0:00:02 > 0:00:04Are you going to be the best choir?
0:00:04 > 0:00:05CHEERING
0:00:05 > 0:00:06Come on then.
0:00:06 > 0:00:11Choir master Gareth Malone has got five of Britain's biggest
0:00:11 > 0:00:12workplaces singing...
0:00:12 > 0:00:15This is Gareth Malone here. TANNOY: I'm here to start a choir.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17..P Cross Channel Ferries...
0:00:17 > 0:00:19# She's there... #
0:00:19 > 0:00:21..Birmingham City Council...
0:00:21 > 0:00:22# The only was is up... #
0:00:22 > 0:00:24Whoa!
0:00:24 > 0:00:26..Citi the bank... Hey!
0:00:26 > 0:00:27This proves that bankers can rock.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30..Sainsbury's... # Ooh, la, la, la... #
0:00:30 > 0:00:33That's the highest note of the day. Thank you!
0:00:33 > 0:00:36..and Cheshire Fire and Rescue service.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39# Come on up for the rising... #
0:00:40 > 0:00:44Now they'll come face-to-face as they compete to become this
0:00:44 > 0:00:45year's best workplace choir.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48They don't look anywhere near as good as us. They don't.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51The appetite to win is now on.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55This time, they'll tackle some of the giants of classical music.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57# Na, na, na, na... #
0:00:57 > 0:01:00I want the sound of a woman!
0:01:00 > 0:01:01We're going to sing real music,
0:01:01 > 0:01:03crescendo, diminuendo...
0:01:03 > 0:01:05I was miming half of it.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09From one of you I got an R.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13Their performances will be judged by three world class musicians.
0:01:13 > 0:01:14The tuning started off well.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Now we had a bit of a disagreement about you.
0:01:17 > 0:01:18It had real theatre. You drew us is.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24And for the first time, they'll send one choir home.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28The choir leaving us today is...
0:01:30 > 0:01:32I'm really feeling the pressure now.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34I think it's getting very, very serious
0:01:34 > 0:01:37cos nobody wants to go home now. It's horrible to be first out.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54This is...
0:01:54 > 0:01:55It's really nice to be back.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58It smells the same and everything still creaks in exactly the same way.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00The same crack on the floor.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04Gareth has come back to the place he learnt his trade.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07I was so challenged here and I was so...
0:02:07 > 0:02:08inspired here.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11It's just such a roller coaster, being at the academy.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Erm... Just stepping back into it, it's kind of...
0:02:14 > 0:02:17It's both terrifying and thrilling all at the same time.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22WOMAN SINGS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE
0:02:22 > 0:02:26650 students pass through The Royal Academy doors every year,
0:02:26 > 0:02:30following in the footsteps of Sirs John Tavener, Elton John,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32Simon Rattle the conductor and singer Lesley Garrett.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Now it's the turn of five new company choirs.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42I want the choirs to get a bit of a sense of the history of the place
0:02:42 > 0:02:45and what it's about. It's about musical perfection.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48It's about aiming as high as you possibly can
0:02:48 > 0:02:50to be the best you possibly can be.
0:02:51 > 0:02:52It's in the walls.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58Five choirs are on their way.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00# I'm so excited
0:03:00 > 0:03:02# And I just can't hide it... #
0:03:04 > 0:03:07We're speculating where we're going.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09We can see that we're going towards London Zoo now.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13We're going to London Zoo. Oh, my God. We're going to London Zoo.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15We know it's a competition, but this is...
0:03:15 > 0:03:19We're going to see them, we're going to be competing against them,
0:03:19 > 0:03:21and it's a totally different ball game now.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27We've planned on how we're taking the other choirs out obviously,
0:03:27 > 0:03:28so... Tactics and voodoo.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34We're a pretty strong group, so I think we'll do well this week.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37The Royal Academy. Oh, my gosh.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38Oh, my God! Oh, my God!
0:03:40 > 0:03:43First to arrive is Sainsbury's.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Everyone's gone silent.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Right. Remember, this has got to make us want it more.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15We have to win or we at least have to not go out first.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27The choirs have no idea who they are competing against,
0:04:27 > 0:04:30but they're about to meet each other face-to-face for the first time.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37It's Tony Blair!
0:04:37 > 0:04:40LAUGHTER
0:04:43 > 0:04:46APPLAUSE
0:04:46 > 0:04:48There was Birmingham written on the back of one of their things.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51You're right. I think it's Birmingham Council.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56APPLAUSE
0:04:56 > 0:04:58Weren't they just nice?
0:04:58 > 0:05:00Very crisp and white shirts as well.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12Woo! It's quite exciting.
0:05:12 > 0:05:13I can't make out who they are.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17It's all uniforms. There's, like, a whole bunch of them.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19No uniform in this area, not really.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23MI6. MI6. MI6.
0:05:23 > 0:05:24We're going to blow them away.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27Yeah, cos they don't look anywhere near as good as us. They don't.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30They're not. They can't possibly be, Lorraine. No, they can't.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32Anyone who was here before, thinking,
0:05:32 > 0:05:34"I just want to have a great time with everybody."
0:05:34 > 0:05:38No. The appetite to win is now on.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43APPLAUSE
0:05:44 > 0:05:47Hi! Wow!
0:05:47 > 0:05:51Welcome to the Royal Academy of Music - my alma mater.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54This is where I studied. I learnt my craft here.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58I'm sure you're very excited to find out who your competition is.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02So, over there at the back, we have Birmingham City Council.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Down here at the front, all the way from Dover,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10we have P Cross Channel Ferries.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14In the far corner, Sainsbury's.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19Over here in the corner, we have Citi the bank.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26In the middle, we have Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Since they were formed the choirs have only tackled pop music,
0:06:37 > 0:06:40but Gareth is about to raise the bar.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44You are going to be performing pieces of classical music.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46ALL GASP
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Oh, yes, classical music.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Classical? Classical?
0:06:50 > 0:06:54You are going to be learning some of the giants
0:06:54 > 0:06:56of the western vocal tradition.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01And you're going to love it. LAUGHTER
0:07:01 > 0:07:04APPLAUSE Thank you. That's the spirit.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13In three days' time, you will be performing to stay in the contest.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15You will be performing in front of the judges.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19They will be taking into account the performances you've already done.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24But, in three days' time, one of you will be going home.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26AUDIENCE: Ooh!
0:07:26 > 0:07:30I want you to immerse yourself in this experience.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34When I was a student here, I ate, slept and drank classical
0:07:34 > 0:07:37music the whole time I was here, and that's what I want you to do.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40So go away, get some sleep, get some rest, prepare yourself.
0:07:40 > 0:07:41See you tomorrow!
0:07:47 > 0:07:49Someone give me an idea of a piece of classical music
0:07:49 > 0:07:52and then I might just know what I'm talking about.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54# Hah, hah, hah, hah, hah Hah, hah, hah. #
0:07:54 > 0:07:57It's not all this jiggy, jiggy, jiggy, you know.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59You're going to sing the real thing.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01You're going to sing notes and everything,
0:08:01 > 0:08:05crescendo, diminuendo, legato, you know what I mean?
