0:00:02 > 0:00:05Hello and welcome to Alexandra Palace for a very special occasion
0:00:05 > 0:00:06in the history of Songs Of Praise.
0:00:06 > 0:00:11On October 1st, 1961, a new programme of hymn singing
0:00:11 > 0:00:14was broadcast for the first time on BBC television.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17It's been broadcast every week since then.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20So, half a century on, why don't you join us
0:00:20 > 0:00:23to celebrate the 50th birthday of Songs Of Praise?
0:00:29 > 0:00:32On stage for this evening's concert, Katherine Jenkins,
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Beverley Knight,
0:00:35 > 0:00:36LeAnn Rimes...
0:00:38 > 0:00:40..and Andrea Bocelli.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46And Sally and Diane will be meeting just some of our audience.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Happy...birthday...Songs Of Praise!
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Happy birthday, Songs Of Praise!
0:00:55 > 0:00:59And more than 6,000 voices doing what Songs Of Praise does best -
0:00:59 > 0:01:03singing hymns and inspirational songs.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13Alexandra Palace, or Ally Pally as it's affectionately known,
0:01:13 > 0:01:17provides a stunning setting for our birthday celebrations.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20It started life as an exhibition centre
0:01:20 > 0:01:23back in 1873 and, before long,
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Victorian Londoners were coming here to enjoy great events
0:01:26 > 0:01:28and these parklands and gardens.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30And, today, it's our great gathering.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34People have travelled from far and wide to join the party.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38Ally Pally is one of many beautiful and iconic locations
0:01:38 > 0:01:41that Songs Of Praise has visited over the past 50 years.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45Like many of the presenters, I've had the privilege of visiting
0:01:45 > 0:01:49so many amazing places in this country.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52But what makes them really special is the people!
0:01:52 > 0:01:56CHEERING
0:02:01 > 0:02:04I've been watching Songs Of Praise for 50 years.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06Have you really?
0:02:06 > 0:02:11Since 1961. In the early days, when television was very small.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14But what was coming from Songs Of Praise was beautiful.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17And, of course, Katherine Jenkins is here.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21- Oh, yes(!)- And she's got two very nice frocks, I guarantee you.
0:02:21 > 0:02:22Beautiful voice and looks stunning.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26It's just an oasis of goodness, I think.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29On a Sunday, it's a regular little slot. You can watch it.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33This towering transmitter is a beacon on the landscape of North London,
0:02:33 > 0:02:37but it also stands as a reminder of the BBC's
0:02:37 > 0:02:41close connection with this astonishing building.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45In the mid-1930s, the Corporation chose Alexandra Palace
0:02:45 > 0:02:49as the location for an exciting new project - the very first
0:02:49 > 0:02:54television broadcast made by the BBC came from here, 75 years ago.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58Compared to that, Songs Of Praise is a mere youngster.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00APPLAUSE
0:03:00 > 0:03:05We're here on this special occasion to enjoy not just the music,
0:03:05 > 0:03:07the singing, but the company.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09I know we said "don't wear black and white,"
0:03:09 > 0:03:13but you have sort of taken it to an extreme! You look great!
0:03:13 > 0:03:14Yes. Patriotic.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17- And it's Sunday, to me, to watch Songs Of Praise.- Yes.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19And I shall probably go home
0:03:19 > 0:03:23and in my brain, all night, I shall be singing the hymns.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26I was just trying to think what a group of presenters would be called.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29I think it's a "pedigree", especially with you three.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- How nice.- So, Martin Muncaster, Bruce Parker and Tom Coyne.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- Now, who was on Songs Of Praise the earliest?- I suppose I was.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40I was in the '60s, when I was about ten.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43I just had such, such great fun doing it and lots of laughs.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47And I think that's what I remember, the joy that it brought me
0:03:47 > 0:03:50and, hopefully, other people as well, through doing the programme.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54# Guide me, O thou great redeemer
0:03:54 > 0:03:59# Pilgrim through this barren land. #
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- Great!- I'm not sure whether that's in tune or not.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Over the last few days, the magnificent Great Hall here
0:04:06 > 0:04:09has been transformed from a gigantic, empty space
0:04:09 > 0:04:11into a magnificent concert venue,
0:04:11 > 0:04:14that resembles something of a cathedral
0:04:14 > 0:04:18with its own rose window and famous Willis organ.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22Rehearsals have been taking place all day as the choirs, orchestra
0:04:22 > 0:04:25and special guests make their final preparations.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32'Ladies and gentlemen, your host for this evening, Aled Jones!'
