48# Samson's strength was never found out
1:15:48 > 1:15:51# Till his wife sat upon his knee
1:15:51 > 1:15:54# She said, "Tell me where your strength lies, if you please"
1:15:54 > 1:15:58# Now, Samson's wife, she talk so fair
1:15:58 > 1:16:00# Samson said, "Cut off my hair"
1:16:00 > 1:16:01# Cut it off
1:16:01 > 1:16:04# "Shave my head as you clean your hand
1:16:04 > 1:16:07# "And my strength will become like a natural man"
1:16:07 > 1:16:10# Samson was a witness, Lord
1:16:10 > 1:16:13# Samson was a witness, Lord
1:16:13 > 1:16:17# Samson was a witness, Lord
1:16:17 > 1:16:20# My soul is a witness for my Lord
1:16:20 > 1:16:22# There's another witness
1:16:22 > 1:16:24# There's another witness
1:16:24 > 1:16:26# There's another witness
1:16:26 > 1:16:27# There's another witness
1:16:27 > 1:16:29# There's another witness
1:16:29 > 1:16:31# There's another witness
1:16:31 > 1:16:36# There's another witness for my Lord
1:16:38 > 1:16:47# My soul is a witness for my
1:16:49 > 1:16:54Lord. #
1:16:54 > 1:16:59CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:17:10 > 1:17:12Voices Of Hope bringing this Grand Final
1:17:12 > 1:17:15of Choir of the Year 2016 to a close.
1:17:15 > 1:17:17Tim, one of only two choirs this evening to sing
1:17:17 > 1:17:19completely unaccompanied.
1:17:19 > 1:17:24Fantastic. A sense of ensemble throughout all pieces.
1:17:24 > 1:17:30The Part and the Todd were particularly effective for me,
1:17:30 > 1:17:35really embracing the style of each of the three pieces. Bravo.
1:17:35 > 1:17:39Dani, as an opera singer, you need to know where your strengths lie
1:17:39 > 1:17:42and what repertoire is right for your voice.
1:17:42 > 1:17:44That's the same for a choir, isn't it?
1:17:44 > 1:17:48I heard one voice. I don't know if everybody feels the same way.
1:17:48 > 1:17:54The precision of your delivery gave you one voice.
1:17:54 > 1:17:57So, yes, you clearly know what your strengths are but I can't
1:17:57 > 1:18:00imagine what your weaknesses are.
1:18:00 > 1:18:04You have stunning, stunning diction.
1:18:04 > 1:18:08I didn't need to look at Witness at all. I heard every single word.
1:18:08 > 1:18:10Really fantastic. Fantastic work.
1:18:10 > 1:18:15CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:18:15 > 1:18:16Voices Of Hope.
1:18:16 > 1:18:19CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:18:22 > 1:18:24Let's head backstage one last time to Lloyd,
1:18:24 > 1:18:26who is with some of the choir.
1:18:26 > 1:18:28What a way to end this evening.
1:18:28 > 1:18:33Hannah, a ringing endorsement from the judges there of your choir.
1:18:33 > 1:18:36It's... We work so hard. We meet every week.
1:18:36 > 1:18:38We love spending time together.
1:18:38 > 1:18:41When other people tell us that it's good,
1:18:41 > 1:18:42it's just the nicest feeling.
1:18:42 > 1:18:44I bet.
1:18:44 > 1:18:46Lorna, was it quite difficult to be the last choir to perform
1:18:46 > 1:18:50this evening, watching all the other choirs and anticipation building up?
1:18:50 > 1:18:52Definitely.
1:18:52 > 1:18:55It's been an amazing day. Well done to all the rest of the choirs.
1:18:55 > 1:18:58It's been such a fantastic thing to watch, as well as be a part of.
1:18:58 > 1:19:00Simon, well, how do you feel?
1:19:01 > 1:19:02Tired!
1:19:04 > 1:19:05No, it's been a brilliant day.
1:19:05 > 1:19:08Very humbling just to be in the same room as all these other
1:19:08 > 1:19:10wonderful choirs.
1:19:10 > 1:19:13I just feel very proud of my singers.
1:19:13 > 1:19:17I think we were wonderful tonight, really excited for them.
1:19:17 > 1:19:22I should say at this time, just mention that the choir was set up
1:19:22 > 1:19:26in memory of my mum so my thoughts are with her a little bit as well.
1:19:26 > 1:19:28I hope she is proud of me.
1:19:28 > 1:19:32I'm sure. Very emotional. Thank you very much, Simon.
1:19:34 > 1:19:36While the jury leave to make their decision,
1:19:36 > 1:19:38time for a special performance.
1:19:38 > 1:19:40Earlier this year,
1:19:40 > 1:19:44saxophonist Jess Gillam reached the Grand Final of BBC Young Musician.
1:19:44 > 1:19:47Composer Jeremy Holland-Smith was inspired by her performance
1:19:47 > 1:19:50and wrote a piece with her in mind.
1:19:50 > 1:19:52She's going to give the world premiere now
1:19:52 > 1:19:57and is joined by organist Robert Court and six sopranos from
1:19:57 > 1:20:00CF1, winners of Choir of the Year 2014.
1:20:03 > 1:20:06THEY SING IN GERMAN
1:24:03 > 1:24:07APPLAUSE
1:24:16 > 1:24:19CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:24:20 > 1:24:23Now, before we hear the result, here's
1:24:23 > 1:24:26a quick reminder of the six choirs and the thoughts of the judges.
1:24:33 > 1:24:35First...
1:24:37 > 1:24:42The beautiful hushed tones of that second piece were really magical.
1:24:42 > 1:24:44Bringing this Welsh language.
1:24:44 > 1:24:47It's a difficult and extremely melodic language.
1:24:47 > 1:24:50It was lovely to hear. I wish I would be able to sing in Welsh.
1:24:50 > 1:24:52Maybe I will one day.
1:24:56 > 1:25:01They moved together like one living, breathing organism.
1:25:01 > 1:25:04It was so beautiful and spectacular to see.
1:25:10 > 1:25:16They display a tremendous musical maturity for once so young.
1:25:16 > 1:25:19And they bring all that beautiful sincerity to everything that
1:25:19 > 1:25:20they do.
1:25:20 > 1:25:24They've made a remarkable feat in that they make it look so easy.
1:25:27 > 1:25:31Johns' Boys had a terrific, robust operatic sound.
1:25:31 > 1:25:37I loved their well-supported singing and some fantastic voices in
1:25:37 > 1:25:41the choir yet you always felt that they were moving as one.
1:25:46 > 1:25:51You could really look at every single face and they were connected
1:25:51 > 1:25:53to what they were doing.
1:25:53 > 1:25:56You really see clearly with this group
1:25:56 > 1:26:01a group that love what they do and actually great entertainers.
1:26:06 > 1:26:09This is just a great ensemble.
1:26:09 > 1:26:12I shut my eyes at one point just to take in the music and I could
1:26:12 > 1:26:15hear all the chords beautifully, the blend, the ensemble.
1:26:15 > 1:26:18The precision and the variety of the programme,
1:26:18 > 1:26:19absolutely staggering.
1:26:23 > 1:26:26APPLAUSE
1:26:26 > 1:26:28What a final it's been.
1:26:28 > 1:26:32I'm delighted to say we have a decision.
1:26:32 > 1:26:34AUDIENCE: Ooh!
1:26:34 > 1:26:37Please welcome to the stage our jury,
1:26:37 > 1:26:40Eska, Tim Rhys-Evans, Danielle de Niese and Harry Christophers,
1:26:40 > 1:26:43who will announce the winner of Choir of the Year 2016.
1:26:43 > 1:26:46CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:26:54 > 1:26:56Thank you so much.
1:26:56 > 1:26:59The winners of Choir of the Year 2016...
1:27:01 > 1:27:03..Voices Of Hope.
1:27:03 > 1:27:07CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:27:22 > 1:27:24APPLAUSE DROWNS SPEECH
1:27:32 > 1:27:34Voices Of Hope. Congratulations.
1:27:34 > 1:27:37Can you tell us what it means to be holding the trophy?
1:27:37 > 1:27:39Kind of lost for words.
1:27:39 > 1:27:42It means a great deal, obviously.
1:27:42 > 1:27:46You spend, as singers, most of your time thinking you're rubbish so...
1:27:46 > 1:27:48LAUGHTER
1:27:48 > 1:27:52To have these people say that you're OK is pretty special and
1:27:52 > 1:27:55my singers are amazing, amazing people.
1:27:55 > 1:27:58It's a joy to work with them.
1:27:58 > 1:28:00This is for you guys.
1:28:02 > 1:28:03Well done. Incredibly humble.
1:28:03 > 1:28:07You are a lot better than just OK, trust me!
1:28:07 > 1:28:10Once more for our winners, Voices Of Hope.
1:28:10 > 1:28:13CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:28:16 > 1:28:19Please put your hands together for the representatives of our
1:28:19 > 1:28:22other our wonderful choirs, Cor Cwm,
1:28:22 > 1:28:25Rainbow Connection Singers, Musical Originals Training Choir,
1:28:25 > 1:28:28Johns' Boys and The White Rosettes.
1:28:28 > 1:28:31CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:28:35 > 1:28:38Our congratulations again to our winners, Voices Of Hope,
1:28:38 > 1:28:43who are Choir of the Year 2016 and deservedly so.
1:28:43 > 1:28:45I'm sure you'll all agree that tonight has been
1:28:45 > 1:28:51a real celebration of choral singing at its very best.
1:28:51 > 1:28:54So, from all of us here at the Wales Millennium Centre, goodnight.
1:28:54 > 1:28:56Nos da.
1:28:56 > 1:28:58APPLAUSE
1:28:58 > 1:29:00# There's another witness
1:29:00 > 1:29:02# There's another witness
1:29:02 > 1:29:04# There's another witness
1:29:04 > 1:29:07# There's another witness
1:29:07 > 1:29:09# There's another witness
1:29:09 > 1:29:10# There's another witness
1:29:10 > 1:29:14# For my Lord
1:29:16 > 1:29:20# My soul is a witness
1:29:20 > 1:29:25# For my
1:29:27 > 1:29:31# Lord. #
1:29:31 > 1:29:33CHEERING AND APPLAUSE