0:08:06 > 0:08:09I think we've got some amazing singers in this choir who
0:08:09 > 0:08:11will play well to classical music.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13The rewards of singing classical music are
0:08:13 > 0:08:15so much greater than just singing a pop song.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17There's so much more to it
0:08:17 > 0:08:20and it is, like, the difference between climbing a mountain or
0:08:20 > 0:08:23climbing a hill. We're really going for the big guns now.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28For the next three nights,
0:08:28 > 0:08:31all five choirs will be staying in the same hotel.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35So, we are going to be able to assign ourselves two
0:08:35 > 0:08:37partners for our rooms.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40So, Laura...and Sophie.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44Success hinges on teamwork, and to help them bond,
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Gareth wants the choirs to share rooms.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50Ooh! Oh, my God. It smells wicked.
0:08:50 > 0:08:51What do we think?
0:08:51 > 0:08:55Citi's head of private banking David Poole has chosen to share
0:08:55 > 0:08:57with Vincent, the cleaner.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59It is a double bed.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02It's got a two-inch divide between it, hasn't it, Vincent?
0:09:02 > 0:09:04No. It's a double. It's a double? Yeah.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Me and Vincent, getting to know each other quite well.
0:09:09 > 0:09:10Laura from Sainsbury's
0:09:10 > 0:09:13is rooming with fellow loyalty card manager Nav.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15I can't unpack.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18I can't unpack, I'm really sorry,
0:09:18 > 0:09:21cos I have bra, then pants, then vodka.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36So excited!
0:09:36 > 0:09:39First thing in the morning, when I look at my face
0:09:39 > 0:09:40with this much make-up on, I think,
0:09:40 > 0:09:43"whoa. I think you've kind of overdone it, love."
0:09:43 > 0:09:45We had a terrible night!
0:09:45 > 0:09:49You didn't! Darth Vader. She snored all night.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52We didn't get a lot of sleep. Before you jump to conclusions,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55there's... There's a German couple next door.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59"Oh, ya. Oh, ya," all night.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06Hi. ALL: Hi.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08Fine, thank you. Do come and take a seat.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11Each of the choirs will spend the next three days learning
0:10:11 > 0:10:14a piece of classical music, ready for the contest.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19Morning, all.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Gareth has arranged for the choirs to receive intensive
0:10:22 > 0:10:24training from The Royal Academy's finest.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28They'll give a series of masterclasses.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33What is the role of the conductor?
0:10:33 > 0:10:35MUMBLING
0:10:35 > 0:10:37OK. Key people together.
0:10:37 > 0:10:42Birmingham begins with the art of timing in a conducting class.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45# Row, row, row.. # ..gently down the stream
0:10:45 > 0:10:47# Row, row, row... # Can you find a little patch -
0:10:47 > 0:10:49it's going to be cosy - and lie on the floor?
0:10:50 > 0:10:53Citi's first lesson is breathing.
0:10:53 > 0:10:54CHATTER
0:10:54 > 0:10:57So breathing in... One, two...
0:10:57 > 0:11:01And Cheshire Fire Service is heading to a diction class.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Their contest piece is Verdi's Anvil Chorus.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10Here we go. Two, three...
0:11:10 > 0:11:14It's mainly in unison, but with words in Italian it could be
0:11:14 > 0:11:17a challenge for the exclusively English speaking choir.
0:11:17 > 0:11:22My name's Tamzi. I'd like to start with the end of your piece, so...
0:11:22 > 0:11:27SHE SINGS IN ITALIAN
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Abbella. Just say that for me. ALL: Abbella.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Lovely. Don't be afraid of these Italian vowels.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34Vedi means see.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Behold. Can you just say vedi for me. And... ALL: Vedi.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Yeah. And say... Now say it in a Cheshire accent.
0:11:39 > 0:11:40ALL: Vedi.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Right. It's the same thing, isn't it? So...
0:11:43 > 0:11:45LAUGHTER I think the danger here is,
0:11:45 > 0:11:47"Oh, we're in The Academy of Music and we're singing..."
0:11:47 > 0:11:49You mustn't be that.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52You're singing about people getting up early, going to work,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55doing a manual tough job, bashing out, hammering hard
0:11:55 > 0:11:58pieces of metal and singing about the dawn and their girlfriend.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00It's gutsy.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02I am fluent. He's struggling.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08'It's like everything we done before has just...forget it.'
0:12:08 > 0:12:10You're now speaking in a different language
0:12:10 > 0:12:12and singing in a different language.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14It's a mountain to climb, to be honest, isn't it? Yeah.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20ALL SING IN ITALIAN
0:12:22 > 0:12:23There's so many words.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26They've got a long way before it feels like Italian.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30It just sounds like a group of Cheshire firefighters
0:12:30 > 0:12:32massacring a bit of Italian.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Lovely to meet you all. My name's Will.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44And who's heard this piece before?
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Sainsbury's has been given Schubert's well-known poetic
0:12:47 > 0:12:48prayer Ave Maria.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50I was just going to sing it to you,
0:12:50 > 0:12:54so you have a rough idea of how it fits together. So, fine.
0:12:55 > 0:13:02# Ave Maria... #
0:13:05 > 0:13:08In contrast to Cheshire, the words are simple enough.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11But the simplicity of Schubert's piece demands careful blending
0:13:11 > 0:13:16and tuning because it's sung in what is known as close harmony.
0:13:16 > 0:13:23# Ave Maria... #
0:13:25 > 0:13:28So that's how the piece goes. APPLAUSE
0:13:31 > 0:13:33Cool. Let's just see what happens. Shall we just go straight in?
0:13:33 > 0:13:37Here's a B flat major chord. That's the key that we're in.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Ready. Seven, eight...
0:13:39 > 0:13:46# Ave... #
0:13:48 > 0:13:52It's... It is a harmony. It is not the harmony that's printed.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57There's lots of harmonies there, and entries is going to be the challenge.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Good. Keep up the good work. Good. Thank you very much...
0:14:00 > 0:14:02See you.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Hmm. Hmm!
0:14:05 > 0:14:07God. Actually, they've got a lot of work to do.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11They've got an upward gradient because it's tricky,
0:14:11 > 0:14:15that's close harmony, and a lot of them look absolutely terrified.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Birmingham City Council is tackling Vivaldi's Gloria,
0:14:23 > 0:14:27a piece that demands confidence, conviction and precision.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30OK. OK. OK. Thank you. Thank you.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Quite a wonderful mess.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Focusing on their delivery is the head of musical theatre
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Bjorn Dobbelaere.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40One, two...
0:14:40 > 0:14:43No. Look at me. Look at me.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50THEY SING
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Good, good, good. Gentlemen, I need much more "do-min-e".
0:15:02 > 0:15:07You need to spit out every single syllable, every single consonant
0:15:07 > 0:15:10that you have, to get that message across.
0:15:10 > 0:15:11"You will listen to me!"
0:15:11 > 0:15:14It needs to have that kind of energy, right?
0:15:14 > 0:15:15It's good.
