Episodes
| Episode | First Broadcast | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | 20121202 | In the first of a two-part special, Aled Jones looks at the choral scene in Los Angeles, featuring interviews and performances by some of the US West Coast's finest singing groups. Today's programme features the LA Master Chorale, with a feature interview with its Music Director, Grant Gershon, and two of its singers. We also look at one of the most acclaimed youth choirs in America, the Los Angeles Children's Chorus, and drop in at a rehearsal of the Philippine Chamber Singers - just one of the city's diverse array of amateur and semi-professional choirs - originally formed by Filipino emigres to the West Coast. With works by Reich, Gorecki and Muhly, as well as Filipino traditional folk songs. A focus on the choral scene in Los Angeles features groups including the LA Master Chorale Sara Mohr-Pietsch with an irresistible mix of music and singing. |
| 02 | 20121209 | Aled Jones concludes his overview of the thriving and eclectic choral scene in Los Angeles, featuring interviews and performances by some of the US West Coast's finest ensembles. Today, The Choir visits the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles - an ensemble whose vision is to bring down homophobia and other forms of discrimination through choral singing. Founded in 1979 after the murder of Harvey Milk, the first openly-gay elected politician in the USA, they've become known as one of the finest amateur choirs on the continent, with a chorus numbering more than 200 singers. We speak to two of its members about its social activism and history, and the powerful stories about why they joined the choir. We also visit LA's Catholic Cathedral - hearing performances from both its Spanish-language and English choir - and find out from one of the city's premier vocal contractors about how choirs are put together for Hollywood's movie and TV soundtracks, with music from The Simpsons, Edward Scissorhands, and John Williams' score to Amistad. There's also excerpts from a gripping contemporary choral work by David Lang, The Little Match Girl Passion - and we announce which six choirs the BBC have chosen to go through to the Europe-wide Let The Peoples Sing contest. Presented by Aled Jones. Including a visit to the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles. Sara Mohr-Pietsch with an irresistible mix of music and singing. |