0:00:02 > 0:00:03Five choirs,
0:00:03 > 0:00:07from some of Britain's biggest workplaces,
0:00:07 > 0:00:09have sung their hearts out
0:00:09 > 0:00:13for a place in this year's Christmas final.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17I've spent six months with these choirs and it comes down to this.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Three have made it through.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21Global bank Citi,
0:00:21 > 0:00:22technically strong...
0:00:22 > 0:00:23This is the crotchet.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26..finally found their soul in the Gospel semifinal.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29# Take the shackles off my feet! #
0:00:29 > 0:00:32I think the shackles were taken off your feet. Well done.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34Cheshire Fire Service triumphed
0:00:34 > 0:00:37with the drama of their operatic performance.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42It had real theatre.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46And P&O Cross-Channel Ferries have gone from strength
0:00:46 > 0:00:48to strength with their rich tones.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51That was the best performance of the night.
0:00:51 > 0:00:52CHEERING
0:00:52 > 0:00:54Now for the grand final.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58Gareth is taking them back to the roots of choral music.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Singing in a cathedral at Christmas, sublime.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Performing a world premiere.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06I'm hoping they will bring my piece alive.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- I think it's too much pressure. - Is it?- Yeah.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11They don't sound like they've been rehearsing.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13They sound like they've been discussing.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16As bankers, we're probably, in that sense, outsiders.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19It could be their moment. It should be their moment. What happened?
0:01:19 > 0:01:21Because it was perfect last time.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24We're on a downer at the moment and I've got to pick them up.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26# Ding dong merrily on high. #
0:01:26 > 0:01:29I'm singing like I never thought I'd be able to sing.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31This has changed my life.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33The Workplace Choir Of The Year is...
0:01:42 > 0:01:49CHOIRBOY: # Once in royal David's city
0:01:49 > 0:01:57# Stood a lowly cattle shed. #
0:01:57 > 0:01:59This is where the final is going to be,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02at the very heart of singing in this country,
0:02:02 > 0:02:07in a cathedral space where only the purest, most beautiful sounds
0:02:07 > 0:02:11will do justice to the majesty of the acoustic.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Gareth's come to Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire
0:02:14 > 0:02:18to inspect the venue for the final of his Workplace Choir contest.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22The weight of 1,000 years of singing history
0:02:22 > 0:02:24is in every single stone here.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29The challenge of getting my choirs to sing and be ready
0:02:29 > 0:02:32with an appropriate performance that's going to work in here
0:02:32 > 0:02:34at Christmas time, in front of a full crowd,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37with choristers, with organ...
0:02:37 > 0:02:39is daunting.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57After six months of hard work and hard-fought performances,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00the three finalists now have only a fortnight
0:03:00 > 0:03:03to prepare for their last contest piece.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08All that they've been through as choirs is going to come into play in the final.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Everything that they've learnt so far about commitment,
0:03:11 > 0:03:17about tone, about singing as one, is going to be so important.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22Gareth's en route to Dover to see the first of the finalists
0:03:22 > 0:03:25with news of their last musical challenge.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30I cannot wait to get into the room and find out what the challenge is.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33I think the final song will be a Christmas song.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35I want Rocking Around The Christmas Tree.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37SHE LAUGHS
0:03:37 > 0:03:41The big danger for P&O now is that they've had a huge success
0:03:41 > 0:03:45and now they've got to follow it in the final. That's tricky.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49Because a choir can easily dip after a performance like that.
0:03:53 > 0:03:54Hello!
0:03:54 > 0:03:56ALL: Hello!
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- Hi! How are you? - ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE
0:03:59 > 0:04:01Come on! You're almost smiling!
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- So, congratulations! - CHEERING
0:04:09 > 0:04:15There we are! The pressure is so on you. Last effort.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- What's the expression? - Full steam ahead!- Full steam ahead!
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Aye, aye, Captain!
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- OK. Are you excited? - ALL: Yes!
0:04:22 > 0:04:23Me too.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28So, you will be singing at Ely Cathedral
0:04:28 > 0:04:33as part of a Christmas service. With the boys of the cathedral choir.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36You're going to be performing a very special piece of music,
0:04:36 > 0:04:39one that has been composed especially for the occasion.
0:04:39 > 0:04:45It is a piece of music written by none other than Paul Mealor,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- one of our judges. - CHEERING
0:04:50 > 0:04:54So, you now have the challenge of pleasing Paul Mealor
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- with this piece.- With A Friend Like You.- With A Friend Like You.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02- Paul has never heard it sung. It's all in his head.- It's getting worse!
0:05:02 > 0:05:03ALL EXCLAIM
0:05:03 > 0:05:05You got it!
0:05:05 > 0:05:10- Here's the rub - every choir will be singing the same piece.- Oh, good.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14So you have pretty much a level playing field. Here it is.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17This is Paul Mealor's With A Friend Like You.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20"You give me your hand. You are the unlatched door.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23"You are the shore land, you are the..."
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- Shore?- "Safe shore." - LAUGHTER
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Could it be any more appropriate for you?
0:05:30 > 0:05:32# Then I am strong. #
0:05:32 > 0:05:34Tenors, you're together here.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- One, two, three... - # Then I am strong
0:05:38 > 0:05:41# Then I belong
0:05:41 > 0:05:48# Can either be just right or wrong
0:05:48 > 0:05:51# No song I can't sing
0:05:51 > 0:05:54# No joy I can't bring
0:05:54 > 0:05:57# No...I can't be
0:05:57 > 0:05:59# And still be still me. #
0:05:59 > 0:06:04OK, good. This is typical of Paul that you hear it and go,
0:06:04 > 0:06:05"This is going to be a doddle."
0:06:05 > 0:06:08And then you go, "Actually, that bit's tricky and that's tricky."
0:06:08 > 0:06:11You've got to get these ideas bang in your head immediately.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Thank you. Good stuff.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17It's really scary to be given something that's never been
0:06:17 > 0:06:19performed before by anybody.
0:06:19 > 0:06:20It's emotional straightaway.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22Christmas. Everyone is together.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25Friends don't see each other all the time but...
0:06:25 > 0:06:28That's the sort of feel. It's brilliant. Awesome.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35With P&O off the mark, Gareth's second choir,
0:06:35 > 0:06:39Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service, gathers for news of the final.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43A bit of apprehension around what is coming next. What song it will be.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45Will it be really difficult? Will it be really technical?
0:06:45 > 0:06:47Anybody could win now.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50There's only three choirs left so it's anybody's game.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52Cheshire Fire Service have surprised me before
0:06:52 > 0:06:55with the sound that they get on the day.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57And they surprised the judges as well time after time.
0:06:57 > 0:06:58And they're likeable.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01But I don't think likeable is enough with the kind of technical
0:07:01 > 0:07:04challenge they're about to find themselves facing.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06Morning!
0:07:06 > 0:07:07ALL: Morning!
0:07:07 > 0:07:08OK, have a seat.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11You're going to be forming a very special piece of music,
0:07:11 > 0:07:15one that has been composed especially for the occasion.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18It has a rather lovely title and a rather lovely theme.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22With A Friend Like You.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Pat's welled up.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28One, two, three, four...
0:07:28 > 0:07:33THEY SING HARMONIES
0:07:39 > 0:07:42# Then I am strong. #
0:07:46 > 0:07:49LAUGHTER
0:07:49 > 0:07:53Well done. No, that's good. That's proper goose bumps. Well done.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55This song is amazing.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Once we've nailed it, it'll be even better.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59It feels really special, doesn't it?