0:15:15 > 0:15:16It's not good.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18I'm just saying that.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20LAUGHTER
0:15:20 > 0:15:22Tenors were all over the gaff.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25I was honestly, in that last section,
0:15:25 > 0:15:27I was miming half of it.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29# Domine... Me-me! #
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Just to try and look like I was singing.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35I agree with you. We are right in it at the moment.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38For the moment, I cannot see them getting that together.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42I think they need to count on a small miracle.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45Hi, guys. Do you want to come and have a chat?
0:15:47 > 0:15:49Eh...how's it going?
0:15:49 > 0:15:52Erm, it has not been very good.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56I know it's only one line, but I am still trying to concentrate
0:15:56 > 0:16:01on learning that and then this very complicated melody.
0:16:01 > 0:16:02The main tune...
0:16:02 > 0:16:05HE SINGS
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Once you get that, then you have got all that...
0:16:08 > 0:16:10HE SINGS
0:16:10 > 0:16:14All of those... There is only two real ideas in your piece.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Once you get these two main ideas, the feel for them,
0:16:16 > 0:16:19cos there's a couple of awkward corners, then you're home.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23I think you have just set off at the moment. The sat nav is playing up.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27It's just music. You have just got to listen and bring it to life.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30That's all there is to it. You ready?
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Keep working, guys. Don't lose heart.
0:16:33 > 0:16:34See you later.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39My poor tenors. I cannot believe it.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42They have been one of the strongest sections.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46And they are... They are... It's...
0:16:46 > 0:16:50All you have to do in music is learn the words,
0:16:50 > 0:16:52learn the notes and then perform them.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55And it sounds really simple, but actually, when you are finding
0:16:55 > 0:16:58it difficult, it can be an emotional roller coaster for you.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01I think those two guys are really feeling deflated.
0:17:01 > 0:17:02Bugger.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09At lunch, it is a chance for the choirs to swap stories.
0:17:09 > 0:17:14You are a soprano, aren't you? Have you got really high bits? Yeah!
0:17:14 > 0:17:17I'm like Michael Jackson up there. So high! Oh, my God!
0:17:17 > 0:17:22But after the baptism of fire, no-one is taking it easy.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25THEY SING
0:17:30 > 0:17:35THEY SING
0:17:35 > 0:17:36Ah-ah-argh!
0:17:41 > 0:17:46Lunchtime over, and the relentless schedule of classes begins again.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49# Sous le dome epais
0:17:49 > 0:17:52# Ou le blanc... #
0:17:52 > 0:17:54Citi's piece, the Flower Duet, from the opera Lakme,
0:17:54 > 0:17:58is about a younger girl collecting flowers in India.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Many of the bankers read music, so they have learned the notes quickly.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05Their challenge is to evoke the atmosphere of the Orient.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09Good. Yes, there is a lot there to recommend.
0:18:09 > 0:18:10It is all about the smells.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12You are down by the river and "Aaah!"
0:18:12 > 0:18:15One, two, three.
0:18:15 > 0:18:16THEY SING
0:18:16 > 0:18:20From one of you, I got an "Aaah" that was exciting. "Aaah!"
0:18:20 > 0:18:22With lots of life. One, two, three...
0:18:22 > 0:18:25# Doucement... #
0:18:25 > 0:18:29I am not tasting that word, are you? No. Doucement. Doucement.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33'What it's lacking at the moment is colour and interest.'
0:18:33 > 0:18:36It is just a load of notes, nicely strung together.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39And the difference between a, sort of, average amateur performance
0:18:39 > 0:18:42and a really proficient performance is commitment and colour
0:18:42 > 0:18:44and imagination.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50Can you just roll your shoulders back?
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Gareth's final choir is P
0:18:54 > 0:18:58They have been given the emotional Lacrimosa, from Mozart's Requiem,
0:18:58 > 0:19:00with big musical leaps to navigate.
0:19:00 > 0:19:06# Lacrimosa
0:19:06 > 0:19:11# Dies illa... #
0:19:11 > 0:19:16Unlike Citi, only a handful of the P choir reads music,
0:19:16 > 0:19:20so they are learning the piece by ear, one bar at a time.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23Just start that again for me. Just do it one bar in, please.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25Two, three...
0:19:26 > 0:19:31# Lacrimosa.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34'It is even more, a bigger chance for me,'
0:19:34 > 0:19:37because it was my first time into singing
0:19:37 > 0:19:39and now it is my first time into classic.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41It is really exciting,
0:19:41 > 0:19:43but, God, the technique is really very tough for me.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46This is something else. This is just like
0:19:46 > 0:19:51learning Latin and then trying to pick up these classical songs,'
0:19:51 > 0:19:52which aren't really our thing!
0:19:58 > 0:20:02It's the end of the first day of lessons at the Royal Academy
0:20:02 > 0:20:05and several of the choirs are feeling out of their depth.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07How are you? You OK? So knackered, so tired.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12It's hard work. OK, Laura? Yes. Are you OK, Sophie? Yes.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Stay and talk to me.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18You looked a bit shell-shocked in that last session. Are you OK?
0:20:18 > 0:20:22Yeah, I panicked. You panicked? I couldn't read the music,
0:20:22 > 0:20:24so I don't follow any more. Yeah.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Don't worry, there is a lot going on today.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30It's only day one. It's only day one, Sophie.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34Don't say it to me! It's going to be OK, it's going to be OK.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37Go back to the hotel, go over it - over and over it. I guarantee
0:20:37 > 0:20:40you'll feel better tomorrow. OK, thank you very much.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42See you later, Sophie. Bon chance!
0:20:42 > 0:20:44Yes! And to you!
0:20:44 > 0:20:45Tears.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50It is overwhelming. It's just learning notes.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53This is what every choir goes through. and the more you do of it,
0:20:53 > 0:20:57the better you get, but it's... I'm stunned by how much it's...
0:20:57 > 0:21:00how much people are struggling with it.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03You put a bit of pressure on, people start crumbling.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06SINGING
0:21:06 > 0:21:10Feeling that pressure, some of the choirs are staying behind.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13THEY SING
0:21:19 > 0:21:23Like the Birmingham tenors, Sainsbury's has organised its own
0:21:23 > 0:21:24after-hours rehearsal.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28'We don't want to go out on Friday,
0:21:28 > 0:21:31'so there's no late nights, there's no boozing,'
0:21:31 > 0:21:33there's no singing with other people.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37It's saving everything you've got for the people that matter,
0:21:37 > 0:21:40which is the rest of your choir. Own brand manager Paula
0:21:40 > 0:21:42has taken up the conductor's baton.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45THEY SING HESITANTLY
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Three, four five, six...
0:21:54 > 0:21:56SINGING FIZZLES OUT
0:21:57 > 0:21:58'I'm very tired.'
0:21:58 > 0:22:01I've been singing all day and my voice is starting to go
0:22:01 > 0:22:05'and I think, if we keep singing it and keep singing it,
0:22:05 > 0:22:08'we'll get frustrated with ourselves and we're going to get into a cycle.'
0:22:08 > 0:22:10I'm nowhere near as angry as I seem!
