Gareth coaches his eight new singers as they enter the final three weeks before their anniversary performance of Bach’s St John Passion. Having struggled to follow the music score in early rehearsals, partially sighted Jake receives a boost in the form of a super-sized tablet and music stand. Meanwhile, extra pressure lands on Evan, Rhiannon and Samar as Gareth offers them the opportunity to sing short solo parts. Gareth himself is also feeling nervous as he prepares to make the leap from choirmaster to orchestra conductor for the first time.

As rehearsals reach the final week, Gareth arranges for his singers to see a modern passion play which graphically depicts the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus. The effect on the singers is obvious as the story behind the work that they’re performing hits home.

Back in Cardiff, the singers are out shopping for concert outfits in the last few days before their big moment, which sees them joined by the BBC Singers, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and finally – 24 hours before the performance itself – by three world-class soloists: Julia Doyle, Nicholas Mulroy and Roderick Williams, who sang at the coronation of King Charles in Westminster Abbey.

As Gareth and his group of amateur singers take to the stage, it’s clear the experience has made a lasting and deep impression on all of them.
The full performance will be broadcast on BBC Two and BBC Two Wales on Easter Sunday evening, with the series available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Show less