0:00:11 > 0:00:14Merry Christmas to you all and welcome to the Big Sing
0:00:14 > 0:00:16from the Royal Albert Hall.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20It's the big day itself and we have a feast of festive music
0:00:20 > 0:00:23and some very special guests.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27The sensational Laura Mvula sings a Yuletide favourite.
0:00:27 > 0:00:32# Have yourself a blessed little Christmas. #
0:00:32 > 0:00:36Keith and Kristyn Getty will be raising the roof with their
0:00:36 > 0:00:38personal take on a traditional carol.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42# God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay. #
0:00:42 > 0:00:45And Gareth Malone is here with Voices to perform
0:00:45 > 0:00:46Walking In The Air.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50# We're walking in the air. #
0:00:50 > 0:00:52But first, it's over to you at home
0:00:52 > 0:00:55and our 5,000 singers here in the hall,
0:00:55 > 0:00:57for Charles Wesley's much-loved Carol,
0:00:57 > 0:01:01which tells how the angels announced the birth of baby Jesus.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Wonderful singing from everyone here,
0:04:18 > 0:04:20accompanied by the fabulous Big Sing orchestra,
0:04:20 > 0:04:23led by conductor Paul Leddington Wright.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28Our first guests are a legendary hymn-writing duo
0:04:28 > 0:04:30from Northern Ireland.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33When they're not composing and looking after their young family,
0:04:33 > 0:04:35they're touring with their band, who are also with us today.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38Please welcome Keith and Kristyn Getty.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43Lovely to have you with us.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45I mentioned the fact that you're a hymn-writing duo.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48It's almost a dynasty, isn't it? How many hymns have you written?
0:04:48 > 0:04:51I think there's over 100 being sung in churches now
0:04:51 > 0:04:53and we've been doing it for about 15 years.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55In Christ Alone is the best known.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57We write an awful lot more that never really work,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00so you've got to work very hard to get even one.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03You're being very modest because I heard somewhere that apparently
0:05:03 > 0:05:0650 million people sing that hymn in churches
0:05:06 > 0:05:08around the world in one year.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11How incredible is that, ladies and gentlemen?
0:05:13 > 0:05:16Let's talk about Christmas music. Do you enjoy performing it?
0:05:16 > 0:05:17We love it.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19It comes round once a year and it's the best time of the year!
0:05:19 > 0:05:21It is the best time of the year, isn't it?
0:05:21 > 0:05:23We've got three little girls and it's a very exciting time.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26Why do think that all these carols really resonate with us?
0:05:26 > 0:05:28They have done throughout the ages.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30I think they're the masterworks of the church.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33They're the great composers like Mendelssohn and Holst and Beethoven
0:05:33 > 0:05:36have written these melodies and so it's a real privilege
0:05:36 > 0:05:37for us to get to sing them.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40Listen, we're absolutely thrilled that you're here.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- What are you going to perform? - God Rest You Merry Gentlemen.
0:05:42 > 0:05:43Take it away!
0:05:55 > 0:05:59# God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
0:05:59 > 0:06:04# Remember, Christ, our Saviour, was born on Christmas Day
0:06:12 > 0:06:16# God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
0:06:16 > 0:06:20# Remember, Christ, our Saviour was born on Christmas Day
0:06:20 > 0:06:24# To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray
0:06:24 > 0:06:28# O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy
0:06:28 > 0:06:33# Tidings of comfort and joy
0:06:39 > 0:06:43# In Bethlehem in Israel, this blessed babe was born
0:06:43 > 0:06:47# And laid within a manger upon this blessed morn
0:06:47 > 0:06:51# Through which His mother, Mary, did nothing take in scorn
0:06:51 > 0:06:56# O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy
0:06:56 > 0:07:00# Tidings of comfort and joy
0:07:06 > 0:07:10# Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
0:07:22 > 0:07:26# From God our heavenly Father a blessed angel came
0:07:26 > 0:07:30# And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same
0:07:30 > 0:07:34# How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name
0:07:34 > 0:07:39# O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy
0:07:39 > 0:07:42# Tidings of comfort and joy
0:07:49 > 0:07:54# The shepherds at those tidings, rejoiced much in mind
0:07:54 > 0:07:58# And left their flocks afeeding in tempest storm and wind
0:07:58 > 0:08:00# And went to Bethlehem straightaway,
0:08:00 > 0:08:02# The Son of God to find
0:08:02 > 0:08:06# O tidings of comfort and joy
0:08:06 > 0:08:12# O tidings of comfort and joy
0:08:17 > 0:08:21# Now to the Lord sing praises all you within this place
0:08:21 > 0:08:25# And with true love and brotherhood, each other now embrace
0:08:25 > 0:08:29# This holy tide of Christmas all others doth deface
0:08:29 > 0:08:33# Tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy
0:08:33 > 0:08:37# Tidings of comfort and joy
0:08:37 > 0:08:41# This holy tide of Christmas, all others doth deface
0:08:41 > 0:08:46# O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy
0:08:46 > 0:08:54# Tidings of comfort and joy
0:08:57 > 0:09:01# Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. #
0:09:29 > 0:09:33The Gettys, ladies and gentlemen!