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Because you know it's been written for the choirs.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06Each of the choirs will sing one verse and chorus of the same piece.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09But for the first time it's up to the choirs to come up
0:08:09 > 0:08:11with their own unique arrangement.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14The notes on the page are just the beginning
0:08:14 > 0:08:17and Paul will be looking to see how they've opened it up.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Everything they've done before, there's been a CD that you can go
0:08:20 > 0:08:23and listen to how other people did it.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27No such luxury here. They have to decide how this goes for themselves.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31I want to find out what is going to make this
0:08:31 > 0:08:34a Cheshire Fire And Rescue performance.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36So you are entirely free to decide,
0:08:36 > 0:08:39is that beginning bit going to be sung by everyone?
0:08:39 > 0:08:44Is it going to be a duet or is there somebody new who hasn't sung before?
0:08:44 > 0:08:47If you want to say something personifies the Fire And Rescue Service,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50it's deep, manly.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- Deep and manly.- There's deep and manly for you.- It does have a top F.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56HE SINGS BOTTOM F
0:08:56 > 0:08:58- LAUGHTER - That's a bottom F. OK.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01My opinion is we should use Gareth and Ash.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Let's have a listen to all the options.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06# When I just can't see
0:09:06 > 0:09:09# What you can see in me
0:09:09 > 0:09:12# Somehow you still see
0:09:12 > 0:09:16# You see the best me. #
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Yeah, could work, couldn't it? It needs some practice.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21It would be a missed trick if we didn't hear Michelle.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23She missed the opportunity last time.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Michelle, why did you not put yourself forward for the solo?
0:09:26 > 0:09:27She was on leave.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29Michelle, will you come out?
0:09:31 > 0:09:34# When I'm just not me
0:09:34 > 0:09:37# When I can't even be
0:09:37 > 0:09:40# All that I can be
0:09:40 > 0:09:43# Just see the worst in me. #
0:09:46 > 0:09:49I think it sounded amazing, I really did.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51When you get that in a cathedral, bouncing off the walls,
0:09:51 > 0:09:53that's going to be awesome.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56We all agree that it's Michelle for the win?
0:09:56 > 0:09:57ALL: Yeah.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01Looks like you just got yourself a solo there, Michelle.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04Michelle is one of the Fire Service's outreach workers.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06We get to go out into the community.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09We get to meet lots of young people and try and help them.
0:10:09 > 0:10:10Pop that one in for me.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13There's no better work than the youth work that we do
0:10:13 > 0:10:15and the community work in raising awareness of fires
0:10:15 > 0:10:18and getting respect for the fire service. There you go.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20You done it! Yes!
0:10:20 > 0:10:25# When I'm just not me When I can...#
0:10:25 > 0:10:26I've never been judged singing,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29I've just sang when people haven't really wanted it.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33To have the rest of the choir's hopes on my shoulders,
0:10:33 > 0:10:36I probably wish I'd stayed in the background.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39# To see the best me. #
0:10:39 > 0:10:41Well done.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43That was lovely.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46Great. Where have you been hiding that voice, then? That was great.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Thank you very much, everyone. Well done.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54In their first rehearsal, Cheshire has decided on its arrangements.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57It'll start with a solo, be joined by a duet
0:10:57 > 0:11:00and then followed by the whole choir.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04Wow! In the nick of time a really good voice. Really good.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06Just perfect for that. Perfect!
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- We'll be stood right next to you. - I know, yeah.- It does help.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12What I love about this group is that they make a decision and run with it
0:11:12 > 0:11:16and support each other and it's very solid and they don't flap about.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19They just make a decision.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30Gareth is on his way to Canary Wharf to catch up with his last choir,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33global banking giant, Citi.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38It'll be very interesting to see how each choir performs
0:11:38 > 0:11:41singing the same music but with a different interpretation.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45We're into the final, which I guess was our objective
0:11:45 > 0:11:49when we set off on this wonderful journey a few months ago.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51And there is everything to play for.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55Quite exciting to hear what today's song is and what we're doing, where it's going to be.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58They've got choral singers in there. It could be their moment.
0:11:58 > 0:11:59It SHOULD be their moment.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04# Now I know
0:12:04 > 0:12:07# That I'm on solid ground
0:12:07 > 0:12:10# When you're...
0:12:10 > 0:12:13# I never lost my...
0:12:13 > 0:12:16# Then I am strong. #
0:12:16 > 0:12:17OK. Good.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19It's very Andrew Lloyd Webber. I mean, it's lovely.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22It's very Andrew Lloyd Webber, it's very Paul Mealor.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26You have to kind of get inside it and find a way to bring it to life.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30Ideally, for a cathedral, I'd like something properly classical.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34But then I'd probably like something properly classical at every stage.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37# Nothing I can't do... #
0:12:37 > 0:12:39It's cheesy. It's cheesetastic,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42but I like the build-up it's going to have.
0:12:43 > 0:12:49This song is on a knife edge between being too sentimental
0:12:49 > 0:12:52or being absolutely beautiful and heartfelt.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55And that is entirely down to the performance and how they react to it
0:12:55 > 0:12:57and I think it was a very musical response from them.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Now they've got some decisions to make.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03It says soloists from choir three, so is there any rule that...?
0:13:03 > 0:13:05There are no rules. You could all do it if you like.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09- Let's work to our strength, which is...- Blend.- Blend.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12We could have, essentially, almost like a quartet,
0:13:12 > 0:13:15except of course it's got five parts, so quintet.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18So, three altos on the soprano and alto lines.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20And then in bar 78
0:13:20 > 0:13:24the rest of the choir starting unbelievably quietly
0:13:24 > 0:13:26at the beginning of that bar.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30By the time we reach strong we're all going.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34And I just thought of that in the last 30 seconds. Brrrrrrrr!
0:13:34 > 0:13:35And I've got a spreadsheet.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Citi have got to find a way not to be boring.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42They really do. That has been their problem all the way along.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45They do nice performances, but they never set the world on fire.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50No-one is more anxious to find out how the choirs will interpret
0:13:50 > 0:13:53the piece than contest judge, Paul Mealor.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56He composed the song with lyricist Brendan Graham,
0:13:56 > 0:13:59whose hits include You Raise Me Up.
0:13:59 > 0:14:04This is the first time I've ever given a piece of music over
0:14:04 > 0:14:07to a group and not heard a rehearsal.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10There's a lot of things in this piece which they've never
0:14:10 > 0:14:13done before, which could throw them.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15For example a soprano might do this...
0:14:15 > 0:14:16HIGH TO LOW NOTE
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- ..whilst the alto is doing... - LOW TO HIGH NOTE
0:14:19 > 0:14:22..the opposite and it's happening all over the place.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27But Paul's not just looking for technical precision.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33Emotionally I want this piece to be about friendship.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36It's at Christmas that friendship really hits home.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40So I'm expecting and hoping that they'll bring my piece alive.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44It is so nerve-racking. What are they going to do?
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Are they going to murder it?
0:14:50 > 0:14:53In Dover, the choir is no closer to a decision.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56# And I just stand alone
0:14:56 > 0:14:59# No land is my land
0:14:59 > 0:15:03# And nothing is all I own. #
0:15:03 > 0:15:06SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Do you know, that really touched me, because that's so vulnerable.
0:15:09 > 0:15:10Well, it's got heart, hasn't it?