0:22:10 > 0:22:13I'm just ginger and get annoyed sometimes.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18# So I'd like to know where you got the notion... #
0:22:18 > 0:22:21With the other choirs enjoying a well-earned drink...
0:22:26 > 0:22:30..the suggestion to call it a day and join them causes tension
0:22:30 > 0:22:33to spill over with Sainsbury's.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35She BLEEP comes up and threatens us and says, "Look, guys,
0:22:35 > 0:22:38"We shouldn't be in the bar. We should be pulling our finger out
0:22:38 > 0:22:40"and practising." I'm like, "I don't need your threats."
0:22:40 > 0:22:43And she sits there like she knows the whole thing
0:22:43 > 0:22:46inside out perfectly. And she doesn't. I've not had a good day.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48SHE SIGHS
0:22:48 > 0:22:49Thanks.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52SINGING
0:22:58 > 0:23:04Cheshire Fire Service is playing it safe and has opted for bed.
0:23:04 > 0:23:05Saving me, bud.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08THEY SING
0:23:08 > 0:23:11I was always told, you know, in school days,
0:23:11 > 0:23:15to revise before I went to bed and I might remember it a bit better.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19I think, do a bit now and hopefully... Something will stick.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22We'll dream about it. Yeah! And we'll come up and we'll know it!
0:23:22 > 0:23:24It'll be easy tomorrow, won't it?
0:23:24 > 0:23:30Whereas in reality, we'll wake up and say, "What's the piece called?"
0:23:30 > 0:23:32HE LAUGHS "What is it? What are we doing?"
0:23:34 > 0:23:39Just have a look at this clock. It's 9.55pm! We've only just finished.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43The five-to-tenners! The Birmingham City Council Tenors.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47We are the five-to-TENORS! The five-to-TENORS!
0:23:47 > 0:23:51You know our motto - together, we stand...
0:23:51 > 0:23:52ALL: Divided, we fall.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56Come on, now, boys, let's get on the ball and work together.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59# Together, we stand Divided, we fall
0:23:59 > 0:24:04# Come on now, people, let's get on the ball and work together
0:24:04 > 0:24:07# Come on, come on Let's work together... #
0:24:20 > 0:24:24HE RECITES IN STILTED ITALIAN
0:24:24 > 0:24:26HE LAUGHS Oh, God!
0:24:26 > 0:24:30THEY SING IN ITALIAN
0:24:32 > 0:24:35Good morning. Good morning, how are you? I'm all right.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37Are you ready for day two? I'm ready.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41Before the choirs start their classes,
0:24:41 > 0:24:46Gareth has something up his sleeve. We are having a warm-up in the park, just to get out of the building,
0:24:46 > 0:24:50because yesterday, we didn't leave the building for about 12 hours and some of them were there
0:24:50 > 0:24:53till really late, so I want to get some fresh air, get everyone warm...
0:24:53 > 0:24:57Good morning! Good morning, Gareth. How are you doing? Very well. Ready?
0:24:57 > 0:25:00I feel like we should have a little jog, don't you? Right, come on!
0:25:00 > 0:25:02Let's go for a little jog, come on!
0:25:08 > 0:25:10Where's their energy?
0:25:12 > 0:25:15Come on! Keep up!
0:25:15 > 0:25:17I'm about to lap you!
0:25:17 > 0:25:23Come on, Cheshire! OK, gather round a bit, gather round.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27So, ladies and gentlemen, a very big and important day today,
0:25:27 > 0:25:30take it seriously, today is your chance to set these pieces,
0:25:30 > 0:25:34get them in your head, sleep on it tonight, then we perform tomorrow.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Very important. See you back at the Academy, let's go.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39THEY CHEER AND APPLAUD
0:25:40 > 0:25:44Hi, guys. Hiya, how you doing? Good to see you. Good to see YOU.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Morning!
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Good, thanks. And you.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Fantastic. Well, team, morning, no time like the present,
0:25:53 > 0:25:57let's get kicking straight off into the Schubert. We've got a lot to do today.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00After last night's row, Gareth wants to look in on Sainsbury's first.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03He wants to make sure they've cleared the air.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06# Et fructus ventris... #
0:26:06 > 0:26:09All together... And...one!
0:26:09 > 0:26:12# Et fructus ventris... #
0:26:12 > 0:26:16Fantastic. That's come on since yesterday. Um...
0:26:16 > 0:26:18I'm doing my headmaster bit.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21I'm going round and checking up on everyone. How are you doing?
0:26:21 > 0:26:25Great. Good, yes. Good. The mood within the team all right?
0:26:25 > 0:26:26ALL: Yes.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30Yeah? Nothing happen last night that you want to tell me about?
0:26:30 > 0:26:32ALL: No, no.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34We worked really hard. Are you telling me porky pies?
0:26:34 > 0:26:37THEY LAUGH Nothing worth repeating!
0:26:37 > 0:26:41I can see it, sort of all bubbling, look at you all. You're like this!
0:26:41 > 0:26:44I think you're making something out of nothing, if I'm honest.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46I think we are in a really tense environment,
0:26:46 > 0:26:49we really want it, we are really passionate, I think that every
0:26:49 > 0:26:52step that everyone has taken has all been for the good of the choir.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Look, I think the reason I wanted to talk about it with you is
0:26:55 > 0:26:58a musical one, because that is the challenge you have here,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01is to sing one of the most...
0:27:01 > 0:27:05I mean, it's just...it's the most sublime melodies of all time,
0:27:05 > 0:27:08and you have to sing it openly.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11And the tensions, whatever tensions there have been,
0:27:11 > 0:27:13you have to put to one side and you've got to be...
0:27:13 > 0:27:15Sometimes, it does you good, actually,
0:27:15 > 0:27:19to have a good old cry, have a good old fight, as a team,
0:27:19 > 0:27:23and then move forwards to the point where you can genuinely
0:27:23 > 0:27:24put your heart and soul into it.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29I feel quite sad for Sainsbury's at the moment.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32It's just a really unhappy atmosphere at the moment.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35It's the Schubert Ave Maria, it should be spiritual
0:27:35 > 0:27:38and beautiful, and they are distracted.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41HE TUTS Bugger.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45THEY SING
0:27:45 > 0:27:47With the clock ticking,
0:27:47 > 0:27:51the choirs have just one more day to become pitch perfect.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53Each choir has its own problem to deal with.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58Great. Have a relax for a moment, OK?
0:27:58 > 0:28:00Sopranos and altos, it needs to be more interesting,
0:28:00 > 0:28:02it's lost a bit of personality.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08Pens at the ready, this is Alma,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11who is going to coach you on your Italian.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14The firefighters are still floundering with Verdi's Italian words.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18At the 11th hour, Gareth is drafting in a native Italian speaker.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21THEY SING
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Very nice. Bene! Si!
0:28:27 > 0:28:31Next, Gareth heads off to give Birmingham's tenors a much-needed morale boost.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34#..Chri-ste... #
0:28:34 > 0:28:38Together at the end, so, one more time... Hello! Think about it.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40Sorry to interrupt you. I'm checking on my choirs.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44Tenors, how are you doing? A lot better. Better?