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Such a lovely arrangement.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37Well, our next carol is a classic.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39It was first performed on Christmas Eve
0:09:39 > 0:09:42in a village church in Austria and it's become so loved
0:09:42 > 0:09:45that it's been translated into hundreds of languages
0:09:45 > 0:09:49and its beautiful words and melody are known all over the world.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50Now then, it's time to introduce our second star guest,
0:12:50 > 0:12:53and it's someone who's put his heart and soul into making choirs
0:12:53 > 0:12:56and choral singing fashionable once again.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59He's got the whole nation singing. Good on him!
0:12:59 > 0:13:02It's choir guru Gareth Malone!
0:13:08 > 0:13:11You're here with these guys who look and sound absolutely brilliant.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14They're called Voices. Tell us a bit about them.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17These are all young professional singers so it's a real treat for me.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19I'm learning from them, they're a wonderful group.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22And for those who aren't convinced that singing does change your life,
0:13:22 > 0:13:23what would you say to them?
0:13:23 > 0:13:25Don't knock it till you've tried it.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27It really does work magic,
0:13:27 > 0:13:29and it doesn't need to be at the highest level.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32It can be the first time you walk through the door of your
0:13:32 > 0:13:35local community choir, thinking you can't sing a note.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38You get in and you feel the joy coming up from your toes.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40So, let's talk about this song choice of years.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- Ah, I thought you might get to that. - Why, Gareth, why?
0:13:44 > 0:13:46I am starting to regret it.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Because, Aled, it's had a huge,
0:13:49 > 0:13:52profound impact on my life, I remember it coming out.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- Of course I remember you singing it. - Thank you for this, yes!
0:13:56 > 0:13:59Fondly, very fondly. It's just been a part of my...
0:13:59 > 0:14:01I used to sing it at the piano every Christmas
0:14:01 > 0:14:07and so this is my choral reimagining of my homage to Aled Jones.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- It's all for you.- Thanks, that's what I was hoping you'd say.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- This is your present. - Thanks, is that it?
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Listen, you get yourself ready.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17I'm really looking forward to hearing it.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19It is a song very dear to my heart, ladies and gentlemen.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22Walking In The Air, it's Gareth Malone and Voices.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32# We're walking in the air
0:14:32 > 0:14:39# We're floating in the moonlit sky
0:14:39 > 0:14:45# The people far below are sleeping as we fly
0:14:48 > 0:14:52# We're holding very tight
0:14:52 > 0:14:57# I'm riding in the midnight blue
0:14:59 > 0:15:06# I'm finding I can fly so high above with you
0:15:08 > 0:15:16# Ah....
0:15:22 > 0:15:26# Far across the world
0:15:26 > 0:15:32# The villages go by like dreams
0:15:33 > 0:15:35# The rivers and the hills
0:15:35 > 0:15:40# The forests and the streams
0:15:42 > 0:15:47# Children gaze open mouthed
0:15:47 > 0:15:52# Taken by surprise
0:15:52 > 0:15:59# Nobody down below believes their eyes
0:15:59 > 0:16:02# We're surfing in the air
0:16:02 > 0:16:08# We're swimming in the frozen sky
0:16:08 > 0:16:15# We're drifting over icy mountains floating by
0:16:16 > 0:16:23# Ah...
0:16:23 > 0:16:27# Ah...
0:16:27 > 0:16:32# Ah....
0:16:36 > 0:16:41# Suddenly swooping low
0:16:41 > 0:16:45# On an ocean deep
0:16:45 > 0:16:49# Rising up a mighty monster
0:16:49 > 0:16:54# From its sleep
0:16:55 > 0:17:00# We're walking in the air
0:17:00 > 0:17:07# We're dancing in the midnight sky
0:17:07 > 0:17:14# And everyone who sees us greets us as we fly #
0:17:16 > 0:17:24# Mmm #
0:17:44 > 0:17:48Gareth Malone and Voices, ladies and gentlemen!
0:17:48 > 0:17:51So, here's the question, are you enjoying your Christmas so far?
0:17:51 > 0:17:53ALL: Yes!
0:17:53 > 0:17:54That's the right answer!
0:17:54 > 0:17:58Our next piece of music began as a poem by Cecil Alexander,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01who wanted to help children understand the Christmas story.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04Today it's a favourite with young and old alike
0:18:04 > 0:18:06and wonderfully nostalgic.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17Fabulously sung, all of you, well done.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21Now, there's a chance for you to sit back and enjoy our stage choirs
0:20:21 > 0:20:24as they perform this beautiful piece from Handel's Messiah.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43# For unto us a Child is born
0:20:43 > 0:20:47# Onto us a Son is given
0:20:47 > 0:20:52# Onto us a Son is given
0:20:52 > 0:20:54# For unto us a Child is born
0:20:54 > 0:20:57# For unto us a Child is born
0:20:57 > 0:21:01# Unto us a Son is given
0:21:01 > 0:21:06# Unto us a Son is given
0:21:06 > 0:21:09# For unto us a Child is born
0:21:09 > 0:21:12# For unto us a Child is born
0:21:12 > 0:21:16# Unto us a Son is given
0:21:16 > 0:21:20# Unto us a Son is given
0:21:20 > 0:21:22# Unto us
0:21:22 > 0:21:23# Unto us
0:21:23 > 0:21:24# A Son is given
0:21:24 > 0:21:25# A Son is given
0:21:25 > 0:21:30# And the government shall be upon His shoulder
0:21:30 > 0:21:35# And the government shall be upon His shoulder
0:21:35 > 0:21:39# And the government shall be upon His shoulder
0:21:39 > 0:21:42# And His name shall be called
0:21:42 > 0:21:44# Wonderful
0:21:44 > 0:21:47# Counsellor
0:21:47 > 0:21:49# The Mighty God
0:21:49 > 0:21:51# The Everlasting Father
0:21:51 > 0:21:53# The Prince of Peace
0:21:53 > 0:21:56# For unto us a Child is born
0:21:56 > 0:21:58# For unto us a Child is born
0:21:58 > 0:22:02# Unto us a Son is given
0:22:02 > 0:22:04# Unto us a Child is born
0:22:04 > 0:22:06# Unto us a Son is given
0:22:06 > 0:22:11# And the government shall be upon His shoulder
0:22:11 > 0:22:16# And the government shall be upon His shoulder
0:22:16 > 0:22:18# And His name
0:22:18 > 0:22:19# And His name
0:22:19 > 0:22:21# Shall be called
0:22:21 > 0:22:23# Wonderful
0:22:23 > 0:22:26# Counsellor
0:22:26 > 0:22:27# The Mighty God
0:22:27 > 0:22:30# The Everlasting Father
0:22:30 > 0:22:32# The Prince of Peace
0:22:32 > 0:22:34# For unto us a Child is born
0:22:34 > 0:22:37# For unto us a Child is born
0:22:37 > 0:22:39# For unto us a Child is born
0:22:39 > 0:22:42# For unto us a Child is born
0:22:42 > 0:22:47# Unto us a Son is given
0:22:47 > 0:22:51# Unto us a Son is given
0:22:51 > 0:22:55# And the government shall be upon His shoulder
0:22:55 > 0:23:00# And the government shall be, shall be upon His shoulder
0:23:00 > 0:23:04# And the government shall be upon His shoulder
0:23:04 > 0:23:07# And His name shall be called
0:23:07 > 0:23:10# Wonderful
0:23:10 > 0:23:12# Counsellor
0:23:12 > 0:23:14# The Mighty God
0:23:14 > 0:23:17# The Everlasting Father
0:23:17 > 0:23:19# Prince of Peace
0:23:19 > 0:23:21# Unto us a Child is born
0:23:21 > 0:23:24# For unto us a Child is born
0:23:24 > 0:23:28# Unto us a Son is given
0:23:28 > 0:23:33# Unto us a Son is given
0:23:33 > 0:23:36# Unto us a Son is given
0:23:36 > 0:23:41# And the government, the government shall be upon His shoulder
0:23:41 > 0:23:46# And the government shall be upon His shoulder
0:23:46 > 0:23:49# And his name shall be called
0:23:49 > 0:23:52# Wonderful
0:23:52 > 0:23:54# Counsellor
0:23:54 > 0:23:56# The Mighty God
0:23:56 > 0:23:59# The Everlasting Father
0:23:59 > 0:24:02# The Prince of Peace
0:24:02 > 0:24:04# The Everlasting Father
0:24:04 > 0:24:08# The Prince of Peace. #
0:24:35 > 0:24:38The carol we're going to hear next is a personal favourite.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41It always reminds me of my school nativities growing up
0:24:41 > 0:24:45in North Wales and, yes, I can remember that far back.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49The special joy that Christmas creates for children of all ages.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54I'm still a child at heart and that's why I absolutely love
0:24:54 > 0:24:57Away In A Manger. I hope you enjoy it, too.