0:15:10 > 0:15:16If we have Grant doing "When I'm an island I just stand alone."
0:15:16 > 0:15:18And Geoff's next to him
0:15:18 > 0:15:20and he just has to put his hand on his shoulder
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- and then they come in together. - Whoa!
0:15:22 > 0:15:24We're talking brothers, here.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- It's too much!- "You give me your hand..."- OK. Let's try it.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31# When I'm an island
0:15:31 > 0:15:34# And I just stand alone
0:15:34 > 0:15:37# No land is my land
0:15:37 > 0:15:40# And nothing's all I own
0:15:40 > 0:15:43# You give me your hand
0:15:43 > 0:15:46# You are the unlatched door
0:15:46 > 0:15:49# You are the shore land
0:15:49 > 0:15:53# You are safe shore
0:15:53 > 0:15:55# And I am strong. #
0:15:55 > 0:15:57I think that's great.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01There's something, with the support of the brothers.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03But not everyone in the choir agrees.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06Now I'm in two minds whether to have a solo.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08I think we sound better together.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Is it about winning the competition or saying,
0:16:11 > 0:16:14"Look, we all agree as a team that these guys can go up and sing this"?
0:16:14 > 0:16:17I think it really is all about winning now,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20rather than going on about people's feelings at all.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22Tidy it up. Have another few goes at it.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25When I come back, let me see what you've got.
0:16:25 > 0:16:26OK. Thanks, everyone. Bye-bye!
0:16:26 > 0:16:28See you next time. Bye-bye.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- I don't think anything's decided. - No. Nothing's decided.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35It's a bit of a mixed message over whether we want to be vulnerable
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- or whether we want to be best... - Clinical.- Yeah.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40The best kind of singers.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45# No land is my land
0:16:45 > 0:16:48# And nothing's all I own... #
0:16:48 > 0:16:51Citibank are going to go in there and they're going to bang it
0:16:51 > 0:16:52and they're going to be pure.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Their singing is going to be crisp and bang on,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57and this start is just not going to work for us.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00It's going to be Geoff, it's going to be Grant.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- Let's just get on with it. - We could still be here next week
0:17:02 > 0:17:05trying to make a decision on who's going to be doing what.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18As Ely Cathedral prepares for the final,
0:17:18 > 0:17:22the choirs are having to juggle their day jobs with rehearsals.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30With just over a week until the final,
0:17:30 > 0:17:35Gareth's back in Cheshire to rehearse with the fire service's soloist.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39Michelle starts the whole thing. That's pressure.
0:17:39 > 0:17:45When she gets those notes on the day, she's got to be right.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48She's going to need nerves of steel, this young lady.
0:17:48 > 0:17:49- Hello, Michelle.- Hiya.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51How are you feeling about this solo?
0:17:51 > 0:17:54I was just panicking that I'd have a bit too much pressure on me
0:17:54 > 0:17:56to try and come in on the right key.
0:17:56 > 0:17:57Shall we try it?
0:17:57 > 0:18:00# Somehow you still see
0:18:00 > 0:18:06# You see the best me. #
0:18:06 > 0:18:07Pretty good.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09But I think actually what it needs is an audience.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11I'd like you to go and perform it to other people.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- Like...?- I don't know. Anyone that's around.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- You're not going to take me to the right, are you?- To the right?
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- Yeah.- Why, what's going on? - I think there's a huge conference.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24Oh, perfect!
0:18:24 > 0:18:26There's about 100 people in there.
0:18:26 > 0:18:27Have a look.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31I think the Chief's in there as well, and your boss' boss.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Perfect! Well, look, if you can do that, you can do anything.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Excuse me. Hello.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44I'm so sorry to disturb your meeting.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48I'm Gareth, I'm conducting the Cheshire Fire And Rescue Choir.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50They have a soloist at the beginning.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52This is Michelle, everyone.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55As you can imagine, Michelle's somewhat nervous
0:18:55 > 0:18:59about getting up in front of a lot of people in Ely Cathedral,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02so I thought what better way than in at the deep end.
0:19:02 > 0:19:03The floor is yours.
0:19:08 > 0:19:09Go on, Michelle!
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Deep breath.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- Can't do it.- You can.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Phew! Let's do it.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29# When I'm just not me
0:19:29 > 0:19:32# When I can't even be
0:19:32 > 0:19:36# All that I can be
0:19:36 > 0:19:39# Just see the worst in me
0:19:39 > 0:19:42# When I just can't see
0:19:42 > 0:19:45# What you can see in me
0:19:45 > 0:19:49# Somehow you still see
0:19:49 > 0:19:54# You see the best me. #
0:19:59 > 0:20:00Well done!
0:20:04 > 0:20:06Thank you, all!
0:20:06 > 0:20:08Well done.
0:20:08 > 0:20:09You did it.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12You absolutely did it. That shows courage. Yes!
0:20:12 > 0:20:13Good. Well done!
0:20:15 > 0:20:19As small as she is, if we win this it's cos we're standing
0:20:19 > 0:20:21on her shoulders. I'm absolutely convinced of it.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24I think me confidence has definitely, definitely grown.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26So, hopefully, it'll put me in good stead for the final,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29cos it can't be much worse than that.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36Although the fire service is on course musically,
0:20:36 > 0:20:39a national strike threatens their progress.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Head of Operations has asked to see Gareth.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- Hello.- Hello, Gareth.- How are you?
0:20:44 > 0:20:48The Union has voted for strike action over changes to retirement age
0:20:48 > 0:20:50and pensions.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53The news is, we were expecting dates of strikes.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55There's a circular come out today from the FBU.
0:20:57 > 0:20:58That's the fire...
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Fire Brigades Union. Yeah, excuse me.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04"It now appears that strike action is unavoidable in England and Wales.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06"Arrangements are currently being finalised for this."
0:21:06 > 0:21:07Between...
0:21:08 > 0:21:11..now and the finals, there's almost certainly going to be
0:21:11 > 0:21:14clashes with the choir and the strike.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17If it does come to it, I hope for the choir's sake that it happens
0:21:17 > 0:21:19after the finals. Right, see you later.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21The choir is doing so well here in Cheshire.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23They've worked incredibly hard, and to lose out
0:21:23 > 0:21:25because of a strike...
0:21:25 > 0:21:26would be a great shame.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30# You walk beside me
0:21:30 > 0:21:33# You are the one more mile
0:21:33 > 0:21:37# The smile inside me when I... #
0:21:37 > 0:21:41In Canary Wharf, the bankers have agreed on an ensemble approach,
0:21:41 > 0:21:44and are testing it out in a cathedral-sounding space.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48We've put a lot of thought, as you might imagine,
0:21:48 > 0:21:52into how we should present this particular piece of music.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56They think they've cracked it with a precise technical arrangement.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58We're not going to do an individual soloist.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00We've got the best singer approach.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02We've got a choir which has got many different parts
0:22:02 > 0:22:04and play really well together.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06So, some gorgeous sounds came out.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- Hello. Good morning! - Morning.- Morning.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11# No joy I can't bring
0:22:11 > 0:22:13# No-one I can't be
0:22:13 > 0:22:16# And still be still me
0:22:16 > 0:22:18# With a friend like
0:22:18 > 0:22:24# You
0:22:25 > 0:22:29# With a friend like you.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31# With a friend like you # Hey!
0:22:31 > 0:22:33# Da-da-dee-dae-ray! #
0:22:33 > 0:22:35Hey!