0:28:44 > 0:28:46Steven, look at that grumpy face!
0:28:46 > 0:28:51That is not the face of a man who has faced the cuts and triumphed!
0:28:51 > 0:28:53THEY LAUGH
0:28:53 > 0:28:55Yeah, is it. Are you finding it hard?
0:28:55 > 0:28:57Still a little bit of work to do.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59Time for a song they already know.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01Have you been broken down?
0:29:01 > 0:29:02GROANING AND LAUGHTER
0:29:02 > 0:29:05To the lowest turn? To the lowest turn!
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Do we need to sing The Only Way Is Up?
0:29:08 > 0:29:11Come on, on your feet, let's sing it. Siobhan, will you lead us?
0:29:11 > 0:29:12You remember this.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14Come on, Siobhan.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18PIANO PLAYS INTRO
0:29:18 > 0:29:22# We've been broken down
0:29:22 > 0:29:27# To the lowest turn
0:29:27 > 0:29:31# And being on the bottom line
0:29:31 > 0:29:33# Sure ain't no fun
0:29:35 > 0:29:39# Hold on
0:29:39 > 0:29:42# A-Ah
0:29:42 > 0:29:44# The only way is up... #
0:29:44 > 0:29:48OK, that's enough. Oh, it must be the heat.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50Right? Yeah. Great sound.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52The Vivaldi's actually got more energetic rhythms,
0:29:52 > 0:29:56and rhythms are the things that we actually really enjoy getting to grips with.
0:29:56 > 0:29:57# Dum-ba-ba-da-ba-da
0:29:57 > 0:30:00THEY JOIN IN: # Bum-ba-ba-da Ba-ba-da-da-da
0:30:00 > 0:30:02# Da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da
0:30:02 > 0:30:04# Da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da
0:30:04 > 0:30:07# Da-da-da-da, da-da!
0:30:07 > 0:30:10# Na-da-da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da
0:30:10 > 0:30:11# Da-da-da-da-da
0:30:11 > 0:30:13TOGETHER: # Da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da
0:30:13 > 0:30:18# Da-da-da Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da. #
0:30:18 > 0:30:20Yeah, that's the spirit.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22THEY CHEER AND APPLAUD
0:30:33 > 0:30:35It's lunchtime.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38This time tomorrow, the choirs will perform for the judges,
0:30:38 > 0:30:42and one will leave the contest.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45I think the choirs at the moment, I think that...
0:30:45 > 0:30:48Citi are doing very well, they've got a great piece and they're singing it well.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51Birmingham, that's going to come together.
0:30:51 > 0:30:52I think P are going to get it.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58I'm pretty concerned, still, with Sainsbury's,
0:30:58 > 0:31:01that it's sloppy round the edges.
0:31:01 > 0:31:02And Cheshire Fire Service,
0:31:02 > 0:31:05if their Italian comes together...
0:31:05 > 0:31:07I still feel like they're the underdog.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11It's between Sainsbury's and Cheshire Fire Service for me at the moment.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13One, two, three.
0:31:13 > 0:31:18# Domine Fili, unigenite
0:31:18 > 0:31:22# La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la Da-da-da
0:31:22 > 0:31:24# Da-da-da, da-da-da-da... #
0:31:24 > 0:31:26Erm, I think they just sound a bit bland.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29Sounded rubbish, it might not be when they're all together,
0:31:29 > 0:31:30but it didn't sound that good.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32I know, but we are hearing it from different floors away.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35I think it, you know... it should put us on our toes.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Yeah, but they won't have just heard that. It's like...
0:31:40 > 0:31:43With the last few classes remaining,
0:31:43 > 0:31:46the choirs are making the most of their Academy mentors.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50# Maria, grazia ... #
0:31:50 > 0:31:53That's so different again. Can you hear the difference?
0:31:53 > 0:31:57Suddenly, it just sounds easy, it sounds effortless,
0:31:57 > 0:31:59which is how this whole piece has to be.
0:31:59 > 0:32:04And Gareth is taking P's alto section to one side.
0:32:04 > 0:32:05Sophie, how are you feeling?
0:32:05 > 0:32:07When I spoke to you yesterday, you were not in a good place.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10Yes, I can remember that. I'm feeling much better today.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13We worked hard last night, the girls helped me lots.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16That's lovely, it's really good. You're a good unit,
0:32:16 > 0:32:19and when you're on it, that is a fearsome, womanly sound.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Can I just hear the alto part?
0:32:25 > 0:32:27THEY SING
0:32:35 > 0:32:38Yeah, open it up.
0:32:38 > 0:32:39Right, good. The first sort of...
0:32:39 > 0:32:42I think the first glimmer that the sound's there,
0:32:42 > 0:32:45but there's a danger that you can sound like little girls.
0:32:45 > 0:32:46I want the sound of a woman!
0:32:46 > 0:32:47WOMAN SINGS: # Qua. #
0:32:47 > 0:32:50That's it, yes, do that for me, and make it, "Urgh."
0:32:50 > 0:32:51Ready...and...
0:32:51 > 0:32:53WOMEN: # Qua. #
0:32:53 > 0:32:57Yay, altos! That's an alto sound. And...
0:32:57 > 0:32:59# Qua resurget... #
0:32:59 > 0:33:02Yes! I think you've got another gear. And...
0:33:02 > 0:33:03# Qua... #
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Yes!
0:33:05 > 0:33:07# Resurget. #
0:33:07 > 0:33:11Really good. We've tackled the notes last night, didn't we?
0:33:11 > 0:33:13We worked late and worked hard on that,
0:33:13 > 0:33:17so now we need to go away and sing the same notes but as women.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Yes, alto, strong women. Authority.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22You've got three managers sitting here.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24But I think people take altos more seriously
0:33:24 > 0:33:29because you don't sound all frilly. OK. I'm definitely bossy, though.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31I feel like I've built you up too much here, frankly.
0:33:31 > 0:33:36Don't, it'll help! On that thought, I'll leave you. See you later.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38Stay on it. Stay on it.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43# Lacrimosa
0:33:43 > 0:33:48# Dies illa
0:33:48 > 0:33:56# Ex favilla. #
0:33:56 > 0:33:58Finally!
0:33:58 > 0:34:01Good afternoon, fire people.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04The judges will not only be marking the choirs on their technical
0:34:04 > 0:34:07singing ability but also on their performance.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12The reason why we rehearse a lot in live musical theatre
0:34:12 > 0:34:16or in theatre as a whole, opera, whatever it is, is to
0:34:16 > 0:34:19accommodate for the fact that we have to do it one time.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23So there are no second chances for what you are about to do.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27It's Cheshire's turn with Head of Musical Theatre Bjorn Dobbelaere,
0:34:27 > 0:34:31and he's got an idea to bring their operatic performance alive.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34Can you just start talking to each other, softly?
0:34:34 > 0:34:36PIANO PLAYS
0:34:36 > 0:34:38Keep talking.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40THEY MUTTER WHILE PIANO PLAYS
0:34:41 > 0:34:43Are you ready? And...
