The Choir - Sing Hallelujah

Aled Jones introduces a special programme celebrating the Sing Hallelujah project. This nationwide initiative encourages people to find their voice and discover the joy of singing through Handel's great Hallelujah Chorus. Featuring highlights from two major singing events held in Glasgow and London, including a chance to hear some unique versions of the Hallelujah Chorus, recorded by massed choirs of largely amateur singers. Aled shares in the fun with participants in Manchester and makes a sweep across the UK to see some of the hundreds of groups who have registered their performances online. The BBC Singers provide music and presenter Sara Mohr-Pietsch joins Aled with news from the London event. Playlist: Elmer Bernstein The Hallelujah Trail (excerpt) Arizona State University Concert Choir, and The Phoenix Symphony, conducted by James Sedares Koch 372222, track 16 George Frideric Handel Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus (extract) English Concert conducted by Trevor Pinnock CORO 16062 Live in the studio: William Byrd Sing Joyfully BBC Singers, conducted by Nicholas Chalmers Package from the Glasgow event on 5 December at City Halls Including Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus Performed by lots of participants from the day, members of the ENO chorus and orchestra, members of the BBC Singers, The Merchant Singers, and conductor Laurence Cummings Rihards Dubra Alleluia Latvian State Chorus conducted by Māris Sirmais Private CD George Frideric Handel Messiah - For unto us a Child is born English Concert conducted by Trevor Pinnock CORO 16062 Package of the Renewal gospel Choir based in Bristol Including extracts from one of their rehearsals of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus gospel version, arranged by Quincy Jones Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus rock version - Messiah Rocks Sony Classical/Integrity Music, track 12 Live in the studio: Henry Purcell Sir Walter enjoying his damsel ‘Tis too late for the coach 3 and 4 solo male voices, members of the BBC Singers, directed by Nicholas Chalmers Package from the London event on 6 December at London Coliseum Including Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus Performed by lots of participants from the day, members of the ENO chorus and orchestra, members of the BBC Singers, The Hackney Singers, and conductor Laurence Cummings Package from Salisbury’s "Singing for the Brain ..." Alzheimers Society Including extracts from one of their rehearsals of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus Traditional What a friend we have in Jesus Aretha Franklin and the Southern California Community Choir Arista R2 75627, track 4 Live in the studio: Arr. Bob Chilcott Aka Tombo segue Arr. Bob Chilcott All my trials, Lord BBC Singers, conducted by Nicholas Chalmers, with pianist Iain Farrington Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus recorded in Leicester Cathedral and by Canon Steven Foster. Performers include Radio Leicester presenter Rupal Rajani Rodgers & Hammerstein Carousel - You’ll never walk alone Performed by Liverpool supporters at Anfield Live in the studio: Rodgers & Hammerstein Carousel - You’ll never walk alone BBC Singers, conducted by Nicholas Chalmers, with pianist Iain Farrington