0:22:35 > 0:22:36OK. So, none of that.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40I think you've got ba-baa-ba-ba in your minds, but it's...
0:22:40 > 0:22:43# Dee-dee-dee-dee-dee
0:22:43 > 0:22:46# Dee-dee-dee-dee... #
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Let us take care of the rhythm, and you just do line over the top of it.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51I think you have to...
0:22:51 > 0:22:55# No song I can't sing...
0:22:55 > 0:22:58# We're back to gospel! #
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Do you know, I mean, it's almost tempting just to try it like that.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04Can you try it gospel style? Ha!
0:23:04 > 0:23:07The whole bit or just the second bit which we sing without the piano?
0:23:07 > 0:23:09I think, mmm, ooh...
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- Oooh!- That is a good way of doing it.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- That's a really good idea.- That's...
0:23:14 > 0:23:17We've had a breakthrough! OK. Yeah.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19I like that. So, we go all classical...
0:23:19 > 0:23:22So we have a really, sort of, nice and on the first one and then...
0:23:22 > 0:23:25# No song I can't...
0:23:25 > 0:23:26# Whoa, yeah! #
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Exactly, it's a cappella.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34Do you know what? It's bold.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36We go Sister Act.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38# No song I can't sing
0:23:38 > 0:23:41# No joy I can't bring
0:23:41 > 0:23:44# No-one I can't be
0:23:44 > 0:23:46# And still be still me
0:23:46 > 0:23:49# Nothing I can't do
0:23:49 > 0:23:51# That I can't get through
0:23:51 > 0:23:53# With a friend like
0:23:53 > 0:23:59# You. #
0:23:59 > 0:24:01I've got to say, I think it's amazing.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03It's a sort of gamble, isn't it?
0:24:03 > 0:24:07- No risk, no reward. - No risk, no reward, I like that.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10I love it. I don't know why Citi didn't think of doing gospel before,
0:24:10 > 0:24:12because it was such a breakthrough moment for them.
0:24:12 > 0:24:13We need, yeah.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16'That's been the big revelation, I think, in Citi, is to get'
0:24:16 > 0:24:19boring bankers actually rocking out and having a really good time.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Yeah, baby!
0:24:22 > 0:24:23I think it's proper genius.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25I think as bankers, I think, you know,
0:24:25 > 0:24:27we're probably in that sense outsiders,
0:24:27 > 0:24:29and then to take that piece and maybe just use that to edge past,
0:24:29 > 0:24:31you know, by a nose, perhaps.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34Maybe people think we'll be uncomfortable doing something a bit
0:24:34 > 0:24:38racy and a bit daring, but maybe we should just go out and show we can.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44After a week of debate, the ferry staff have finally made a decision.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48Just in time to take to the high seas for Gareth's next session.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52The last time I saw them at rehearsal
0:24:52 > 0:24:54they weren't making decisions, and if they haven't made one now
0:24:54 > 0:24:57I think that could be critical for them.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00We're blending well. We've picked our soloists
0:25:00 > 0:25:04and I think they're the best people for the job that we need to do.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09I hope that he likes our arrangement.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12I'm sure we will find out if he doesn't. Hmm!
0:25:12 > 0:25:17Hi, everyone. How are you doing with your song?
0:25:17 > 0:25:20- Hmm! I think it's too much pressure. - Is it?- Yeah.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Because we want to do better every time, don't we, of course,
0:25:23 > 0:25:25naturally, and there's an element of "Can we?"
0:25:25 > 0:25:28And then some days we're kind of like, "Yeah, course we can."
0:25:28 > 0:25:31And then some days we're like, "I don't know if we can."
0:25:31 > 0:25:34So, it's really up and down. Literally!
0:25:34 > 0:25:35Yeah. Literally.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38You know, the really important decision is the beginning.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41For me, all other considerations are secondary.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43OK. Shall we stand up? Let's get singing.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48I don't know what I'm going to get. Who am I looking at?
0:25:48 > 0:25:51# When I'm an island
0:25:51 > 0:25:54# And I just stand alone
0:25:54 > 0:25:57# No land is my land
0:25:57 > 0:26:01# And nothing's all I own.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04# Give me your hand
0:26:04 > 0:26:06# You are the unlatched door... #
0:26:06 > 0:26:07Hello!
0:26:07 > 0:26:10# You are the shore land
0:26:10 > 0:26:13# You are the safe shore
0:26:13 > 0:26:16# When I am strong. #
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Well done. Have a sit.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22- Can I just commend the two guys? I think that's great.- Yeah.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Really good.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27The choir is opting to keep it simple to highlight the rich tone
0:26:27 > 0:26:28they've been praised for.
0:26:28 > 0:26:33Starting with brothers Grant and Geoff, and joined by everyone.
0:26:33 > 0:26:34The start...
0:26:34 > 0:26:36# When I'm an island... #
0:26:36 > 0:26:38..in that kind of like oche way is beautiful.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40Then these harmonies are not exciting enough.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42There's much more potential in here.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44I think that they should win it.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47Really, based on where their last performance was.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49But they just don't sound certain.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51# Oooh. #
0:26:51 > 0:26:52Wrong note.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54- Who, me?- Wrong note. Yeah. Both of you.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56And they don't sound like they've been rehearsing.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58They sound like they've been discussing.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03Right. OK. I don't think there's a break.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05No, there isn't. So, there's no break there.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08And I think we can do it, but I think we've got a little while to go
0:27:08 > 0:27:12yet before we get everything down perfect to the T.
0:27:18 > 0:27:19Just about got my sea legs...
0:27:19 > 0:27:22With P&O playing catch up, Gareth needs to help brothers Grant
0:27:22 > 0:27:26and Geoff get to the heart of the piece.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28One, two, three.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31# When I'm an island
0:27:31 > 0:27:33# And I just stand alone
0:27:33 > 0:27:37# No land is my land
0:27:37 > 0:27:41# And nothing's all I own. #
0:27:41 > 0:27:42Good. I think there's a few things we can do.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45I mean, first off, what does this song mean to you?
0:27:45 > 0:27:47I mean, when are you an island?
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- Do you ever feel like an island, Grant.- No.- No?
0:27:50 > 0:27:52I can relate to it.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55I've got a twin brother called Ross and he has cystic fibrosis.
0:27:55 > 0:28:00A long time ago we get told he needs a liver transplant or that's it.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03And it's a bit like, "Oh, what?"
0:28:03 > 0:28:08And all of sudden the whole outside world, you don't notice any of it,
0:28:08 > 0:28:10because you're there and you're on your own.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13And this is very out of character for Grant,
0:28:13 > 0:28:14but I was really upset about it.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17And he just came up and gave me a hug in front of everyone,
0:28:17 > 0:28:21and it was just like all of a sudden we were there together again.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Is this one of the first things that you've done together in a while?
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- Yeah. In a very long time.- Yeah.
0:28:27 > 0:28:28How's that been for you?
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Grant, I'm going to ask you to tell me genuinely.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34How has it been for me, this choir thing?
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Yeah, you know, well, working with your brother
0:28:36 > 0:28:39- and spending time together?- Nice.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43- Is that it? Nice.- Nice.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46Man of very few words. No. It's been all right.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49I wouldn't have done this if it wasn't for him.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52I need you to feel it, you know, when you're singing.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54Because you don't want this...
0:28:54 > 0:28:56# When I'm an... #
0:28:56 > 0:28:58How's it sounding? That sense.
0:28:58 > 0:28:59You just want...