0:34:43 > 0:34:45THEY SING
0:34:47 > 0:34:52Great, great. That's a story right there.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56That's theatre, that's playing, that's performing. I like it.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59Because we've started doing that little acting bit,
0:34:59 > 0:35:02we're sort of beginning to feel a bit more Italian,
0:35:02 > 0:35:05like we're acting as opposed to just singing, so I think...
0:35:05 > 0:35:09We've said to ourselves that we can't be Italian enough on this.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12We can't be Italian enough so we're going for it.
0:35:13 > 0:35:20# Ave Maria... #
0:35:20 > 0:35:23Gareth's last appointment is with Sainsbury's.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25They've been locked in lessons all day,
0:35:25 > 0:35:29but have they finally managed to pull together?
0:35:29 > 0:35:33# Amen
0:35:33 > 0:35:37# Amen. #
0:35:41 > 0:35:44Sorry, I was looking for Sainsbury's Choir?
0:35:44 > 0:35:48That was genuinely lovely, and it feels like the sun's come out.
0:35:48 > 0:35:49Thank God.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51That's good, yeah.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56It's the end of the second day, and there are now no more lessons.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04There's an end-of-term feeling in the Royal Academy.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08# Shake it up, baby, now
0:36:08 > 0:36:10# Shake it up, baby
0:36:10 > 0:36:11# Twist and shout... #
0:36:11 > 0:36:16By tomorrow, one choir will leave the contest.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18# Ah-ah
0:36:18 > 0:36:22# Ah-ah! #
0:36:22 > 0:36:24CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:36:32 > 0:36:34It's the last day. Yay!
0:36:34 > 0:36:38Competition day! Woo!
0:36:38 > 0:36:40I woke up singing the song.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43You did? Yeah.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45HE HUMS
0:36:46 > 0:36:50I feel stressed, nervous, sick.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52I feel really sick this morning, actually.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55I had a little nightmare last night that we just did really...
0:36:55 > 0:36:57like, we were just terrible.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00And I couldn't get my... I couldn't sing, I lost my voice.
0:37:02 > 0:37:07To find yourself singing Italian opera
0:37:07 > 0:37:12at the Royal Academy of Music in London, it sounds bizarre, really.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15It is! It's amazing, yeah.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:37:25 > 0:37:26Right back at you.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Good morning! ALL: Morning.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38Here we are, this is it, the last day.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42You've been... I know. You've been working really hard for two days,
0:37:42 > 0:37:45so you should be ready to perform, yes?
0:37:45 > 0:37:47ALL: Yes! Good!
0:37:47 > 0:37:51This time, you're going to be performing in front of a much tougher audience.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53Each other.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59It doesn't get more brutal than that, or does it?
0:37:59 > 0:38:02The stakes are going to be much higher than that,
0:38:02 > 0:38:05because I've invited an audience of people who really
0:38:05 > 0:38:08know their Elgar from their elbows.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12There's going to be record company executives, Radio 3 presenters,
0:38:12 > 0:38:14musicians, composers,
0:38:14 > 0:38:17people that really understand classical music.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22APPLAUSE
0:38:26 > 0:38:27OK, let's go and perform.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35What a crazy three days. Phew!
0:38:37 > 0:38:40Some of these guys had never sung classical music
0:38:40 > 0:38:41before in their lives.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45Here I am in the Barbirolli Room at the Royal Academy of Music
0:38:45 > 0:38:48about to go and conduct five choirs in classical music!
0:38:48 > 0:38:50It just feels...it feels very...
0:38:52 > 0:38:55It's exciting, it's now exciting, I'm looking forward to it.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07No nerves. No? No.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12We were born ready. Born ready for this.
0:39:15 > 0:39:20There's a weird unity about us right now, which is odd because, you know,
0:39:20 > 0:39:2236 hours ago, man, we were like...
0:39:22 > 0:39:26I know! And now it's like... It feels like, if anything,
0:39:26 > 0:39:31everything that's happened has made us stronger.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34I feel like we understand each other more. It's better for us.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38Hopefully we're going to absolutely smash it. Hmm.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41Rather. THEY LAUGH
0:39:41 > 0:39:44I need you to sing the second part with me cos the words have gone.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46They've not gone, they're in your folder.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48No, I saw them, I can't remember the tune.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54If the choirs weren't nervous enough,
0:39:54 > 0:39:57some of the classical music industry's most respected names
0:39:57 > 0:40:00are arriving at the Royal Academy's theatre.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03If they approach it in the right way with the right spirit,
0:40:03 > 0:40:05and if they're all feeling the same feeling,
0:40:05 > 0:40:07then we could get beyond the simple words and the music,
0:40:07 > 0:40:09we could get to something really magical.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13Of course, it could go the other way as well, but let's hope not.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18As the guests take their seats, the judges arrive,
0:40:18 > 0:40:21each acclaimed musicians.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24Gospel choir director Ken Burton,
0:40:24 > 0:40:27Royal Wedding composer Paul Mealor
0:40:27 > 0:40:30and international soprano Sarah Fox.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34Look at this.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38It's quite a closed... It's quite claustrophobic, isn't it, for them?
0:40:38 > 0:40:41I suspect they're really, really nervous at this stage,
0:40:41 > 0:40:42cos this is brand-new music.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45You know the thing that I think will get them,
0:40:45 > 0:40:47got me when I was a choirboy, was singing in Latin or French.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50If you've never sung in languages or you don't even speak them
0:40:50 > 0:40:53or you don't know them, that's a tricky thing.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56I think it's going to be wonderful for us to hear them
0:40:56 > 0:40:59all together, at the same time, one after the other.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02They've got to believe in themselves, that they can do it.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04I'm too excited, I can't wait. Let's just go and sit down.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06Let's get it going, come on!
0:41:13 > 0:41:16The culmination of three days' intensive work
0:41:16 > 0:41:18now comes down to just one performance.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25I've performed in here so many times,
0:41:25 > 0:41:28and I think this is the most nervous I've ever been.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35APPLAUSE
0:41:43 > 0:41:47Good evening. Welcome, everyone, and thank you for coming today.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50The choirs walked in through the doors of this building
0:41:50 > 0:41:53three days ago, and I announced to them that they would be
0:41:53 > 0:41:57performing for you classical music.
0:41:57 > 0:41:58They've worked incredibly hard,
0:41:58 > 0:42:02and I think they've got something of the atmosphere of the building,
0:42:02 > 0:42:05and a little bit of the pressure as well, is that fair?
0:42:05 > 0:42:06CHOIRS: Yes.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10Tonight, for the first time, one of these choirs will be leaving.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14So here to sing the Domine Fili, Unigenite
0:42:14 > 0:42:19from Vivaldi's Gloria, Birmingham City Council Choir.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21APPLAUSE
0:42:33 > 0:42:37# Domine Fili, unigenite
0:42:37 > 0:42:44# Jesu Christe
0:42:44 > 0:42:48# Domine Fili, unigenite
0:42:48 > 0:42:56# Jesu Christe
0:42:56 > 0:42:59# Domine Fili, Domine Fili
0:42:59 > 0:43:02# Unigenite
0:43:02 > 0:43:06# Jesu Christe
0:43:06 > 0:43:11# Domine Fili, unigenite
0:43:11 > 0:43:15# Jesu Christe. #
0:43:21 > 0:43:23APPLAUSE
0:43:37 > 0:43:40The tenors were brilliant, as we knew they would be!