0:25:02 > 0:25:07# Away in a manger
0:25:07 > 0:25:11# No crib for a bed
0:25:11 > 0:25:16# The little Lord Jesus
0:25:16 > 0:25:20# Lay down his sweet head
0:25:20 > 0:25:25# The stars in the bright sky
0:25:25 > 0:25:29# Looked down where he lay
0:25:29 > 0:25:34# The little Lord Jesus
0:25:34 > 0:25:39# Asleep on the hay
0:25:57 > 0:26:02- # The cattle are lowing - Ooh-ooh
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- # The baby awakes - Ooh-ooh
0:26:06 > 0:26:11- # But little Lord Jesus - Ooh-ooh-ooh
0:26:11 > 0:26:15- # No crying he makes - Ooh-ooh
0:26:15 > 0:26:19- # I love thee, Lord Jesus - Aah-aah
0:26:19 > 0:26:24- # Look down from the sky - Aah-aah
0:26:24 > 0:26:28- # And stay by my side - Aah-aah-aah
0:26:28 > 0:26:34- # Until morning is nigh - Aah-aah
0:26:42 > 0:26:46# Be near me, Lord Jesus
0:26:46 > 0:26:50# I ask thee to stay
0:26:50 > 0:26:55# Close by me forever
0:26:55 > 0:26:59# And love me, I pray
0:26:59 > 0:27:04# Bless all the dear children
0:27:04 > 0:27:08# In thy tender care
0:27:08 > 0:27:13# And fit us for heaven
0:27:13 > 0:27:23# To live with thee there. #
0:27:35 > 0:27:37APPLAUSE
0:27:38 > 0:27:40INAUDIBLE
0:27:42 > 0:27:45Now there's another chance for you to join in at home,
0:27:45 > 0:27:47and, of course, here at the Royal Albert Hall too,
0:27:47 > 0:27:50as we singer a carol that tells the story of a king
0:27:50 > 0:27:54venturing out into the frost and snow to bring help to those in need.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57It is, of course, Good King Wenceslas.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34APPLAUSE
0:30:37 > 0:30:40Next up, an award-winning singer-songwriter
0:30:40 > 0:30:42who learned her craft at her local church in Birmingham.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44She is a brilliant singer.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47Here to perform Have Yourself A Blessed Little Christmas,
0:30:47 > 0:30:49it's Laura Mvula.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51APPLAUSE
0:31:00 > 0:31:06# Have yourself a blessed little Christmas
0:31:06 > 0:31:11# Christ the King is born
0:31:13 > 0:31:21# Let your voices ring upon this happy morn
0:31:26 > 0:31:32# Have yourself a blessed little Christmas
0:31:32 > 0:31:37# Serenade the Earth
0:31:39 > 0:31:46# Tell the world we celebrate the Saviour's birth
0:31:51 > 0:31:56# Let us gather to sing to him
0:31:56 > 0:32:02# And to bring to him our praise
0:32:03 > 0:32:08# Son of God and a friend of all
0:32:08 > 0:32:13# To the end of all our days
0:32:15 > 0:32:21# Let us all proclaim the joyous tidings
0:32:22 > 0:32:25# Voices raised on high
0:32:27 > 0:32:34# Send the carols soaring up into the sky
0:32:34 > 0:32:37# Soaring up into the sky
0:32:37 > 0:32:46# This very merry blessed Christmas lullaby
0:32:46 > 0:32:50# Have yourself a blessed little Christmas
0:32:50 > 0:32:56# Serenade the Earth
0:32:56 > 0:33:04# Tell the world we celebrate the Saviour's birth
0:33:08 > 0:33:13# Let us gather to sing to him
0:33:13 > 0:33:18# And to bring to him our praise
0:33:19 > 0:33:24# Son of God and a friend of all
0:33:24 > 0:33:30# To the end of all our days
0:33:32 > 0:33:37# Let us all proclaim the joyous tidings
0:33:37 > 0:33:42# Voices raised on high
0:33:44 > 0:33:51# Send the carols soaring up into the sky
0:33:51 > 0:33:54# Soaring up into the sky
0:33:54 > 0:34:05# This very merry blessed Christmas lullaby. #
0:34:16 > 0:34:18APPLAUSE
0:34:18 > 0:34:20Laura Mvula, ladies and gentlemen!
0:34:22 > 0:34:24A huge thanks to Laura
0:34:24 > 0:34:27and all our other stars, singers and musicians
0:34:27 > 0:34:31who have made this an unforgettable Christmas Big Sing.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33There's time for one more piece of music before we go.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35Its origin is something of a mystery,
0:34:35 > 0:34:37with both the words and tune
0:34:37 > 0:34:40attributed to different authors and composers.
0:34:40 > 0:34:41We can all agree that
0:34:41 > 0:34:44it's one of our most enduring and uplifting carols.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47So let's raise the roof with O Come All Ye Faithful.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50Wishing you a happy and peaceful Christmas
0:34:50 > 0:34:53from all of us at Songs Of Praise.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37APPLAUSE