0:29:00 > 0:29:03# When I'm an island
0:29:03 > 0:29:06# And I just stand alone
0:29:06 > 0:29:09# No land is my land
0:29:09 > 0:29:15# And nothing's all I own. #
0:29:15 > 0:29:16Job done for me.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Interestingly, just subtly different
0:29:19 > 0:29:21following that conversation.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28As long as we can get the togetherness, togetherness,
0:29:28 > 0:29:30we'll be all right.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32And that's what it's all about.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40Well, this is falsetto...
0:29:40 > 0:29:42Togetherness defines the fire service.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45But top Gs don't come so easily.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48SONG: "Staying Alive" by The BeeGees
0:29:48 > 0:29:50Tray and go ah, ah...
0:29:50 > 0:29:57# Staying alive... #
0:29:59 > 0:30:02We're trying to get an example of someone singing real falsetto
0:30:02 > 0:30:05that we would all know. We've had Barry Gibb.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09We appreciate we can't bring the BeeGees too much
0:30:09 > 0:30:11into the performance, can we?
0:30:11 > 0:30:15So far, there's been no news of the first strike date.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19It's become a habit of mine just to check the Twitter for announcements.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26- Anything come out yet? - Yeah. Oh, hang on.
0:30:29 > 0:30:30Strike next Wednesday.
0:30:32 > 0:30:33Is it?
0:30:41 > 0:30:45You can probably see what it's done to just this room
0:30:45 > 0:30:47in a few short seconds.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51I think that will be amplified across the organisation, really.
0:31:01 > 0:31:06With the strike date now national news, Gareth is under no illusions
0:31:06 > 0:31:09about the gravity of the situation.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12Cheshire Fire Service have always had unity on their side,
0:31:12 > 0:31:15and I worry with strike, the atmosphere of the strike,
0:31:15 > 0:31:17that they're not going to be able to kind of focus, really.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23Hi, guys. You all right? How has it been going?
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- Not particularly merry. - No. I'm sorry to hear this.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29This is kind of really awkward timing, isn't it?
0:31:29 > 0:31:34The shadow of this is still across the date of the final.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36I've completely blocked that out of it
0:31:36 > 0:31:38coming for the final, in particular.
0:31:39 > 0:31:40It just seemed...
0:31:41 > 0:31:44..you know, too bad news to even contemplate.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46I think if we can just put it to one side. Shall we crack on?
0:31:46 > 0:31:49Let's get everyone together and have a rehearsal.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51# When I just can't see
0:31:51 > 0:31:54# What you can see in me
0:31:54 > 0:31:58# Somehow you still see
0:31:58 > 0:32:02# You see the best me
0:32:02 > 0:32:04# When I am strong. #
0:32:04 > 0:32:07OK. Thank you very much. Not quite in tune.
0:32:07 > 0:32:08Now what's happened?
0:32:08 > 0:32:11Cos it was sort of perfect last time, wasn't it, tuning wise?
0:32:11 > 0:32:13Tension? I don't know. Let's try and solve it.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15One, two, three.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19# Ahhh
0:32:19 > 0:32:20# Ahhh... #
0:32:20 > 0:32:22So, we're just not even remotely in the same key.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28The problem with starting a choir in a workplace is that whatever
0:32:28 > 0:32:30happens in the workplace affects the choir.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33So, we're on a downer at the moment,
0:32:33 > 0:32:37because the fire service is on a downer and I've got to pick them up.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40Can we push the chairs back and get in a circle, please?
0:32:40 > 0:32:43We're going to have a sort of little Christmas eggnog dance.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45Can we have the ladies in the middle in a circle
0:32:45 > 0:32:48and the gentlemen on the outside in a circle?
0:32:48 > 0:32:51Why don't you just turn out, ladies, and face the gents?
0:32:51 > 0:32:52There we are. And I'd like...
0:32:52 > 0:32:54# Ding dong, merrily on high
0:32:54 > 0:32:57# In next person, da-da-da!
0:32:57 > 0:32:59# Ding dong merrily on high
0:32:59 > 0:33:02# In heaven the bells are ringing
0:33:02 > 0:33:04# Ding dong verily the sky
0:33:04 > 0:33:07# Is riv'n with angel singing
0:33:07 > 0:33:15# Gloria
0:33:15 > 0:33:17# Hosanna in excelsis. #
0:33:17 > 0:33:21Thank you. That's finished me off. How's morale now?
0:33:21 > 0:33:22Bloody awful!
0:33:32 > 0:33:36Counting down to the final, and Gareth has a crucial rehearsal
0:33:36 > 0:33:38with the stars of the Ely Cathedral -
0:33:38 > 0:33:39its choristers.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43They'll be the backing singers at the beginning and end
0:33:43 > 0:33:46of each choir's section, and their musical benchmark.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- Hello. Hello.- Hello.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51As pupils at the cathedral school...
0:33:51 > 0:33:52Hello. Come on down.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55..they sing at services up to six times a week.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59We're going to go and rehearse in the cathedral, so follow me.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04They are entrenched in choral music.
0:34:04 > 0:34:05They live, eat, breathe, sleep it.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10They are the epitome of that British choral sound
0:34:10 > 0:34:14and having them sing with my choirs, I think it's going to elevate
0:34:14 > 0:34:17everything that they've done so far to a totally different level.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19Let's all stand. Not too heavy on the B flat.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22Light.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25THEY HARMONISE
0:34:30 > 0:34:32# With a friend like you. #
0:34:32 > 0:34:34That's fine. I don't think it'll need a lot more than that.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36I just don't want to feel that sense of punch
0:34:36 > 0:34:38and effort on the final note.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40My choirs are going to come and sing in Ely Cathedral.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43What can you tell them that they need to know
0:34:43 > 0:34:45about this sort of sound?
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Project your sound to all around the cathedral
0:34:48 > 0:34:52- so people can hear the words, diction, everything.- Yes.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55You need to try and blend with everyone around you
0:34:55 > 0:34:57and not be the voice that sticks out.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00You need to let the building do a lot of the work for you.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03Try and keep the sound really forward and coming from your head.
0:35:03 > 0:35:04Can you demonstrate the difference?
0:35:04 > 0:35:06# Aaah
0:35:06 > 0:35:08# Aaah. #
0:35:09 > 0:35:12Just looking at you, it's almost as though you're singing
0:35:12 > 0:35:14out of the back of your head. Can you all demonstrate that?
0:35:14 > 0:35:18# Aaah... #
0:35:19 > 0:35:21It's amazing, isn't it? It just rings in here.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24It's so nice. And I think it's going to be really good fun.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26Thank you very much. Good rehearsal. Well done.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31They're great. They're beautiful. They're so musical.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33You ask them one thing, and they do it.
0:35:33 > 0:35:34They change it.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37I must have said, you know, a thousand times to my choirs,
0:35:37 > 0:35:40it's not all about shouting. It's not all about volume.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43I feel like these choristers have just significantly upped the game.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56This is as close as it gets to a cathedral at Citi.
0:35:56 > 0:35:57Come and stand over here.
0:35:57 > 0:36:02With the final approaching, Gareth uses the 42-story tower
0:36:02 > 0:36:06to prepare the bankers for a cathedral acoustic.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09# No song I can't sing
0:36:09 > 0:36:11# No joy I can't bring
0:36:11 > 0:36:14# No-one I can't be
0:36:14 > 0:36:17# And still be still me
0:36:17 > 0:36:20# Nothing I can't do
0:36:20 > 0:36:22# That I can't get through
0:36:22 > 0:36:24# With a friend like
0:36:24 > 0:36:30# You
0:36:31 > 0:36:38# With a friend like you. #
0:36:38 > 0:36:39Good.