0:43:40 > 0:43:43Just probably nerves just kicked in a little bit, man.
0:43:43 > 0:43:45We just...we weren't on point.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48I don't know if it's enough.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51Next up is P Cross-Channel Ferries.
0:43:51 > 0:43:53APPLAUSE
0:43:59 > 0:44:05# Lacrimosa
0:44:05 > 0:44:10# Deus illa
0:44:10 > 0:44:15# Qua resurget
0:44:15 > 0:44:20# Ex favilla
0:44:20 > 0:44:25# Judicandus
0:44:25 > 0:44:30# Homo reus
0:44:30 > 0:44:36# Huic ergo
0:44:36 > 0:44:40# Parce Deus
0:44:40 > 0:44:46# Pie Jesu
0:44:46 > 0:44:53# Jesu Domine. #
0:45:11 > 0:45:14We did it! We did it!
0:45:17 > 0:45:18It just...
0:45:18 > 0:45:22For the first time in my life, I was nervous, like, big style.
0:45:22 > 0:45:23That was something else!
0:45:23 > 0:45:26We smashed it! We really... I'm so proud of everyone!
0:45:28 > 0:45:32And now, singing The Ave Maria by Schubert, Sainsbury's Choir.
0:45:47 > 0:45:55# Ave Maria
0:45:57 > 0:46:03# Gratia plena
0:46:03 > 0:46:17# Maria, gratia plena
0:46:19 > 0:46:26# Et benedictus fructus ventris
0:46:26 > 0:46:32# Ventris tui, Iesus
0:46:34 > 0:46:37# Ah-ah-ah ah-ah-ah-ah
0:46:37 > 0:46:45# Amen
0:46:45 > 0:46:51# Amen. #
0:47:03 > 0:47:06No way! As soon as they started playing, that was it.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08I think we've done enough to get ourselves through,
0:47:08 > 0:47:11which means we would be on the stage again. I really hope so.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14I just want to be on the happy bus that leaves here
0:47:14 > 0:47:15and not the distraught one!
0:47:15 > 0:47:18Tenors! Yes! Well done.
0:47:22 > 0:47:25Next onto the stage is Citi, the bank.
0:47:33 > 0:47:37# Sous le dome epais
0:47:37 > 0:47:40# Ou le blanc jasmin
0:47:40 > 0:47:47# A la rose s'assemble
0:47:47 > 0:47:50# Ah, glissons
0:47:50 > 0:47:53# De son flot charmant
0:47:53 > 0:47:59# Suivons le courant fuyant
0:47:59 > 0:48:06# Dans l'onde fremissante
0:48:08 > 0:48:15# D'une main nonchalante
0:48:15 > 0:48:19# Sous le dome epais
0:48:19 > 0:48:22# Ou le blanc jasmin
0:48:22 > 0:48:30# Descendons
0:48:31 > 0:48:39# Ensemble! #
0:48:42 > 0:48:46APPLAUSE
0:48:59 > 0:49:01We did remember our song.
0:49:01 > 0:49:04Yes, we did. Yes. Posture.
0:49:04 > 0:49:07I think we did really well. I think so, too. Well done, us.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09Woo!
0:49:11 > 0:49:13Our final choir tonight to perform
0:49:13 > 0:49:16will be the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
0:49:16 > 0:49:20They're going to sing, from Il Trovatore, The Anvil Chorus.
0:49:33 > 0:49:34JAUNTY PIANO MUSIC
0:49:34 > 0:49:36Hey! Hey!
0:49:36 > 0:49:39CHEERING AND CHAT
0:49:42 > 0:49:46# Vedi! Le fosche notturne spoglie
0:49:46 > 0:49:50# De'cieli sveste l'immensa volta
0:49:52 > 0:49:54# All'opra! All'opra!
0:49:56 > 0:49:57# Dagli
0:49:57 > 0:50:00# Martella
0:50:00 > 0:50:14# Chi del gitano i giorni abbella?
0:50:14 > 0:50:16# Chi? Chi?
0:50:16 > 0:50:20# Chi giorni abbella?
0:50:20 > 0:50:24# La zingarella!
0:50:24 > 0:50:27# La zingarella! #
0:50:29 > 0:50:32CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:50:35 > 0:50:40MUSIC: "Hallelujah Chorus" by Handel
0:50:48 > 0:50:51Ah, it was amazing, like, I can't stop smiling.
0:50:51 > 0:50:53The back of my neck is hurting from smiling.
0:50:56 > 0:50:58I'm overwhelmed, to be honest with you. I'm just so proud
0:50:58 > 0:51:01of everything that's been achieved by this group of people.
0:51:01 > 0:51:02If we were voted the worst of that,
0:51:02 > 0:51:05it's no biggie, that, cos they were all fabulous,
0:51:05 > 0:51:06but we were better.
0:51:06 > 0:51:09LAUGHTER
0:51:12 > 0:51:16The fate of all the choirs now lies in the hands of the judges.
0:51:16 > 0:51:20So, the Fire Service. I thought they were fantastic.
0:51:20 > 0:51:22The theatre at the beginning drew us in.
0:51:22 > 0:51:24Citibank - the sops were flat.
0:51:24 > 0:51:29The overall blend, I think they just made it look quite easy, actually.
0:51:29 > 0:51:34P To be honest, I think P win the "Who's Improved The Most" prize.
0:51:34 > 0:51:36Absolutely. Sainsbury's...
0:51:36 > 0:51:37I was impressed with them.
0:51:37 > 0:51:41Well, I wasn't very impressed with them, to be honest. For me,
0:51:41 > 0:51:44one of the most important things is that I got no sense of dynamic.
0:51:44 > 0:51:47Birmingham - I was expecting them to be a lot better, really,
0:51:47 > 0:51:51and I think it just sounded a bit messy a lot of the time.
0:51:51 > 0:51:53Right, decision time.
0:52:01 > 0:52:02You know, it's so lovely to see
0:52:02 > 0:52:05they're doing it not just for each other in the choir
0:52:05 > 0:52:07but they're doing it for their own company pride,
0:52:07 > 0:52:09and you can see that etched on their faces.
0:52:09 > 0:52:11They're all really proud to be in this choir,
0:52:11 > 0:52:14they all feel like they've earned their place. These are new choirs,
0:52:14 > 0:52:17they've been together for a matter of months,
0:52:17 > 0:52:19and to pull off a performance like that, for some of them,
0:52:19 > 0:52:21I think is really impressive.
0:52:23 > 0:52:26Oh, dear. There's going to be some very unhappy people.
0:52:28 > 0:52:30It is a competition. They did know that.
0:52:32 > 0:52:36Ladies and gentlemen, the judges are returning.
0:52:36 > 0:52:37APPLAUSE
0:52:51 > 0:52:55Thank you and well done to all of you on your performances today.
0:52:55 > 0:52:59Now, each of us is going to give you some feedback.
0:52:59 > 0:53:01Birmingham, you sang a fast-paced piece
0:53:01 > 0:53:04and a fast-paced piece needs drive,
0:53:04 > 0:53:06but it also needs rhythmic discipline.
0:53:06 > 0:53:09You weren't always disciplined in your rhythms.
0:53:09 > 0:53:13I'd love to have heard a little bit more power in the upper voices,
0:53:13 > 0:53:15but being a member of the bass brigade, I must say,
0:53:15 > 0:53:18the basses, you really shone. You did it for me. Well done.
0:53:22 > 0:53:25Well, P, last time we met, you almost tried to kill me.
0:53:25 > 0:53:28However, last time I heard you, it wasn't very good, was it?
0:53:28 > 0:53:32This time, I was blown away. Some very good singing.
0:53:32 > 0:53:33Well done, all of you.
0:53:33 > 0:53:36However, basses, still a couple of wrong notes in there.
0:53:36 > 0:53:39Just watch those in the Lacrimosa, but love you.
0:53:42 > 0:53:46Sainsbury's - now, we had a bit of a disagreement about you
0:53:46 > 0:53:50because I felt actually that your performance was very good.
0:53:50 > 0:53:56However, we did all feel that it did lack technical accuracy.
0:54:01 > 0:54:03Citi choir, you made it look easy.
0:54:03 > 0:54:06When you make it look easy, we feel at ease with you.
0:54:06 > 0:54:09There was some good balance and good blend.
0:54:09 > 0:54:12Your tuning started off well, emphasis on "started off".
0:54:12 > 0:54:16It didn't quite continue with the same security it began with,
0:54:16 > 0:54:18so something to watch out for.
0:54:21 > 0:54:24So, Cheshire Fire Service...
0:54:24 > 0:54:25There's a manly shout.
0:54:25 > 0:54:28Well done. Excellent singing. I really enjoyed it today.
0:54:28 > 0:54:30It had real theatre. You drew us in.
0:54:30 > 0:54:33From the minute you came on stage, I wanted to listen to you.
0:54:33 > 0:54:35I was down on the streets with the rest of the peasants.
0:54:35 > 0:54:38It was just a fantastic feel in that song, it's where I deserve to be.
0:54:38 > 0:54:40Thank you very much.
0:54:46 > 0:54:47So it's decision time.
0:54:48 > 0:54:51AUDIENCE OOHS
0:54:51 > 0:54:55It's been very difficult and it was down to two choirs in the end,
0:54:55 > 0:54:58and it took us a while to agree,
0:54:58 > 0:55:03but we did all agree in the end, taking both rounds into account.
0:55:05 > 0:55:10So, the choir leaving us today is...
0:55:16 > 0:55:18..Sainsbury's.
0:55:20 > 0:55:24APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:55:35 > 0:55:40MUSIC: "Ave Maria"
0:55:55 > 0:55:57It's been wonderful in parts,
0:55:57 > 0:56:00it's been extremely frustrating and challenging in parts,
0:56:00 > 0:56:05but overall it's just been such a privilege to be a part of it all,
0:56:05 > 0:56:08and to sing at the Royal Academy has just been...
0:56:08 > 0:56:10It's been brilliant. Very proud of you.
0:56:10 > 0:56:12Music does bring people together.
0:56:12 > 0:56:14Just because we're out of the competition,
0:56:14 > 0:56:17we're definitely not going to stop as a choir.
0:56:17 > 0:56:19Sainsbury's, hello.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21What can I say? I am really sorry.
0:56:21 > 0:56:25I'm gutted for you and I thought you did an absolutely sterling job
0:56:25 > 0:56:27across both performances.
0:56:27 > 0:56:30Look what you've done. You've come to the Royal Academy of Music,
0:56:30 > 0:56:36you've put together a very impressive performance in however many hours,
0:56:36 > 0:56:39three days, I can't do the maths, but really, really well done.
0:56:39 > 0:56:42That's a huge, huge life achievement.
0:56:42 > 0:56:45Thank you for letting me be your choirmaster. Thank you very much.
0:56:45 > 0:56:49Thank you for the opportunity. It's been great. Thank you.
0:56:51 > 0:56:53Hugs? Or... Yeah, hugs.
0:56:53 > 0:56:55Thank you.
0:56:56 > 0:56:57Thank you, Sainsbury's.
0:56:57 > 0:56:59Go to the bar.
0:57:02 > 0:57:04That shows how tough the contest is
0:57:04 > 0:57:06and it's only going to get tougher
0:57:06 > 0:57:08because I know what they're in for next,
0:57:08 > 0:57:10I know what their next musical challenge is,
0:57:10 > 0:57:12and I think that it's anyone's game.
0:57:12 > 0:57:16This has been a warning shot across the bows for some of those choirs,
0:57:16 > 0:57:18and they will be really feeling the pressure now.
0:57:18 > 0:57:20I think it's going to get very, very serious
0:57:20 > 0:57:23because nobody wants to go home now. It's horrible to be first out,
0:57:23 > 0:57:26but the disappointment the next choir that goes will have
0:57:26 > 0:57:29is going to be almost unbearable.
0:57:29 > 0:57:31Next time, it's gospel,
0:57:31 > 0:57:36and Gareth wants the semifinalists to find their souls,
0:57:36 > 0:57:37their rhythm...
0:57:38 > 0:57:40This dad dancing, that is banned!
0:57:40 > 0:57:42..and their conviction.
0:57:42 > 0:57:47Welcome to choir therapy. We've all got that emotion inside us.
0:57:47 > 0:57:51But strike action could snuff out the firefighters' chances.
0:57:51 > 0:57:53# Gonna let my little light shine. #
0:57:53 > 0:57:56In this room is a crisis management meeting,
0:57:56 > 0:57:58which is to discuss the strike.
0:57:58 > 0:58:01Will they be able to perform at the semifinals?
0:58:04 > 0:58:05# Sing
0:58:05 > 0:58:07# Sing
0:58:07 > 0:58:08# Sing
0:58:08 > 0:58:09# Sing
0:58:09 > 0:58:10# Sing
0:58:10 > 0:58:16# Ah
0:58:16 > 0:58:21# Sing
0:58:21 > 0:58:26# Colder, crying on your shoulder
0:58:26 > 0:58:31# Hold her, and tell her everything's gonna be fine
0:58:31 > 0:58:33# Surely, you've been going too
0:58:33 > 0:58:36# You've been going too You've been going too
0:58:36 > 0:58:41# Hurry, cos no-one's gonna be stopped, no, no, no, no
0:58:41 > 0:58:46# But if you sing, sing, sing
0:58:46 > 0:58:50# Sing, sing, sing, sing
0:58:50 > 0:58:55# For the love you bring won't mean a thing
0:58:55 > 0:58:57# Unless you sing
0:58:57 > 0:59:01# Sing, sing, sing. #
0:59:01 > 0:59:04Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd