Maurice

Since Songs of Praise was first broadcast, the BBC has rejected requests for audio cassettes, videos and DVDs.

The BBC has referred to "statutory, contractual and operational reasons":
"Providing viewers with the words or music used in programmes would be a breach of copyright".

Classic episodes have included:

Jill Dando presenting male voice choirs at Truro Cathedral (date not known);
Henry Sandon, former evacuee, returning to the Rhondda (ditto);
Liam O'Kane, "How can I keep from singing?", filmed at Highgate Cemetery
(12th July, 1998)

Liam O'Kane, former member of Libera, is the most accomplished boy treble in the history of the programme.

There are thousands of viewings, on YouTube, of his Songs of Praise appearances. A compilation DVD would be a best seller.

Has the BBC prevented Liam O'Kane and Libera from achieving commercial potential?

A DVD, "Angel Voices - Libera in Concert" (EMI Classics) is available in the US and Japan. There are no plans for release in the UK.

It was recorded, last year, in the superb setting of St. Pieterskerk, Leiden, the Netherlands.