0:36:39 > 0:36:44With the gospel bit, unless you over-gospel it, it doesn't register.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48- When you get the whole sound, it's lovely, isn't it?- It is.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50The actual music is now coming together.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53Right now I think our chances of winning are really high.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55We're the opposite. I don't think we're going to win.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57- I don't listen to him. - I don't think we're going to win.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59I think we're going to win.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02Citi's combination of really good choral singing with
0:37:02 > 0:37:04the freedom of gospel and the fact that they've come together
0:37:04 > 0:37:07as a choir and as a group of people,
0:37:07 > 0:37:09I think it makes them very hard to beat.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13In Dover, Gareth's chosen the 80,000 square feet warehouse
0:37:13 > 0:37:18to refine the trademark rich dynamic that's got P&O this far.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22# Nothing I can't do
0:37:22 > 0:37:25# That I can't get through
0:37:25 > 0:37:26# With a friend like... #
0:37:26 > 0:37:27Go for it. Into the floor.
0:37:27 > 0:37:33# You.
0:37:33 > 0:37:39# With a friend like you. #
0:37:39 > 0:37:40- Good.- I mean, do you know what?
0:37:40 > 0:37:43Being in here changes everything, doesn't it?
0:37:43 > 0:37:46It really needs that level of enormous exaggeration,
0:37:46 > 0:37:49but good work. Thank you very much. Good rehearsal today.
0:37:49 > 0:37:50Thank you very much.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54The past couple of rehearsals have been really hard,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57but Gareth's come in and he's worked on a lot with us today.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00In there it sounded amazing. It really, really did.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03Erm, and I think we're all on... we've gone down
0:38:03 > 0:38:05and now we're just coming back up.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Nothing can really prepare them for the majesty of a cathedral
0:38:09 > 0:38:12and what you need to give in a space like that.
0:38:12 > 0:38:13There's a week to go.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17If they work very, very hard, then this could be very special.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21While the bankers and ferry workers are rehearsing,
0:38:21 > 0:38:26the firefighters are in the midst of the first strike in over ten years.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30Once over, it's an anxious wait for the next strike date
0:38:30 > 0:38:33while they get back to work and singing.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Let's put the choir a bit further down there
0:38:35 > 0:38:37so we can really tell whether you can hear the words...
0:38:37 > 0:38:41Gareth wants to re-focus on their strengths - the spirit and drama
0:38:41 > 0:38:42of their performance.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44Really go for the operatic sell.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47# No song I can't sing
0:38:47 > 0:38:51# No joy I can't bring
0:38:51 > 0:38:54# No-one I can't be
0:38:54 > 0:38:57# And still be still me
0:38:57 > 0:38:59# Nothing I can't do
0:38:59 > 0:39:03# That I can't get through
0:39:03 > 0:39:04# With a friend like
0:39:04 > 0:39:11# You
0:39:11 > 0:39:15# With a friend like you.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24They're smiling now. You look like you're enjoying it.
0:39:24 > 0:39:28What, for you, feels like a long way into a kind of rich choral sound
0:39:28 > 0:39:32is going to be exactly right. I think it's in a great place.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34That's good. Thank you, audience.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39What's the update?
0:39:39 > 0:39:42Unions have to give seven days' notice of industrial action,
0:39:42 > 0:39:46and with only a week till the final, they're all waiting on news
0:39:46 > 0:39:48of a second strike.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50Right. Thanks, Tim.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52There's been no announcements of further dates,
0:39:52 > 0:39:56- so it's clear road now to Ely.- Good.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00Great! Oh, that's really good.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09The day of the final has dawned.
0:40:13 > 0:40:14This is amazing!
0:40:16 > 0:40:18- No pressure!- No.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22- When do you get the opportunity to sing in a place like this?- No.
0:40:22 > 0:40:23Wow!
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Absolutely beautiful.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28It's magnificent, the building, the setting.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30It's awe-inspiring.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34I just can't wait to hear what it sounds like
0:40:34 > 0:40:36cos I just think it's going to be amazing.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40I don't really know what to say, it's...
0:40:40 > 0:40:42huge.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46Welcome to Ely Cathedral! It's the final!
0:40:49 > 0:40:50I am very excited.
0:40:50 > 0:40:55At the end of today, you will be performing a world premiere
0:40:55 > 0:40:58in this amazing space to a capacity audience.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02There are going to be 1,200 people in here.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04So important is music to the cathedral
0:41:04 > 0:41:08that they have their own dedicated school just next door,
0:41:08 > 0:41:10where they teach the choristers to sing.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12The youngest of them is only nine years old.
0:41:12 > 0:41:13ALL: Aww!
0:41:13 > 0:41:16So, you are going back to school.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23Each choir will be tutored by their own group of Ely choristers
0:41:23 > 0:41:25and cathedral choral director.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28It's their last opportunity to prepare for the cathedral acoustic.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30Come on in and have a seat...
0:41:30 > 0:41:31There isn't a lot of time for them
0:41:31 > 0:41:33to absorb the lessons from the cathedral choristers,
0:41:33 > 0:41:36but there's enough time for them to make that little change
0:41:36 > 0:41:39that's going to make all the difference when they get in there.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42# No-one I can't be
0:41:42 > 0:41:44# And still be still me
0:41:44 > 0:41:46# Nothing I can't... #
0:41:46 > 0:41:48I'm going to stop you there. Thank you!
0:41:48 > 0:41:50You've got to breathe in the sound you want to transmit
0:41:50 > 0:41:52to the audience, and it has to be...
0:41:52 > 0:41:54- DEEP VOICE:- No song - rich. - HIGHER VOICE:- One, two.
0:41:54 > 0:41:55HE INHALES
0:41:55 > 0:41:58- # No song I can't sing... #- Yes!
0:41:58 > 0:42:01# No joy I can't bring... #
0:42:01 > 0:42:04If anyone is standing like that or like that, it's best thing to
0:42:04 > 0:42:08go like that, cos then the whole diaphragm is straight to let all
0:42:08 > 0:42:13the vocalism come out of your mouth and travel through the cathedral.
0:42:13 > 0:42:14Singing with you mouth open. # Ah. #
0:42:14 > 0:42:17Drop your jaw. You get a lot more resonance. As soon as I did that
0:42:17 > 0:42:20then I was like, "Oh, God, I'm producing a different sound there."
0:42:20 > 0:42:23I'm just promoting this young man to area manager.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25Honorary member of the Cheshire Fire Service. There you go.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27Pleased to meet you, sir.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29Fantastic!
0:42:29 > 0:42:32# Nothing I can't do
0:42:32 > 0:42:34# That I can't get through
0:42:34 > 0:42:37# With a friend like you. #
0:42:37 > 0:42:39Words definitely need to be crisper.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42Use your tongue and your teeth.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44They really help to get the consonants through.
0:42:44 > 0:42:45Thank you, yes!
0:42:45 > 0:42:48I just can't get over... The gospel bit was amazing.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51I'm so impressed by that. We should have more of that in the cathedral.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55# No land is my land
0:42:55 > 0:42:59# And nothing's all I own
0:42:59 > 0:43:02# Oohh. #
0:43:05 > 0:43:08The cathedral's going to be absolutely packed,
0:43:08 > 0:43:10but you've got to...