0:04:32 > 0:04:34APPLAUSE
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Well, you look absolutely stunning.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50Are you in fine voice, ladies and gentlemen?
0:04:50 > 0:04:52AUDIENCE: Yes!
0:04:52 > 0:04:54That's the right answer!
0:04:54 > 0:04:57Our first hymn is not only one of the most popular ever sung,
0:04:57 > 0:05:02it's the one we've adopted as our very own. You'll know what I mean when we get to the third verse.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04It's Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01It's quite overwhelming to see so many friends here with us in Alexandra Palace
0:08:01 > 0:08:03to celebrate our special birthday.
0:08:03 > 0:08:08It's a particular joy and privilege to be joined by so many regular Songs Of Praise viewers.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Give yourselves a round of applause, why don't you?
0:08:11 > 0:08:13APPLAUSE
0:08:15 > 0:08:19And, of course, just some of those who've presented
0:08:19 > 0:08:22or taken part in the programme over the years.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Not everyone can be with us and we think about them this evening as well,
0:08:25 > 0:08:30especially our dear friends Sir Harry Secombe and Dame Thora Hird.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33APPLAUSE
0:08:39 > 0:08:40But, do you know what?
0:08:40 > 0:08:46- I reckon they're probably up there, enjoying the party with us. What do you think?- ALL: Yes!
0:08:46 > 0:08:49It's a real pleasure to introduce the first of our special guests,
0:08:49 > 0:08:53an internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano. She often tops the classical charts,
0:08:53 > 0:08:57not to mention her many television appearances, including Doctor Who.
0:08:57 > 0:08:58I'm really jealous about that one!
0:08:58 > 0:09:01And she's always been a great friend of Songs Of Praise.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05Singing Love Divine to the wonderful Welsh tune Blaenwern,
0:09:05 > 0:09:07please welcome Katherine Jenkins!
0:09:07 > 0:09:09APPLAUSE
0:09:32 > 0:09:40# Love divine, all loves excelling
0:09:40 > 0:09:47# Joy of heaven to Earth come down
0:09:47 > 0:09:54# Fix in us thy humble dwelling
0:09:54 > 0:10:01# All thy faithful mercies crown
0:10:01 > 0:10:09# Jesu, thou art all compassion
0:10:09 > 0:10:16# Pure, unbounded love thou art
0:10:16 > 0:10:24# Visit us with thy salvation
0:10:24 > 0:10:31# Enter every trembling heart
0:10:35 > 0:10:42# Come, almighty, to deliver
0:10:42 > 0:10:49# Let us all thy life receive
0:10:49 > 0:10:56# Suddenly return and never
0:10:56 > 0:11:03# Never more thy temples leave. #
0:11:03 > 0:11:11# Thee we would be always blessing
0:11:11 > 0:11:18# Serve thee as thy hosts above
0:11:18 > 0:11:26# Pray and praise thee without ceasing
0:11:26 > 0:11:34# Glory in thy perfect love
0:11:41 > 0:11:49# Finish then thy new creation
0:11:49 > 0:11:56# Pure and spotless, let us be
0:11:56 > 0:12:03# Let us see thy great salvation
0:12:03 > 0:12:10# Perfectly restored in thee
0:12:10 > 0:12:17# Changed from glory into glory
0:12:17 > 0:12:24# Till in heaven we take our place
0:12:24 > 0:12:32# Till we cast our crowns before thee
0:12:32 > 0:12:44# Lost in wonder, love and praise. #
0:12:44 > 0:12:47APPLAUSE
0:12:50 > 0:12:52Katherine Jenkins, ladies and gentlemen!
0:12:52 > 0:12:56CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:13:02 > 0:13:04That was amazing.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Having you on Songs Of Praise is as natural as breathing.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10You really do feel at home here, don't you?