0:43:10 > 0:43:12Are you supposed to make us feel better right now?
0:43:15 > 0:43:18You've got to ignore all the people. Sort of imagine like you're
0:43:18 > 0:43:21singing to one person at the back,
0:43:21 > 0:43:23perhaps who's hard of hearing.
0:43:23 > 0:43:25That'll give the right effect.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28Geoff and Grant, if they have more confidence in themselves,
0:43:28 > 0:43:29they'll do really well.
0:43:29 > 0:43:32Their projection and diction and everything and they'll be great.
0:43:32 > 0:43:35- Dictation, pronunciation. - Yes, that's it, dear.- Yes, dear.
0:43:43 > 0:43:48Back to judge for one final time are Royal Wedding composer Paul Mealor,
0:43:48 > 0:43:51world-renowned soprano Sarah Fox,
0:43:51 > 0:43:54and award-winning gospel conductor Ken Burton.
0:43:54 > 0:43:56In a cathedral, I mean, what a place to be performing
0:43:56 > 0:43:58on your third or fourth performance.
0:43:58 > 0:44:02I've been in this industry for what, 30, 40 years of my life,
0:44:02 > 0:44:06and it's taken me decades to get to this!
0:44:06 > 0:44:09They're going to be more than nervous, I think!
0:44:09 > 0:44:13The acoustic will perhaps throw them off, because it's very, very boomy,
0:44:13 > 0:44:15there's a lot of space,
0:44:15 > 0:44:18so it will be interesting to see how they cope with that.
0:44:18 > 0:44:20I haven't heard any rehearsals...
0:44:20 > 0:44:21For composer Paul Mealor,
0:44:21 > 0:44:24it'll be the first time he's heard his song performed.
0:44:24 > 0:44:28I'm expecting and hoping that they'll bring my piece alive,
0:44:28 > 0:44:30that they will add their voices to mine
0:44:30 > 0:44:31and you'll hear something quite special.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34It's probably the toughest thing they've had to do so far.
0:44:49 > 0:44:51Special glittery eye shadow...
0:44:51 > 0:44:55With rehearsals over, it's time to focus on the performance ahead,
0:44:55 > 0:44:58and the six months it's taken to get here.
0:44:58 > 0:44:59We've come so far.
0:44:59 > 0:45:03I'm singing like I never thought I'd be able to sing, I really am,
0:45:03 > 0:45:04and that's all down to Gareth.
0:45:04 > 0:45:06# La la la... #
0:45:06 > 0:45:07I want to enjoy it, cos, you know,
0:45:07 > 0:45:11it's the culmination of, like, months and months of work.
0:45:11 > 0:45:14That's mine, I think.
0:45:14 > 0:45:18Sounds really cliched. The self-confidence it gives you.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20This has changed my life.
0:45:26 > 0:45:30I spent six months with these choirs and it comes down to this.
0:45:30 > 0:45:32If P&O get their tone right,
0:45:32 > 0:45:35if Cheshire have the heart and soul and the friendship,
0:45:35 > 0:45:39and if Citi go for it in that gospel section, any of them could win it.
0:45:41 > 0:45:441,200 people are waiting.
0:45:44 > 0:45:48Backstage, it's Gareth's last moment alone with all three choirs.
0:45:48 > 0:45:52Here we are! This is it.
0:45:52 > 0:45:54It's quite a thing to walk out onto that stage
0:45:54 > 0:45:56and sing into that acoustic.
0:45:56 > 0:46:00It takes courage and it takes standing tall and really delivering.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03I think all of you are capable of magic, and that's what
0:46:03 > 0:46:06I want to see on stage tonight, cos this is a magical place.
0:46:06 > 0:46:08Have a ball up there, and I'll see you out there.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10Thank you all very, very much.
0:46:15 > 0:46:18APPLAUSE
0:46:25 > 0:46:30Welcome to Ely Cathedral for the grand final of Sing While You Work.
0:46:36 > 0:46:39Ladies and gentlemen, our three choirs.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41Please welcome Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48Next, we have the longest-running cross-channel ferry service
0:46:48 > 0:46:51in the country - P&O Ferries.
0:46:54 > 0:46:55And last, but by no means least -
0:46:55 > 0:46:57this is a fiercely competitive bunch -
0:46:57 > 0:46:59please welcome Citi, the Bank.
0:47:04 > 0:47:08Singing with them tonight are the Ely Cathedral Choirs.
0:47:20 > 0:47:28# Hallelujah
0:47:28 > 0:47:33# Hallelujah
0:47:36 > 0:47:40# Amen
0:47:40 > 0:47:44MUSIC: "With A Friend Like You" by Paul Mealor
0:47:44 > 0:47:47# When I'm just not me
0:47:47 > 0:47:51# When I can't even be
0:47:51 > 0:47:54# All that I can be
0:47:54 > 0:47:57# Just see the worst in me
0:47:57 > 0:48:01# When I just can't see
0:48:01 > 0:48:04# What you can see in me
0:48:04 > 0:48:07# Somehow you still see
0:48:07 > 0:48:11# You see the best me
0:48:11 > 0:48:13# And then I am strong
0:48:13 > 0:48:17# Then I belong
0:48:17 > 0:48:23# Can even angels be just right or wrong?
0:48:23 > 0:48:26# No song I can't sing
0:48:26 > 0:48:29# No joy I can't bring
0:48:29 > 0:48:36# With a friend like you
0:48:36 > 0:48:39# No song I can't sing
0:48:39 > 0:48:42# No joy I can't bring
0:48:42 > 0:48:45# No-one I can't be
0:48:45 > 0:48:48# And still be still me
0:48:48 > 0:48:51# Nothing I can't do
0:48:51 > 0:48:54# That I can't get through
0:48:54 > 0:49:02# With a friend like you
0:49:03 > 0:49:10# With a friend like you. #
0:49:10 > 0:49:12CHEERING
0:49:21 > 0:49:25MUSIC: "With A Friend Like You" by Paul Mealor
0:49:25 > 0:49:28# When I'm an island
0:49:28 > 0:49:31# And I just stand alone
0:49:31 > 0:49:35BOTH: # No land is my land
0:49:35 > 0:49:38# And nothing's all I own
0:49:38 > 0:49:42# You give me your land
0:49:42 > 0:49:45# You are the unlatched door
0:49:45 > 0:49:48# You are the shore land
0:49:48 > 0:49:51# You are the safe shore
0:49:51 > 0:49:55ALL: # Then I am strong
0:49:55 > 0:49:58# And I belong
0:49:58 > 0:50:04# Can even angels be just right or wrong?
0:50:04 > 0:50:07# No song I can't sing
0:50:07 > 0:50:10# No joy I can't bring
0:50:10 > 0:50:13# No-one I can't be
0:50:13 > 0:50:16# And still be still me
0:50:16 > 0:50:23# With a friend like you
0:50:23 > 0:50:26# No song I can't sing
0:50:26 > 0:50:29# No joy I can't bring
0:50:29 > 0:50:35# No-one I can't be and still be me
0:50:35 > 0:50:38# Nothing I can't do
0:50:38 > 0:50:41# That I can't get through
0:50:41 > 0:50:49# With a friend like you
0:50:51 > 0:50:56# With a friend like
0:50:56 > 0:51:00# You. #
0:51:02 > 0:51:05CHEERING
0:51:12 > 0:51:14MUSIC: "With A Friend Like You" by Paul Mealor
0:51:17 > 0:51:20# You walk beside me
0:51:20 > 0:51:23# You are that one more mile
0:51:23 > 0:51:27# The smile inside me
0:51:27 > 0:51:30# When I don't have a smile
0:51:30 > 0:51:33# When you're around know
0:51:33 > 0:51:37# That I'm on solid ground
0:51:37 > 0:51:40# When you're around know
0:51:40 > 0:51:44# I never lost my friend
0:51:44 > 0:51:46# Then I am strong
0:51:46 > 0:51:49# Then I belong
0:51:49 > 0:51:56# Can either be just right or wrong?
0:51:56 > 0:51:59# No song I can't sing
0:51:59 > 0:52:02# No joy I can't bring
0:52:02 > 0:52:08# With a friend like you
0:52:08 > 0:52:11# No song I can't sing
0:52:11 > 0:52:14- # No joy I can't bring - Joy yeah
0:52:14 > 0:52:16# No-one I can't be
0:52:16 > 0:52:19- # And still be still me - Still me
0:52:19 > 0:52:23- # Nothing I can't do - I can do anything
0:52:23 > 0:52:25# That I can't get through
0:52:25 > 0:52:32# With a friend like you
0:52:33 > 0:52:39# With a friend like you. #
0:52:41 > 0:52:44CHEERING
0:52:51 > 0:52:53So, Paul, what did you think?
0:52:53 > 0:52:57I tell you what, I'm quite close to a tear.
0:52:57 > 0:53:00You sung from your hearts, all of you, every single one of you,
0:53:00 > 0:53:01and it's a credit to you.
0:53:01 > 0:53:03Well done, all of you.
0:53:03 > 0:53:04Thank you very much, Paul.
0:53:07 > 0:53:09It's decision time for the judges.
0:53:14 > 0:53:16- Now...- Down to the nitty-gritty.
0:53:16 > 0:53:19When Cheshire started, I liked the way they set themselves up,
0:53:19 > 0:53:21and I liked the way they went through it,
0:53:21 > 0:53:26and I think overall it had a lovely performing energy, as always.
0:53:26 > 0:53:29If there's any choir of the three which exemplifies the spirit of
0:53:29 > 0:53:31the meaning of this song, I think it's Cheshire.
0:53:31 > 0:53:35You know, putting workplace together with choir, the togetherness,
0:53:35 > 0:53:37the growth in confidence and so forth.
0:53:37 > 0:53:39Moving to Citi Choir.
0:53:39 > 0:53:42I thought their energy was brilliant.
0:53:42 > 0:53:44I thought their tuning was magnificent.
0:53:44 > 0:53:46Nice bit of gospel there, as well.
0:53:46 > 0:53:49Yeah, they let go on it, and that's what I wanted to hear.
0:53:49 > 0:53:50What about P&O?
0:53:50 > 0:53:53One thing that really impressed me about their performance, really,
0:53:53 > 0:53:54was their dynamic contrast.
0:53:54 > 0:53:58But if you remember the first time that I commented on them,
0:53:58 > 0:54:02they were terrible and I'm so pleased that we hear them now at the
0:54:02 > 0:54:07final as a proper choir, doing stuff that it takes choirs years to do.
0:54:07 > 0:54:09With all that taken into consideration,
0:54:09 > 0:54:14I think Citi did a better job than P&O.
0:54:15 > 0:54:18For me, P&O has represented the choir
0:54:18 > 0:54:21which has made the most progress.
0:54:21 > 0:54:22We've got to pick one.
0:54:25 > 0:54:28APPLAUSE
0:54:39 > 0:54:41Well, thank you very much, Gareth.
0:54:41 > 0:54:45Thank you very much indeed, choirs.
0:54:45 > 0:54:49Cheshire, you never disappoint.
0:54:49 > 0:54:54Great moves, great energy, fabulous solo. Thank you.
0:55:01 > 0:55:03P&O, there were many great things happening
0:55:03 > 0:55:05in that performance tonight.
0:55:05 > 0:55:10What I especially liked were your dynamics, the way that you
0:55:10 > 0:55:13were able to build and the different colours that you used
0:55:13 > 0:55:15in your voices as well was really, really wonderful to listen to.
0:55:15 > 0:55:19You've really, really come a very, very long way
0:55:19 > 0:55:22and I'd really like to congratulate you for what you have achieved.
0:55:30 > 0:55:33Citi, the Bank,
0:55:33 > 0:55:35we thought you did a stunning performance.
0:55:35 > 0:55:39You had wonderful, wonderful tuning throughout
0:55:39 > 0:55:42and we loved the moves that you did,
0:55:42 > 0:55:46we really did, and it's been wonderful to see the freedom
0:55:46 > 0:55:49of spirit you've had, so congratulations.
0:55:57 > 0:55:58And now the decision.
0:56:06 > 0:56:08I can tell you, it may well be Christmas
0:56:08 > 0:56:12but it wasn't very merry back in our judging room.
0:56:13 > 0:56:17However, we have come to a decision.
0:56:18 > 0:56:22The workplace choir of the year is...
0:56:30 > 0:56:32..P&O.
0:56:57 > 0:57:01Congratulations to P&O Cross-Channel Ferries. You deserve it!
0:57:06 > 0:57:08We've only gone and done it, haven't we?
0:57:08 > 0:57:11We've only gone and blooming well done it!
0:57:11 > 0:57:14Sometimes you need a little push and a little persuasion to do something
0:57:14 > 0:57:19- out of your comfort zone, and you get something amazing from it.- Yeah.
0:57:20 > 0:57:23- Yes! Yes!- Ow!
0:57:23 > 0:57:27There were moments in there where I felt a special connection with P&O.
0:57:29 > 0:57:31We did absolutely everything we could.
0:57:31 > 0:57:36We wanted to peak in a performance for once and we managed it.
0:57:36 > 0:57:39I hope it's the start of a whole new beginning, for us,
0:57:39 > 0:57:42for our choir, dare I say it for banking?
0:57:42 > 0:57:44Well done!
0:57:44 > 0:57:46Disappointed not to win, but totally cool with it.
0:57:46 > 0:57:48I thought P&O were awesome.
0:57:48 > 0:57:50It's been one of the most amazing projects,
0:57:50 > 0:57:53if you can call it that, I've ever been involved in, ever.
0:57:54 > 0:57:57I've been struck all day by how far this idea has come,
0:57:57 > 0:58:00this crazy idea that singing should be in workplaces,
0:58:00 > 0:58:03that it should be in communities, an idea we'd sort of forgotten about.
0:58:03 > 0:58:07Singing in a cathedral at Christmas
0:58:07 > 0:58:10with three amazing workplace choirs, sublime!
0:58:13 > 0:58:15# Ding dong merrily on high
0:58:15 > 0:58:18# In heaven the bells are ringing
0:58:18 > 0:58:21# Ding dong verily the sky
0:58:21 > 0:58:25# Is riv'n with angels singing
0:58:25 > 0:58:33# Gloria
0:58:33 > 0:58:37# Hosanna in excelsis
0:58:37 > 0:58:50# Gloria
0:58:50 > 0:58:52# Hosanna in excelsis
0:58:52 > 0:58:54# In excelsis
0:58:54 > 0:58:57# In excelsis
0:58:57 > 0:59:00# Hosanna
0:59:00 > 0:59:09# In excelsis. #
0:59:09 > 0:59:12CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:59:12 > 0:59:14Happy Christmas, everyone!