0:13:10 > 0:13:12I really do. I feel so grateful.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15I've been involved in Songs Of Praise from the beginning of my career
0:13:15 > 0:13:19and it's a real honour to be asked back. So I'm happy to be here.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23I need to ask you this question, OK? Did you watch it as a child?
0:13:23 > 0:13:27Oh, I honestly did. I watched it with my nana and my nana would sing along.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30However, she was tone deaf!
0:13:30 > 0:13:34So the hymns didn't quite sound like they were meant to
0:13:34 > 0:13:36but they're brilliant memories.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38What about since singing professionally?
0:13:38 > 0:13:41You've been on so many times. You must have amazing memories.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43So many and it's hard to pick one.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46If I had to, it would be Blenheim Palace.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49You know, such a gorgeous setting, outdoors,
0:13:49 > 0:13:51the sun came out and it was fantastic.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54You're going to sing again, which I'm delighted about.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56An iconic hymn. Any clues as to what it is?
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- Well, you've put me on the spot now! - I have.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04I think it's a hymn we associate with being British, I would say.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06OK. Is that all you're saying?
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- A patriotic hymn. Do you want me to introduce it?- No, not yet!
0:14:09 > 0:14:11You're not going to sing it yet.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Ladies and gentlemen, the wonderful Katherine Jenkins!
0:14:14 > 0:14:16APPLAUSE
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Our Songs of Praise 50th birthday choir here on stage
0:14:27 > 0:14:30is made up of some of the very best youth choirs in the UK,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33all of whom have close connections with the programme.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35They'll sing a toe-tapper now,
0:14:35 > 0:14:38O When The Saints Go Marching In.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38ALL: Yeah!
0:16:38 > 0:16:41APPLAUSE
0:16:45 > 0:16:47It's a great honour to introduce our next guest,
0:16:47 > 0:16:51arguably the most popular classical artist in the world,
0:16:51 > 0:16:53with a voice perfectly comfortable singing opera,
0:16:53 > 0:16:55sacred music or popular ballads.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58It's been said that if God had a singing voice,
0:16:58 > 0:17:01it would sound a lot like the one you're about to hear.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04High praise indeed! And deservedly so.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Singing Ave Maria, it's Andrea Bocelli!
0:17:07 > 0:17:09APPLAUSE
0:17:32 > 0:17:44# Ave Maria
0:17:44 > 0:17:52# Gratia plena
0:17:52 > 0:18:01# Maria gratia plena
0:18:01 > 0:18:10# Maria gratia plena
0:18:10 > 0:18:19# Dominus
0:18:19 > 0:18:25# Dominus tecum
0:18:25 > 0:18:34# Benedicta tu in mulieribus
0:18:34 > 0:18:43# Et benedictus
0:18:43 > 0:18:52# Benedictus fructus ventris
0:18:52 > 0:19:03# Ventris tui, Jesus
0:19:03 > 0:19:20# Ave Maria
0:19:33 > 0:19:46# Ave Maria
0:19:46 > 0:19:54# Mater Dei
0:19:54 > 0:20:04# Ora pro nobis peccatoribus
0:20:04 > 0:20:13# Ora, ora pro nobis
0:20:13 > 0:20:23# Ora, ora pro nobis
0:20:23 > 0:20:30# Peccatoribus
0:20:30 > 0:20:39# Nunc et in hora mortis
0:20:39 > 0:20:49# In hora mortis nostrae
0:20:49 > 0:21:00# In hora, hora mortis nostrae
0:21:00 > 0:21:12# In hora mortis nostrae
0:21:12 > 0:21:30# Ave Maria
0:21:30 > 0:21:41# Ave Maria
0:21:45 > 0:22:03# Ave Maria. #
0:22:04 > 0:22:06APPLAUSE
0:22:06 > 0:22:10Andrea Bocelli, ladies and gentlemen!
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Andrea, I think they like you.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27LAUGHTER
0:22:27 > 0:22:31How do you feel when you're singing something like that Ave Maria?
0:22:31 > 0:22:32My answer is very simple.
0:22:32 > 0:22:37When I sing Ave Maria, or other sacred arias,
0:22:37 > 0:22:39I pray.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42You can tell, can't you, ladies and gentlemen?
0:22:42 > 0:22:45APPLAUSE
0:22:50 > 0:22:53We're celebrating a very important birthday.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55Have you got a message for our viewers?
0:22:55 > 0:23:02Well, um...we are living a very difficult moment.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05My message is to be optimistic and happy.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09Well, you most definitely make us happy, Andrea.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11APPLAUSE
0:23:15 > 0:23:18The good news is, ladies and gentlemen,
0:23:18 > 0:23:22Andrea will be back later to sing something very special indeed.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25But, for now, it's Andrea Bocelli!
0:23:25 > 0:23:27APPLAUSE
0:23:27 > 0:23:29Thank you.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37Well, we're joined by a great, old lady now.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Yes, I am allowed to say that
0:23:39 > 0:23:41because I'm talking about the Ally Pally organ.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45It's the second Willis organ to be installed in the building.
0:23:45 > 0:23:46The first was destroyed by fire.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49In fact, this one almost suffered a similar fate.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Luckily, it survived and you'll hear it in our next hymn which was,
0:23:52 > 0:23:56in fact, written to dedicate a new pipe organ
0:23:56 > 0:23:58in a church in Lancashire in 1861.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00It's Angel-Voices Ever Singing.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09Well, I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome our next guest.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11She's an award-winning American singer
0:26:11 > 0:26:13who released her first album aged 13
0:26:13 > 0:26:15and has made her name singing classic country songs
0:26:15 > 0:26:17and inspirational music.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20An amazing 40 million albums later,
0:26:20 > 0:26:23her career is clearly going from strength to strength
0:26:23 > 0:26:25and we're delighted to have her with us.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27She's flown across the pond specially.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29Please give a very warm welcome to LeAnn Rimes!
0:26:29 > 0:26:31APPLAUSE
0:26:41 > 0:26:42Welcome to the UK.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46- Thank you so much.- Thanks for coming to sing for us.- Happy to be here.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50- That's dedication, isn't it, ladies and gentlemen?- I love it!
0:26:50 > 0:26:54You've had a phenomenal year. Well, every year's phenomenal. What are the highlights?
0:26:54 > 0:26:57Oh, my gosh! The highlights in my life?
0:26:57 > 0:27:00- Just the year!- This year? Well, I got married.- Oh!
0:27:00 > 0:27:01- Well, that was a highlight!- Yes!
0:27:01 > 0:27:05When you were growing up, was there anything like Songs Of Praise on TV?
0:27:05 > 0:27:07Um...not really.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11We had, like, in Nashville we had Sundays At The Grand Ole Opry
0:27:11 > 0:27:14but nothing like this on TV. This is truly unique.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16Absolutely.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19And you're well known for singing inspirational pieces of music.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22How do you feel on a platform like this,
0:27:22 > 0:27:23performing in front of thousands?
0:27:23 > 0:27:26Um...I guess I've been doing it since I was a baby,
0:27:26 > 0:27:28so this feels like second nature to me.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32It feels...I feel most comfortable on stage. I love it!
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Do you feel it's a spiritual experience?
0:27:35 > 0:27:38Absolutely. I feel I'm the most open and giving and, you know,
0:27:38 > 0:27:43at my most vulnerable when you're up on stage in front of millions.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45So what are you going to sing for us?
0:27:45 > 0:27:49- My new single, which is called Give. - And what's it all about?
0:27:49 > 0:27:52Give...it's about giving!
0:27:52 > 0:27:54No. When we think of giving in this world,
0:27:54 > 0:27:58we always think of money and donating to charity
0:27:58 > 0:28:01but what we forget is that sometimes we're here, as human beings,
0:28:01 > 0:28:04to give to one another of ourselves.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08- That's really what the message of the song is.- We're delighted you're here.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10Thank you, LeAnn. We can't wait to hear this song.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14- Singing Give, the one and only LeAnn Rimes.- Thank you.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18APPLAUSE
0:28:31 > 0:28:34# Everybody's reaching for something
0:28:34 > 0:28:38# Every day a pulling and tugging
0:28:38 > 0:28:42# And always wanting a little more
0:28:44 > 0:28:48# Holding on to hurt like an anchor
0:28:48 > 0:28:51# Treating those we love like strangers
0:28:51 > 0:28:56# Taking names and keeping score
0:28:57 > 0:29:03# We all know
0:29:03 > 0:29:07# What we're really after
0:29:07 > 0:29:13# Somewhere along the road
0:29:13 > 0:29:18# We got it backwards
0:29:19 > 0:29:22# If you want to get love then give it
0:29:22 > 0:29:26# If you want to feel some forgiveness
0:29:26 > 0:29:32# Then you've got to let go and do some forgiving of your own
0:29:32 > 0:29:35# If you want a friend then be one
0:29:35 > 0:29:39# A little bit of kindness show some
0:29:39 > 0:29:45# You'll be surprised at how much finds its way back home
0:29:45 > 0:29:51# It don't matter what it is
0:29:51 > 0:30:00# If you want it, give
0:30:03 > 0:30:06# Yeah, I been down right stubborn
0:30:06 > 0:30:10# At one time or another
0:30:10 > 0:30:14# And found it easier to bend
0:30:14 > 0:30:16# Oh, yeah
0:30:16 > 0:30:20# I've had a shoulder to lean on
0:30:20 > 0:30:23# Been the one who got to be strong
0:30:23 > 0:30:28# And peace was waiting at both ends
0:30:28 > 0:30:35# Well, I've felt the power
0:30:35 > 0:30:38# I've seen what it can do
0:30:40 > 0:30:44# It seemed so simple
0:30:44 > 0:30:51# So simple that it's true
0:30:51 > 0:30:54# If you want to give love then give it
0:30:54 > 0:30:57# If you want to feel some forgiveness
0:30:57 > 0:31:04# Then you've got to let go and do some forgiving of your own
0:31:04 > 0:31:07# If you want a friend then be one
0:31:07 > 0:31:11# A little bit of kindness show some
0:31:11 > 0:31:17# You'll be surprised at how much finds its way back home
0:31:17 > 0:31:23# It don't matter what it is
0:31:23 > 0:31:32# If you want it, give
0:31:40 > 0:31:42# Hey, yeah
0:31:42 > 0:31:45# If you want a friend then be one
0:31:45 > 0:31:49# A little bit of kindness show some
0:31:49 > 0:31:55# You'll be surprised at how much finds its way back home
0:31:55 > 0:32:01# It don't matter what it is
0:32:01 > 0:32:13# If you want it, give
0:32:16 > 0:32:22# Oh, just show a little kindness, baby
0:32:22 > 0:32:30# Oh, yeah, if you only give
0:32:30 > 0:32:34# Yeah
0:32:34 > 0:32:41# Ooh
0:32:45 > 0:32:50# Ooh
0:32:50 > 0:32:59# Yeah, if you only give. #
0:33:07 > 0:33:10APPLAUSE
0:33:11 > 0:33:13Thank you.
0:33:22 > 0:33:27The legendary LeAnn Rimes and her guitarist, Gregory!
0:33:27 > 0:33:29CHEERS
0:33:31 > 0:33:34Well, it's time to get the Ally Pally rocking.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37Yes, you heard me right. We've got a fabulous gospel song coming up
0:33:37 > 0:33:41and to sing it are members of the London Community Gospel Choir.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44Great to have you with us, guys, along with our next guest.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46Well known for her soul music,
0:33:46 > 0:33:48she's even received an MBE from the Queen.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51She must be doing something right. Please welcome Beverley Knight!
0:33:51 > 0:33:53APPLAUSE AND CHEERS
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- You love a crowd like this, don't you?- This is my kind of crowd -
0:34:09 > 0:34:10vast!
0:34:10 > 0:34:11LAUGHTER
0:34:11 > 0:34:15Listen, you're known as the Queen of Soul but I want to take you back
0:34:15 > 0:34:20- to when you were a child cos it was all about gospel and church and a lot of both.- Absolutely!
0:34:20 > 0:34:22Absolutely.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26I'm glad for it because I believe that musically,
0:34:26 > 0:34:30as well as everything else, it put me on the right path.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34I think, um...when you go into a church
0:34:34 > 0:34:36and are asked to sing a song,
0:34:36 > 0:34:41it's not just all about you and your voice and all of that,
0:34:41 > 0:34:43it's about delivering a message.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47And that is the one thing that I'd say singing in church
0:34:47 > 0:34:50really drums home into you.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53When you were a small kid in church, listening to those great singers,
0:34:53 > 0:34:56your mum included - she sang quite a bit in church?
0:34:56 > 0:34:59- Yes, she did. She did. - She's here this evening, Grace?
0:34:59 > 0:35:03- She is, she's somewhere! - How did you feel as a little one?
0:35:03 > 0:35:05Did you think, "I want to do that one day"?
0:35:05 > 0:35:09Oh, I was ready! I was almost out of my seat. "It's my turn now!"
0:35:09 > 0:35:13Oh, I absolutely wanted to do that SO much.
0:35:13 > 0:35:18It wasn't just the idea of just being in front of a crowd,
0:35:18 > 0:35:20it was the joy of singing
0:35:20 > 0:35:25and really bringing over a message. I loved it.
0:35:25 > 0:35:30How do you feel on a platform like this, singing a soul or gospel song?
0:35:30 > 0:35:35Well, there's not much of a difference, to be perfectly honest.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40Again, it is using your voice as a vessel to communicate something.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42It is, I don't know...
0:35:42 > 0:35:46it's the most heightened emotion you can ever feel.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48You know all about that!
0:35:48 > 0:35:52It elevates you to another plane. It edifies you
0:35:52 > 0:35:55and hopefully it edifies the audience, as well.
0:35:55 > 0:36:01- What are you going to sing and why? - I and the lovely choir,
0:36:01 > 0:36:04we're going to sing a song called I'm Not Forgotten
0:36:04 > 0:36:07by gospel artist Israel Houghton.
0:36:07 > 0:36:12And, um...the reason I wanted to sing this song is because...
0:36:12 > 0:36:16just over a year ago I lost my father and,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19um...I always turn to music as a solace,
0:36:19 > 0:36:21as somewhere to hide, you know?
0:36:21 > 0:36:25This song literally got myself and my family through that tough time.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Thank you very much. Let's hear it.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31Beverley Knight and the London Community Gospel Choir
0:36:31 > 0:36:33with I Am Not Forgotten!
0:36:33 > 0:36:34APPLAUSE
0:36:48 > 0:36:51# I am not forgotten
0:36:51 > 0:36:53# I am not forgotten
0:36:53 > 0:36:56# I am not forgotten
0:36:56 > 0:36:58# God knows my name
0:36:58 > 0:37:01# I am not forgotten
0:37:01 > 0:37:03# I am not forgotten
0:37:03 > 0:37:06# I am not forgotten
0:37:06 > 0:37:08# God knows my name
0:37:08 > 0:37:10# He knows my name
0:37:14 > 0:37:17# Yeah
0:37:18 > 0:37:21# Sing it! I am not forgotten
0:37:21 > 0:37:24# I am not forgotten
0:37:24 > 0:37:27# I am not forgotten
0:37:27 > 0:37:28# God knows my name
0:37:28 > 0:37:30# Hey, yes
0:37:30 > 0:37:32# I am not forgotten
0:37:32 > 0:37:34# I am not forgotten
0:37:34 > 0:37:36# I am not forgotten
0:37:36 > 0:37:38# God knows my
0:37:38 > 0:37:41# He knows my name
0:37:44 > 0:37:47# Ooh, yes
0:37:49 > 0:37:51# Light over darkness
0:37:51 > 0:37:54# Strength over weakness
0:37:54 > 0:37:56# Joy over sadness
0:37:56 > 0:37:58# He knows my name
0:37:58 > 0:37:59# He knows my name
0:37:59 > 0:38:01# Father to the fatherless
0:38:01 > 0:38:04# Friend to the friendless
0:38:04 > 0:38:06# Hope for the hopeless
0:38:06 > 0:38:08# He knows my name
0:38:08 > 0:38:10# He knows my name
0:38:10 > 0:38:12- # Oh, I will praise him - I will praise him
0:38:12 > 0:38:15- # I will lift my hands - I will praise him
0:38:15 > 0:38:17- # I am fearfully - I am fearfully
0:38:17 > 0:38:19# And wonderfully made
0:38:19 > 0:38:21# Everybody sing
0:38:21 > 0:38:23# I am not forgotten
0:38:23 > 0:38:26# I am not forgotten
0:38:26 > 0:38:28# I am not forgotten
0:38:28 > 0:38:30# God knows my name
0:38:30 > 0:38:32# Ooh, yes!
0:38:32 > 0:38:33# I am not forgotten
0:38:33 > 0:38:35- # Yes, he does! - I am not forgotten
0:38:35 > 0:38:39- # Never! - I am not forgotten
0:38:39 > 0:38:40# God knows my name
0:38:40 > 0:38:43# He knows my name
0:38:57 > 0:39:03# I am not forgotten
0:39:03 > 0:39:08# Never forsaken
0:39:08 > 0:39:14# I am not forgotten
0:39:14 > 0:39:20# Never forsaken
0:39:20 > 0:39:25# I am not forgotten
0:39:25 > 0:39:29- # Never! - Never forsaken
0:39:29 > 0:39:31# I am not forgotten
0:39:31 > 0:39:35# I am not forgotten
0:39:35 > 0:39:37# Never forsaken
0:39:37 > 0:39:39# Never forsaken
0:39:39 > 0:39:41# Ooh, yeah
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- # I am not forgotten - I am
0:39:44 > 0:39:46- # I am not forgotten - Never!
0:39:46 > 0:39:47# I am not forgotten
0:39:47 > 0:39:51# God knows my name, yes He does
0:39:51 > 0:39:53- # I am not forgotten - Never!
0:39:53 > 0:39:56# I am not forgotten
0:39:56 > 0:39:59# I am not forgotten
0:39:59 > 0:40:01# God knows my name
0:40:01 > 0:40:03# He knows my name
0:40:04 > 0:40:08# Yeah!
0:40:13 > 0:40:16# Light over darkness
0:40:16 > 0:40:21# Strength over weakness
0:40:21 > 0:40:23# He knows my name! #
0:40:23 > 0:40:27APPLAUSE
0:40:30 > 0:40:34The London Community Gospel Choir and Beverley Knight, ladies and gentlemen!
0:40:34 > 0:40:37APPLAUSE
0:40:47 > 0:40:50Next, a fine old hymn written in 1905
0:40:50 > 0:40:53and in the last few years revived by worship leader
0:40:53 > 0:40:56and songwriter Chris Tomlin, who's given it a new twist.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00It's become popular in many churches and if you don't know it,
0:41:00 > 0:41:03you'll soon pick up the catchy chorus.
0:44:43 > 0:44:45APPLAUSE
0:44:49 > 0:44:50Absolutely brilliant.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53Another showstopper now, in quite a different way.
0:44:53 > 0:44:56This is a hymn that's often sung on great occasions,
0:44:56 > 0:45:00in church, yes, but also to mark major sporting events,
0:45:00 > 0:45:03or meetings of organisations, including the Women's Institute
0:45:03 > 0:45:06and party political conferences.
0:45:06 > 0:45:07Katherine Jenkins leads us
0:45:07 > 0:45:11in the words of William Blake's inspired poem.
0:45:29 > 0:45:35# And did those feet in ancient time
0:45:35 > 0:45:41# Walk upon England's mountains green?
0:45:41 > 0:45:47# And was the holy Lamb of God
0:45:47 > 0:45:53# On England's pleasant pastures seen?
0:45:53 > 0:45:59# And did thy countenance divine
0:45:59 > 0:46:05# Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
0:46:05 > 0:46:12# And was Jerusalem builded here
0:46:12 > 0:46:19# Among those dark satanic mills...? #
0:47:35 > 0:47:39APPLAUSE
0:47:45 > 0:47:48Now, what promises to be yet another high point
0:47:48 > 0:47:50in our 50th birthday celebrations,
0:47:50 > 0:47:53with his personal interpretation of one of the most famous
0:47:53 > 0:47:57and best-loved spiritual songs ever written, it's Andrea Bocelli!
0:47:57 > 0:48:01APPLAUSE
0:48:08 > 0:48:16# Amazing grace
0:48:16 > 0:48:24# How sweet the sound
0:48:24 > 0:48:37# That saved a wretch like me
0:48:37 > 0:48:43# I once was lost
0:48:43 > 0:48:51# But now am found
0:48:51 > 0:49:05# Was blind but now I see
0:49:05 > 0:49:17# Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
0:49:17 > 0:49:29# And grace my fears relieved
0:49:29 > 0:49:40# How precious did that grace appear
0:49:40 > 0:49:50# The hour I first believed
0:49:57 > 0:50:08# Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail
0:50:08 > 0:50:19# And mortal life shall cease
0:50:19 > 0:50:30# I shall possess within the veil
0:50:30 > 0:50:42# A life of joy and peace
0:50:43 > 0:50:48# Amazing grace
0:50:48 > 0:50:53# How sweet the sound
0:50:53 > 0:51:04# That saved a wretch like me
0:51:04 > 0:51:11# I once was lost
0:51:11 > 0:51:16# But now am found
0:51:16 > 0:51:32# Was blind but now I see
0:51:33 > 0:52:05# Was blind but now I see. #
0:52:07 > 0:52:09APPLAUSE
0:52:14 > 0:52:19Ladies and gentlemen, it doesn't get better than that. Andrea Bocelli!
0:52:19 > 0:52:22CHEERS
0:52:34 > 0:52:36Our next hymn has words written
0:52:36 > 0:52:38by the prolific hymn writer Fanny Crosby.
0:52:38 > 0:52:42But it wasn't popular when it first appeared in the 1870s.
0:52:42 > 0:52:45It wasn't until it was revived by Billy Graham in 1954
0:52:45 > 0:52:49as part of his London Crusade that its potential was realised.
0:52:49 > 0:52:51It's also become a firm favourite
0:52:51 > 0:52:54with the millions who watch Songs Of Praise every week.
0:52:54 > 0:52:56So let's raise the roof with
0:52:56 > 0:52:59To God Be The Glory Great Things He Hath Done.
0:56:20 > 0:56:24APPLAUSE
0:56:30 > 0:56:33We're almost at the end of our 50th birthday celebration.
0:56:33 > 0:56:36Thank you very much for joining us and singing along.
0:56:36 > 0:56:40It means a tremendous amount to all of us here on the programme
0:56:40 > 0:56:43that you join us every week, so keep doing it, OK?
0:56:43 > 0:56:47We start our 51st year next week with a visit to Salisbury,
0:56:47 > 0:56:50where I meet some of the residents fortunate enough
0:56:50 > 0:56:52to live in the beautiful Cathedral Close,
0:56:52 > 0:56:55though I discover that one inhabitant is pretty tricky to find.
0:56:55 > 0:57:00And there'll be wonderful hymns from a congregation in full voice in the cathedral -
0:57:00 > 0:57:03one of the world's most stunning church buildings.
0:57:03 > 0:57:06Once again, please thank our special guests,
0:57:06 > 0:57:11Katherine Jenkins, Beverley Knight, LeAnn Rimes and Andrea Bocelli!
0:57:11 > 0:57:14APPLAUSE AND CHEERS
0:57:14 > 0:57:17And with them, Pam Rhodes, Sally Magnusson and Diane Louise Jordan!
0:57:17 > 0:57:20APPLAUSE
0:57:20 > 0:57:24One more thing. It wouldn't be a birthday without one special song,
0:57:24 > 0:57:26so let's all sing this together.
0:57:26 > 0:57:30Many thanks for celebrating with us. Here's to the next 50 years.
0:57:30 > 0:57:31Goodbye for now!
0:57:38 > 0:57:43# Happy birthday to you
0:57:43 > 0:57:47# Happy birthday to you
0:57:47 > 0:57:53# Happy birthday dear Songs Of Praise
0:57:53 > 0:58:05# Happy birthday to you! #
0:58:05 > 0:58:08CHEERS AND APPLAUSE
0:58:45 > 0:58:49Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:58:49 > 0:58:52E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk