Alexandre Menuet, Victor Wiggin, Joe Cranitch, Alex Gula, Rocco Tesei, Neo Parson, and Ethan Barron

Last Revised/Updated July 31st, 2019

Once again, greetings to all new readers. If you are unfamiliar with Libera, you may wish to go to Part One (link below) of this Timeline for an overview and history of the group, including the story of its beginnings.

Information on the exhaustive Libera Passion database, and on translation of non-English-language articles and commentary can be found at the beginning of Part 11 (link below)

Please note: new material is added at the end of this post, rather than at the beginning,

Once again I state that I'm a writer, not a techie, so please forgive the occasional odd configuration or spacing resulting from imported material. I welcome corrections, suggestions and comments at:

aahill@sonic.net

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For Part One (introduction to Libera and to the Timeline, extensive overview & 1981-2007), please go to: http://liberatimeline.blogspot.com/

For Part Two (2008-2009) http://liberatimeline2.blogspot.com/

For Part Three (2010) http://liberatimeline3.blogspot.com/

For Part Four (2011) http://liberatimeline4.blogspot.com/

For Part Five (2012) http://liberatimeline5.blogspot.com/

For Part Six (January-May 2013) http://libera-timeline-6.blogspot.com/

For Part 6A (May-December 2013) http://libera-historicaltimeline6a.blogspot.com/

For Part Seven (January-July 2014) http://libera-historicaltimelinepart7.blogspot.com

For Part 7A (August-November 2014) http://libera-historical-timelinepart7a.blogspot.com

For Part 7B (December 2014) http://libera-historical-timeline-part7b.blogspot.com

For Part 8 (January-March 2015) https://lib-erahistorical-timeline-part-eight.blogspot.com

For Part 8A (January-March, 2015) http://liberahistorical-timeline-part-8-a.blogspot.com

For Part 8B (August-December,2015) http://liberahistoricaltimelinepart8b.blogspot.com/

For Part 9 (January-July, 2016) http://liberahistoricaltimeline-part-9.blogspot.com/

For Part 9A (July through December, 2015) http://lib-erahistorical-timelinepart9a.blogspot.com/

For Part 10 (January 1st, 2017 August 11th, 2017) https://li-berahistoricalt-imelinepart1a.blogspot.com/

For Part 10A (August 12^th to December 31^st, 2017) https://lib-era-historic-altimelinepart10a.blogspot.com/

For Part 11 (January 1st to October 20th) https://lib-er-ahistorical-timelinepart11.blogspot.com/

For Part 11A (October 21st to December 31st, 2018) https://li-berahistoricaltime-line11a.blogspot.com/

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(Introduction)

(How to Identify Individual Libera Singers)

(Reviews of Moscow Concert)

(Philippines Tour Official)

(Japan Tour Blog, Part 2)

(Japan Photo Gallery)

PHILIPPINES TOUR

(Philippines reviews & Photos)

(2019 US Tour Announced)

(Arundel Concert Announced)

(UNSUNG SOLOISTS: A Continuing Series)

1. Anthony Chadney

2. Conor O' Donnell

3. Matthew Jansen

4. Jakob De Menezes Wood

5. Joe Snelling

6. Eoghan McCarthy

7. James Mordaut

8. Freddie Ingles

9. Michael Ustynovych-Repa

10. Matthew Rangel-Alvares

11. James Vereycken

12 Daniel Fontannaz

13. Simon Beston

14. Camden Stewart

15. Chris Baron

16. Alex Baron

(Japan 2019 Tour Announced)

(Schedule for 2019 US Tour)

(New Miniboys)

ARUNDEL CATHEDRAL CONCERT

(US Tour Schedule)

2019 US TOUR

(St. Paul Concert Review)

(St. Louis Concert review)

(New Liberaboyschoir Database)

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Welcome to the twelfth year of the Libera Historical Timeline. Following their memorable December 28th appearance in Moscow, the boys of Libera will probably be taking some time off before heading into their new concert year. Libera Passion's Furby posted his usual excellent summing up of that event:

Nombre de boys :__30	Marc Alvares Ethan Barron Leo Barron Nathaniel Bates-Fisher Emanuele Borrelli Merlin Brouwer Ben Bywater Dominik Clarke Cassius Collard Samuel-Francis Collins Joseph Cranitch Tadhg Fitzgerald Johnny Gardner Alex Gula Peter Kielty Alexandre Menuet Alex Montoro Mathias Montoro Oliver Mycka Neo Parson Koji Shinokubo Jack Spicha Camden Stewart Laurence Taylor Nicholas Taylor Rocco Tesei Romeo Tesei Calam Virk Tamana Oliver Watt-Rodriguez Victor Wiggin
Newbies : (aucun) Dernière apparition en concert : (à définir) Morceau(x) inédit(s) : (aucun) Nouveau(x) soliste(s) : (aucun)
Staff : Musical Director Robert Prizeman Assistant Musical Directors Sam Coates & Steven Geraghty Libera instrumentalists: (not credited on programme) Flute & pipes Eimear McGeown Piano / Keyboard Simon Beston Percussion John Ormston
Setlist & Solis	1- Do You Hear What I Hear (déchant par Leo Barron) 2- Sanctus (version 2) (déchant par Leo Barron) 3- In the Bleak Midwinter (Dominik Clarke) 4- Stay With Me (Oliver Mycka, déchant par Samuel-Francis Collins) 5- Ave Maria (Prizeman) (version 2) (Ben Bywater) 6- The Wexford Carol (Tadhg Fitzgerald) 7- In Paradisum (Robbins) (Rocco Tesei & Oliver Watt-Rodriguez) 8- Smile (Victor Wiggin & Alex Montoro) 9- How Great Thou Art (Oliver Watt-Rodriguez) 10- Voca Me (version 2) (déchant par Leo Barron) 11- I Saw Three Ships	12- Carol Of The Bells (final par Cassius Collard) 13- From a Distance (Merlin Brouwer) 14- Wayfaring Stranger (Victor Wiggin) 15- Gaudete (Samuel-Francis Collins) 16- I Am The Day (Dominik Clarke, Peter Kielty & Oliver Mycka) 17- Joyful Joyfuy 18- Silent Night (a capella) (Merlin Brouwer, Ben Bywater, Mathias Montoro, Victor Wiggin, Rocco Tesei & Leo Barron) 18- Libera (Tadhg Fitzgerald & Rocco Tesei) 19- In Dulci Jubilo

With rumors of tours to the Philippines and the US floating about at this time, one could predict many new adventures. Meanwhile:

How to Identify Individual Group Members:
For all those who would like to know more about the individual boys of Libera, I continue to recommend the wonderful Libera Passion site, stewarded by Patrick Fande_Lok and Quentin (aka The Furby). This site (in French, but fairly easy for non-Francophones to decipher) maintains an up-to-date photo, media, tour and concert record of:

• "Membres Réguliers" (Current Members) — Boys who have participated in the most recent concert or tour.
• "Miniboys" — This is Libera lingo for young singers in training. Names are not paired with faces until the new boys have been positively identified by photo.

A giggle of miniboys cracks up at a photo shoot in 2018

• "Absents du Dernier Concert" — Singers who have performed regularly with the group, but were absent from the previous concert or tour.
• "Anciens Membres" — Former Libera singers, going back to the 1980s, when the group appeared as the St. Philip's Boys' Choir, and then, (1987-1998), as "Angel Voices." (NOTE: This section, as of early 2018, was expanding to include names and rare photos of early members, as well as of miniboys who never became Libera singers or were with the group only briefly.)
• "Staff" — Staff members (often Libera alumni) and their roles with the group.
• "Liens" — Family groupings of brothers or cousins who have been members of Libera.

If a name appears on the site with a blue section marked "Profil," you can click on it to see additional photos and statistics on that singer. The site also hosts an active fan forum (in French) with reviews, photos, and discussions.
Go to: http://libera-passion.exprimetoi.net/t1110-apercu-des-membres-actuels-maj-decembre-2016#24512

The Libera Passion Site also maintains a wonderful set of databases. This is primarily the ongoing work of "The Furby," long-time co-host of the site, and has been a marvelous boon to Libera fans.

MOSCOW CONCERT REVIEW by andmar

On January 2nd, andmar contributed a marvelously detailed review to the Libera Dreams Forum:

My Moscow adventure came to an end. It's time to share my experience with you.

The Moscow concert on the 28th of December 2018 was my 6th Libera concert and a special one. Special for a couple of reasons. First of all it was the first concert I attended outside of the UK, when Libera was on tour – even if it was a small tour only. Then it was the first time I was able to hear Libera in a concert hall rather than in a cathedral or a church. Finally, a trip to Moscow was another adventure for me. I have never been there before and actually never really thought about visiting there.

The concert venue was a brand new concert hall – opened only in September 2018. The hall is a part of a new park complex in the very heart of Moscow – close to the Moskva river, the Kremlin and the Red Square. All of them to be reached within a 10 minutes of walk. It was for sure a privilege for Libera to be invited to perform during the opening season of the prestigious “Zaryadye” concert hall among a bunch of other world famous performers including The Vienna Boys Choir and Bobby McFerrin.

: The concert hall

The only advertisement of the Libera concert I saw was a big display on the concert hall’s wall, on which the upcoming events were presented. A few day before the concert there were still pretty many seats available. I suspect, the reason might have been the high ticket prices. The best premium seats were priced at 7000 RUB and this in a city where you can have a good meal in a restaurant for 1000 RUB and a single journey on the underground costs around 50 RUB.
On the concert night the attendance turned out to be not that bad. I estimate it to 80-90%, though there were quite many premium seats still free. This was used by some visitors who upgraded their seats during the interval.

There were no usual Libera concert programmes this time. Only very tiny leaflets prepared apparently by the organizers and not Libera themselves. The set list was identical with the one from the Brighton concert – which could be expected. Actually, this is what I was hoping to be, as I loved the Brighton concert and especially the Christmas music by Libera which is normally not performed during concerts except of the Christmas season. As you can see on the picture, all information was given in English and Russian. Though, some translations were funny – like “Voca Me” being translated into “You love me”.

I was seated in the second row, very close to the stage and to the conductor’s spot and the seat in front of me was not taken. I was excited not only to see the concert from a short distance but also to see Robert Prizeman conducting. Soon the musicians entered as well as Robert himself. This time he didn’t manage to get to his spot unnoticed by the audience (like in Brighton) and received a short welcoming ovation. The concert was about to begin.

“Do You Hear What I Hear” was the first song. Four boys entered the stage: Oliver Watt-Rodriguez, Camden Stewart, Ben Bywater. and Samuel-Francis Collins. Oliver started and Sam with Ben echoed his words. While they were singing the intro, the choir entered the stage. I must say at this moment, that I was really very nicely surprised by the hall acoustics and my seat in the front. Just after the first notes it was clear, that the sound experience would be great. Even though microphones and electronic audio equipment was in use, it felt to me as if the sound came to me directly from the stage. I was so glad to hear the natural pure voices. The echoing intro of “Do You Hear What I Hear” was the more enjoyable as I could hear the echoes coming from different directions. When the choir joined, I was again a joy to hear the natural sound of the choir. They were so good on that evening. And again I was able to hear the different parts and even sometimes individual voices coming from different directions. No, the sound was neither incoherent nor distorted because of that. It was just perfectly located on the stage.

“Sanctus” was next up. The new version starts with a couple of parts (4?) sung initially acapella. I liked it so much earlier at Westminster Cathedral and in Brighton and now they sang it even better. I really don’t get it, how is it possible to sing something else than the person next to you and not to get confused. Apparently it’s not a big deal for the Libera boys, as the parts were clear, easily distinguishable and without a single false note. For “Sanctus” the 4 older members: Alex Montoro, Camden Stewart, Alex Gula. and Marc Alvares left the stage.

The first speech was done in Russian by Dominik Clarke and Oliver Mycka. Dominik started. He made a short pause after the first sentence, which was used by the audience for an applause. And so it went on. A sentence by Dominik then an applause by the audience. The audience obviously loved to hear some words spoken by the choir members in their native language. Oliver was a bit faster and didn’t make pauses, so he received a longer ovation at the end of his speech. Both, Dominik and Oliver can speak Polish, which is a Slavic language just as Russian and the Russian pronunciation was obviously easier for them to learn. I know a bit Russian from my school times and I must say, the boys did very well and the ovation they got was fully deserved. Dominik introduced himself, said Libera was glad to be back to Moscow and thanked the audience for coming to the concert. Oliver introduced himself and announced the next song which would comply with the cold weather outside.

“In The Bleak Mid-Winter”- a very calm, quiet song full of what we love so much about Libera music – angelic harmonies. As the song developed more and more harmonies joined with a very high part sung by Leo Barron. Well, I’m sure there were some other boys who sang the highest part as well, though I wasn’t able to spot them. It was a joy for me to see Leo doing his amazing job in the very front of the choir. Leo stood in many of the songs on the right hand sine quite in the front and was usually turned towards the audience more than the other boys. Leo’s performance in many songs was one of the highlights of the evening for me. Maybe because I decided to pay a special attention to him. Leo was singing the highest notes so flawlessly and easily as it was something he had been doing all his life. Bravo, Leo! Dominik Clarke’s solo on the last verse was very good.

“Stay With Me” came next. Oliver Mycka. took his place in the centre of the stage and Samuel-Francis Collins went to the back. The music started and the intro was played. I was wondering if Sam would need some warm-up for his high vocalizes as it was the case at Westminster Cathedral and in Brighton, but no. This time he hit all notes correctly and was really good. Oliver is better and better each time with his solo. I enjoyed his singing a lot even though it could be a bit louder. Well, to be honest, Oliver didn’t look quite well on that evening in terms of not being quite healthy. The more I appreciate his efforts. Good job, Oliver. The choir did their normal job in the song, which meant being outstanding as usual.

“Ave Maria” by Robert Prizeman followed. We saw again Ben Bywater. as the soloist – just like in Brighton. Ben did well, but he struggled a bit with the highest notes of the song in my opinion. “Ave Maria” doesn’t belong to my top favourites, though I enjoyed the choral harmonies a lot.

Time for a speech. This time in English. I’m so glad that they did the speeches in English as well and not omitted them like during their previous performance in Moscow a couple of years back. There was a response from the audience, so the speeches were understood. Alexandre Menuet and Victor Wiggin demonstrated the robes, told us about the origin of Libera and announced the next song – one of the oldest Christmas carols: “The Wexford Carol”.

Tadhg Fitzgerald has a very pleasant voice. He did well singing the initial Gaelic words of the song. The very calm carol is one of my favourites and I enjoyed it a lot. The choir was really good on that evening. The unison sound split gradually into more and more harmonic parts. Goosebumps guaranteed.

Now it was time for “In Paradisum”. Rocco Tesei took the place in the middle of the stage with Oliver Watt-Rodriguez two steps behind him, surrounded by a half-circle of 8 other boys. I love the song. I love it a lot and Rocco’s voice is so very special. Though, I don’t know why, but I like the recording on the “Beyond” CD better that the live performances of that song. I have a feeling that the song is simply a tiny little bit too high for Rocco to comfortably sing it. Somehow, Rocco’s voice fits much more songs like “Salve Regina” or “Angele Dei” (want a wonderful live performances of that song by Rocco we could experience) which are a bit lower. Hearing “In Paradisum” live I always have the impression that it is uncomfortable for Rocco to sing that high. Or likely Rocco’s treble career is just coming to an end. Anyway, kudos to Rocco for his efforts on that beautiful and pretty difficult song. And of course to Oliver, who did the second part flawlessly.

Mr. “Smiley” Victor Wiggin came to the front to sing “Smile”. Oh, how concentrated he looked this time. It's hardly possible, but there was no smile on his face. I think, he must have remembered his little black-out in Brighton on that song. Now Victor’s singing was perfect, though we missed a bit of his smile in the “Smile”.

Talking about smiling. Robert Prizeman’s conducting was another thing I tried to pay special attention to during that concert. I was seated not further than maybe 1-1,5 meter left-behind him. It was really interesting to see him conduct. First it was the choir discipline, which was stunning. The boys didn’t make any move on stage without prior getting a sign from Robert. This applied to all position changes on the stage, start of the speeches, bows and of course to all music. It was great to see the boys focused so much on the director. They know, Robert is the one who holds the whole performance together. On the other hand, Robert always humbly remains in the shadow and for the audience, the show belongs to the boys. Amazing. So, Robert often reminded the boys to smile and it was fun to see how they responded.

Oliver Watt-Rodriguez was next in the middle of the stage for “How Great Thou Art”. This hymn was one of my highlights in Brighton and now I was looking very much to hearing it again. I wasn’t disappointed, though the Brighton version was better in my opinion. Oliver and the choir did a great job. I love, when Libera sing traditional hymns in their own arrangements, in which each stanza is sung in a different way – from simple unison melody at the beginning to amazing multipart harmonies soaring in the sky at the end. “How great Thou Art” is one of such songs, which have a great impact on me. Tears and goosebumps as usual. Still for this song I like the solo by the former soloist —Alex Gula— most, but Oliver is improving all the time.

Koji Shinokubo and Cassius Collard – the youngest members at this concert – did the following speech. Koji explained, both of them had been on their very first Libera tour in the previous summer. Cassius announced a break after the two following songs and explained how they needed to be careful about the robes when having a drink.

“Voca Me” – a highlight of the evening for me. Especially, because of the concert hall acoustics and my seat I was able to enjoy the incredible harmonies of “Voca Me” not only in terms of time but also in terms of space. I was able to locate the individual vocal parts on the stage, which together with the whole sound was an incredible experience. For me this was the best “Voca Me” I heard live ever. Very powerful and moving. Thank you Libera for that. And of course there was Leo Barron, who performed perfectly on that evening. He stood behind the choir on the right hand side with his hood on, which gave his vocalizes an additional mysterious tone. Superb!

The last song of the first part started with a percussion sound even before the applause for “Voca Me” finished. The highlight of this season: “I Saw Three Ships”. Oh, how I loved the song in Brighton. Again, the choir sang the song in an outstanding way. So energetic, so joyful, so brilliant. I loved the song and the arrangement so much again. The only thing I was missing were the powerful lower voices, who were present in Brighton and were missing in Moscow (well, the four baritones present in Moscow were simply not enough). “I Saw Three Ships” is in my opinion the hit of the season. I think, if Libera decide to do a video for it, it will be equally frequently viewed as the “Carol Of The Bells” video.

In the interval I was able to have a walk in the venue and take some pictures. The concert hall is really nice and has a good acoustics, which I had been appreciating since the beginning of the concert.

: The concert hall and the programme

“Carol Of The Bells” opened the second part of the concert. A Libera Christmas classic was a great joy to hear live again and again with the voices distributed across the stage. Very well sung. Bravo, Libera! And Cassius Collard on the final “Ding-Dong” just earned the audience’s appreciation.
Tadhg Fitzgerald and Romeo Tesei introduced the Moose in a very funny way. I really love it, when Tadhg says “This is Moose, the REAL Moose…” . So funny.

Merlin Brouwer is one of the most experienced soloists. The only song he still sings as a soloist is “From A Distance”. Merlin was so good in Brighton and he was just perfect in Moscow, as was the choir. A very good and enjoyable performance. Good job!

The long flute introduction for “Wayfaring Stranger” was played by Eimar McGeown. She was absent in Brighton and I was happy to see her again in Moscow. The song is Victor Wiggin’s! He was really good. Very concentrated again, he sang clearly hitting all notes perfectly. The whole choir did very well. It was definitely one of the best “Wayfaring Strangers”, which I heard in all concerts.

Samuel Francis Collins' solo on “Gaudete” was ok, but a bit shaky. The song joyful and energetic. I’m not quite sure, but I think, a new melody or new harmony was introduced in the song.

“I Am The Day” followed. This song has been among my favourites since it came bac to the concert set list in December 2017. First I enjoyed Alex Gula’s singing it a lot and now it became Dominik Clarke’s song. First I heard Dominik sing this solo at Westminster Cathedral, then in Brighton, then in Moscow. It was stunning. A highlight of the evening for me definitely. Dominik sings that song with much self-confidence, very smoothly, with a good control over his voice. Obviously he enjoys the song as much as the audience does. Peter Kielty and Oliver Mycka were singing the whispering part. I noticed also Emanuele Borelli and Mathias Montoro singing the second part for this song with a high level of commitment. During the last verse which is whispered, the choir stood with their heads down except of Leo in the front and Alex Montoro in the back. Leo Barron did flawlessly the high vocalizes and Alex Gula the low “AAAhhhh”s. Their voices really fit well together.

“Joyful, Joyful” was sung joyfully. I love it, how the unison sound develops to more and more harmonies during the song. But, wait, isn’t it a landmark of Libera, which we all love so much. A very enjoyable performance by the whole choir and Leo singing the high vocalize.

Now the little Jack Spicha appeared on the very front of the stage. He was sorry to announce, that the concert is coming to the end and here was time for the two last songs. Jack thanked the audience for coming and expressed his hope the audience had liked the songs. But wait, Jack said it entirely and fluently in Russian!!!! I think the audience was shocked seeing one of the youngest boys on stage talking so well, without any visible stage fright and in their native language. After Jack’s speech there was the longest applause I have ever experienced during a Libera concert. The applause just didn’t stop and Jack looked so happy still standing in the very front. He smiled with his whole himself until finally Robert Prizeman gave a sign to start the song. A precious moment indeed. Excellent job, Jack. Well done!

Six boys came to the front for the next song. So, I knew at the moment, they were going to sing “Silent Night” just like in Brighton. And just like in Brighton the song was not listed in the programme and just like in Brighton, Merlin Brouwer, Ben Bywater, Mathias Montoro, Victor Wiggin, Rocco Tesei and Leo Barron sang the song so beautifully. I love it, when among all marvelous Libera songs there is just one, which is arranged for a few voices only. A magical moment and again I was thinking, HOW can they sing like that and not get confused? Bravo guys, a superb performance.

Rocco Tesei remained in the front and was soon joined by Tadhg Fitzgerald for “Libera”. The most sung of all Libera songs was listed as the last song in the programme. It was sung normally. In Libera terms “normally” means in an outstanding way. What else can be said.

A huge ovation filled the concert hall after the last sounds of “Libera” had resounded. No one expected an encore, and soon Robert gave a sign for another song. Just like in Brighton it was “In Dulci Jubilo”. A joyful Christmas song, which was given a new shine by Libera arrangement.
The concert ended with a standing ovation.

At the end I’d like to add some personal thoughts about the concert

It was definitely one of the best concerts I was able to attend. The choir sounded just perfect. They were really strong and very confident. The solos very good or outstanding. There was not even one single failure or mistake or lapse. All went smoothly. The boys seemed to enjoy the performance very much. The boys were really very much committed to singing and were singing with all their hearts. Just to mention only few of them: Dominik Clarke, Samuel-Francis Collins, Oliver Watt-Rodriguez, Alexandre Menuet, Emanuele Borelli, Mathias Montoro, Johnny Gardner, and Joe Cranitch.

I really liked the concert hall acoustic. The perception was different than in a cathedral or church. A cathedral or church usually adds much reverb to the sound and electronic correction is needed to ensure proper listening conditions. In this concert hall we could enjoy the very natural voices, which I appreciate a lot. I loved to be able to realize the voices distribution in the space on the stage. A great experience indeed.

I had really difficulties to select my highlights, as actually I’d like to select almost everything. But after a consideration I finally chose:

“I Am The Day”
“Voca Me”
“I Saw Three Ships”

I was quite often watching Leo Barron sing. His performance was a highlight for me too.

I was happy to watch Robert conduct the choir.

I must not forget one more thing which is so important in my Libera experience. It is meeting fantastic people. Thank you for sharing your time and experience and joy. It was great to spend the days in Moscow with you.

Thank you for reading.

On January 5th, German fan filiarheni posted a long and detailed review of all aspects of the Moscow concert on the Libera Dreams Forum. To read it, go to Page 3 of the "Libera in Moscow" section and scroll down.

http://www.forum.libera-dreams.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&p=53837&sid=644e90de9b18e494ddc6179c0eba2400#p53837

on January 11th, filiarheni also posted a 2015 Moscow interview on the Forum:

I searched, but haven't heard anything about Libera having given an interview in Moscow after their concert in December and I'm also missing an official concert review in a newspaper, but it made me bring this interview from Moscow in January 2015 here. It was taken by Soyuz TV (Alexander Kruze) and the guests were Isaac London, Cassius O' Connell-White, Ciaran Bradbury-Hickey and Moose. The interviewer seems factual, and at first I thought that he's only ticking off his catalogue of questions. But in the course of the interview time he came to some unusual questions and there was also some fun to enjoy! Moose - "a mascot or a Russian souvenir?" - was sadly not asked any direct questions.
Here it is with English subtitles available:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sYxBMSVa5k (2015 interview with Isaac London, Cassius O’ Connell-White and Ciaran Bradbury-Hickey by Alexander Kruze on Soyuz TV, Moscow/9:26)

On January 12, Libera Passion's Furby posted identifications of all five of the newest miniboys at: http://libera-passion.exprimetoi.net/t1110-apercu-des-membres-actuels-maj-decembre-2018?fbclid=IwAR26aP_8TmEjuKd2eSFl0Cpz9f4gnOLinyRk-S-3gCLXnt9zW3838b9Qtqw#24512

On January 18th, Libera posted an official announcement of their upcoming Philippines tour:

Poster boys are Laurence Taylor, Oliver Mycka, Leo Barron, Alex Gula, Tadgh Fitzgerald, and Rocco Tesei.

Upcoming Concerts

19 February, 2019

Libera in Manila

Meralco Theatre

Time: 8:00pm

23 February, 2019

Libera in Cebu

Waterfront Hotel

Time: 8:00pm

On January 22nd, Libera posted the second half of their Japan-tour blog, complete with toilet humor:

https://libera.org.uk/blog/japan-journey-2/

On January 29th, "Visual Storyteller" Justin Chen posted (on the Libera Facebook Fan Page) a new-to-us TV appearance by Libera, here backing up former boy treble/now tenor Aled Jones.

Behind Aled Jones are Jake Shortall, James Vereycken, Conor O' Donnell, and Tom Cully.

https://youtu.be/OBz-DOSSCIc I Believe/Aled Jones with Libera/c. 2003/3:07)

Libera fan Steve Walker posted (on the same page) a TV ad from the Philippines for the February tour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=GmPrQSmbzh4&fbclid=IwAR0U2Fod0KtWTe99hx8E6au5b5OcrvWvzr3VN5xNR1K7OfdMnAfKlINBYDI&app=desktop (30-second Voiceover ad for Libera’s 2018 Philippines appearances)

Felipe Jackson, Frederick Mushrafi, Luke Batteson-Dalpiaz, Luca Brugnoli, and Laurence Davey. Awww. So new they don't even have their white shoes yet. Or any shoes, if you're Frederick.

On February 2nd, Libera posted a gallery of photos from the 2018 Japan tour.

https://libera.org.uk/gallery/japan-2018/#jp-carousel-12075

				Daniel White signs autographs for young Japanese fans

Big guys Camden Stewart and Alex Montoro sightseeing with camera.

Add caption

A study in expressions: Emanuele Borelli, Nathaniel Bates-Fisher (top), Daniel White, Johnny Gardener, and Camden Stewart.

On February 7th, a new 30-second promotional video appeared, featuring four of the boys announcing dates, times and locations of their upcoming visit to the Philippines.

Libera spokesboys: Neo Parson, Daniel White, Tadgh Fitzgerald, and Cassius Collard

https://www.facebook.com/LoveLiberaPhil ... =2&theater (Promotional video for 2019 Philippines Tour/:30)

Libera follower Patrick Fandelok, posting on the Libera Dreams Forum:

Some old videos of Libera singing in TV music shows in the Philippines.
2010 : Bayan Ko
2011 : Carol of the Bells
2013 : Joy to the World

I have no recollection about a performance in a Filipino TV show during the other tours, in 2009 and 2016, but perhaps I'm wrong (?)

It will be fun if they can enlighten another TV show during this 2019 tour.

Another song in Tagalog was videoed during the 2011 tour, and marked the solo debut of Isaac London.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceDtUHTTJ58 (Himig ng Pasko/solos by Ralph Skan and Isaac London/Manila 2011/3:15)

On February 11th, Maartendas posted in the Libera Dreams Forum:

Libera posted some wonderful photos of [the December Brighton] concert on Facebook.

On February 13th, Patrick posted an update on the Libera Dreams Forum:

There is another fans Meet & Greet announced, this one in Manila.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... 3&refid=52

Fans have now 4 events with libera :
- Sunday 17th, 15:00, Meet & Greet in Manila, at Robinsons Magnolia shopping center
- Tuesday 19th, 20:00, Concert in Manila, at Meralco Theatre
- Thursday 21st, 18:00, Meet & Greet in Cebu, at SM Seaside shopping center
- Saturday 23rd, 20:00, Concert in Cebu, at Waterfront Pacific hotel

On that date as well, Libera of the US unveiled a new website at
https://libera.org/

Also on February 13th, an excellent article on Libera (with mini-review of Beyond) appeared in the Philippines Star's online Philstar "Sounds Familiar" column by Baby A. Gil (Thanks to Yumiko).

https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2019/02/13/1893128/amazing-libera-returns

PHILIPPINES TOUR 2019
On February 17th, the ever-resourceful Patrick reported from Manila with an article;

https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/324610/l ... -boy-band/

...a list of the boys present;

Marc Alvares
Ethan Barron
Leo Barron
Nathaniel Bates-Fisher
Merlin Brouwer
Benedict Bywater
Dominik Clarke
Cassius Collard
Samuel-Francis Collins
Joseph Cranitch
Tadhg Fitzgerald
John Gardner
Alexander Gula
Peter Kielty
Alexandre Menuet
Mathias Montoro
Oliver Mycka
Neo Parson
Koji Shinokubo
Jack Spicha
Calam Tamana
Laurence Taylor
Rocco Tesei
Romeo Tesei
Benjamin Wevill
Daniel White
Victor Wiggin

... a video from the M&G;

The host interviews Daniel White; Cassius Collard and Tadgh Fitzgerald were also interviewed.

https://youtu.be/ic8FTN2lyYU

..and an analysis of the tour so far

Listening to the interview it sounds the concerts will still have a Christmas-themed songs list.
Possibly the songs list will be closer to Brighton/Moscow than to Westminster ?

About the boys list, compared to last concert in Moscow, are returning two: Benjamin Wevill and Daniel White.
Five are missing: Alex Montoro, Camden Stewart, Emanuele Borelli, Nicholas Taylor and Oliver Watt-Rodriguez.

I checked which songs are put at risk due to the absence of some boys:

Do you hear what I hear: Oliver Watt-Rodriguez. and Camden Stewart are involved in the short intro of four.

In Paradisum: Watt-Rodriguez has a significant role of backing Rocco Tesei on the second half.

How Great Thou Art: main solo by Oliver Watt-Rodriguez

I Am The Day: on the very end, Alex Montoro performs a low "Haaaa" in response to Leo Barron's high notes.—Patrick, on the Libera Dreams Forum

On February 18th, Daniel White, Cassius Collard, and Tadgh Fitzgerald (who seemed to be the designated spokesboys for this tour) were interviewed on CNN Philippines

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AFO_pK4otI&app=desktop (CNN Philippines interview with Daniel White, Cassius Collard, and Tadghfitzgerald/2018/5:11)

On February 19th, a surprising development was reported by dani on the Libera Dreams Forum.

Patrick has reported that Robert Prizeman is not on this tour and Sam Coates is the musical director for this tour.

I hope Robert is well and this is a chance to give Sam some more experience as his musical input has been outstanding for the last few albums.—dani


Front Row: Daniel White, Cassius Collard, Roberto de Ocampo, Tadgh Fitzgerald, Nathaniel Bates-Fisher. Back Row: Neo Parson, Samuel-Francis Collins, Alex Gula, Victor Wiggin.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/philippines/article/Libera-Back-in-the-Philippines-for-Concert-Tour-719-23-20190218

(Program photos by Patrick)

Singers from the most recent concert who were absent this time: Oliver Watt-Rodriguez, Camden Stewart, Alex Montore, Emanuele Borrelli, Nicholas Taylor.

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Assistant Director Sam Coates comes onstage for a bow.

A VERY INTERESTING SUMMATION OF THE M&G BY BENJO
(With photos and comments by Patrick)

I'm sure some of my countrymen can give a more accurate review from a local's perspective but I'll be happy to give my share. It's been a while (8 years) since I last wrote here so I apologize if I try to make up for it with a lengthy post about my thoughts overall, of the meet & greet, and the concert itself.

I'll write about the concert tomorrow as I already started writing about the m&g:
To my surprise the entrance for m&g was free and buying a poster for signing was optional. But only about 50 people took a seat and in my estimate, just 20 people attended on purpose and the other 30 were just passers by who got curious so they took a seat.

There were those who stood around and watched of course, but this was clearly a far cry compared to their first years of coming here. Back then one had to purchase a cd just to be able to enter, and yet there were hundreds who elbowed their way in. Videos of it flooded YouTube.

From what I've observed, the extraordinary talent of Libera NEVER declined over the next 10 years of coming here; it's just a matter of advertising that would make an impresssion on the viewers. Before they first came here, Josh Madine was properly introduced along with the catchy Orinoco. And when they arrived, Josh smiled his way through the hearts of the Filipinos and shook hands with every well wisher. Ben Philipp went the extra mile by engaging each fan with a friendly chat even if the lines stretch through midnight. There were even blogs written then, paying tribute to their sincere gestures.

As a result, their concerts at the prestigious international convention centre-- three times the capacity of this tour's theater,-- and in Cebu easily sold out.
No, I don't think it's necessary for the current or future batches to be that engaging. Because as I said, they are equally-- if not more talented. I just attended their concert and their performance was beyond perfection! It's just a matter of creating an ad that introduces them properly and that would make an impact.

I was hoping they made an ad that capitalized on In Paradisum-- that would've floored the viewers and filled bigger theaters to the rafters! (I heard from Rocco Tesei himself that he won't sing it on this tour but perhaps another boy could've done it.)

I'm dwelling on this because I'm concerned about the dwindling number of supporters here. The Manila concert is a sell-out but it is in a venue that is 3 times smaller. And as I write, i was informed it's not a sell-out in Cebu yet and there are only 3 days left. Such high quality deserves a bigger audience, and they've done it before.

I want their fanbase here be sustained just like in Japan and Korea. What I mentioned is just my take on how it can be done. If others have other ideas then better, so we can help each other bring Libera back in years to come.

Going back to the m&g signing 2 days ago, i saw that no greeting was going on so I tried to break the ice when I got to Rocco and said, "Congatulations on In Paradisum, I'm looking forward to hear it live on Tuesday." To my surprise he politely answered that he's not gonna sing it. Naturally I was gonna ask how come, but a chaperone came close so I just moved forward to the next boy.
They all looked happy and I didn't forget the warm greetings by Merlin Brouwer, Alex Gula. and Daniel White who smiled after I told him that his rendition of The Prayer is the best ever. (His recording on the Beyond album is very heartfelt, isn't it? During the concert itself, he received 2 separate thunderous applauses right through the first verse!)

My little cousin noticed Leo Barron was not initially at the table during the signing. He only joined at the last part. Later in their tent, he can be seen holding something on his forehead. I explained to my cousin that they must be jet-lagged as it's only 7am in the UK. (They only landed the evening before that's why I thought it was ridiculous when they were already being asked what they thought of our country.)

He thought about it and handed me an action figure we bought while waiting earlier. "Give this to him, hopefully it will cheer him up!" "And tell him thank you for accepting my friend request on social media."

I handed it to Eleanor Lewis, if I remember what Patrick had said her name was correctly. The next 2 days, my cousin would bug me if Leo got it so I asked Patrick before the concert and he laughed, "I'm sure he got it."

Later my cousin said he brought a partner action figure to give to Alex Gula 'cause he & Leo were partners in Lacrymosa. "Forget it!" I told him and that we're leaving immediately after the concert.
But Patrick had introduced me to [aother devoted Libera fan] John45 earlier. He just arrived last night. I wouldn't miss out having wonderful discussion after the concert with him. But there too was the concern about the absence of Mr. Prizeman. "I think Sam (Coates) did an incredible job!" John re-assured me.

While walking out of theater I came across Josh. Yes he is here but like Mr. Prizeman, he prefers to keep a low profile. I think he was surprised someone recognized him. I was gonna ask if Mr. Prizeman was present even if he didn't conduct, but realized it was obvious that he's not around so I just congratulated him instead for a successful event. I think he is the floor director now or something like that. He was in the middle of the foreign and local crew and they were receiving instructions from him.

I'll write about the concert itself in the morning. For now, let me thank Libera for the 2 hours this evening when they transported me and my family to the celestial realms. It's hard to believe that after their wonderful show, they are back to being just ordinary school children-- as they narrated-- before saying goodbye and we all went back to this mundane world.—Benjo

BENJO'S CONCERT REVIEW

Based on the seating capacity, the Meralco theatre may just be a little bit smaller than the one in Moscow where Libera performed last. Not as fancy, but also beautiful.
When the concert began, i first checked where Mr. Prizeman was standing and noticed he was younger! So i realized it wasn't him. It wasn't until after the concert that I verified from Patrick & John that it was Sam Coates. If it was his first time conducting he certainly looks seasoned already.

Assistant Musical Director Sam Coates

Former soloist and keyboard player Josh Madine

Libera is in great hands. Josh Madine too did some directing with the crew during the second half of the show. He was observing every detail, every note like a hawk.

After the intermission, Josh joined the crew on the floor who were in charge of the electronic equipment, sounds, videos being recorded and those that were shown on the big screen. On the left side, the crew were all foreigners. The right side were all locals. He was in the middle of both monitoring both sides.

I noticed there was no one on the piano during the second half of the show. So it must have been him there during the first half. The orchestra was behind the choir onstage and there were no lights focused on them so it was difficult to see.

Do You Hear What I Hear? -- There couldn't be a more dramatic entrance. This is my favorite Christmas song so I don't mind listening to it on February. Very artistically choreographed. Daniel White's rich voice stood out. Those watching Libera for the first time will immediately realize that this is not an ordinary choir.
Sanctus -- the similarity to Pachelbel's Canon in D major which is my favorite is what made me first notice Libera. With more lines added, making the similarity longer, need I say that I like this new version better? But hearing them sing it live is the best!
Welcome Speech -- Peter Kielty did his best with his "Magandang Gabi" (Good evening) and thus receiving the first non-song applause for the evening. Joseph Cranitch had the perfect serious expression on his face as he introduced The Prayer with Daniel White. Joseph for me was the best speaker of the night.
The Prayer -- Daniel's incredible voice immediately jolted the audience as he received an applause rarely done during the first few lines of a song. (From those that I've attended in the past, these were only done to Orinoco Flow, White Christmas and the 2 Tagalog songs.) To emphasize that it's not just the song but his voice, Daniel received another thunderous applause during the first verse.

Daniel White solos on "The Prayer" Peter Kielty and Leo Barron are at right.

What's unique about Daniel's rendition is the humility he expressed as he sang every line. A humble boy asking for guidance from the divine. I've seen many singers showing off their technical skills through this song. But only Libera's version felt sincere to me in expressing the true message of the song.
Gaudete -- this isn't a known Christmas song here so it passes off like an upbeat regular song. Performed many times by Libera, but this one's the best for me. Two members from the orchestra came forward to show off their skills as well.
Ave Maria (Prizeman) -- Ben Bywater looked liked he's been singing this difficult piece for ages. I was hoping for the Caccini version but the intensity on Ben's face made me forget about it. There's a long list of Libera boys who sang this, but this surely ranks as a masterclass.

Ben Bywater

In the Bleak Midwinter -- this seems to be a very popular Chistmas song in England but not so here so I usually skip this. But perhaps it's how Victor Wiggin and Alexandre Menuet described how winter is like in England as they introduced the song made me curious. And listening made me feel what it's like as if i were there. I didn't notice how lovely this song was until now.
Stay With Me -- a song forever linked to Liam Connery and Ed Day. Samuel-Francis Collins stood at the upper right side but there was no light focused on him so I didn't know it was him at first doing the high parts. The light was focused on Oliver Mycka the whole time. Here the depth of Libera's talent was becoming evident. These two are not as seasoned as Liam & Ed were yet but they are inching closer fast!

Spotlight on Oliver Mycka (center) in "Stay With Me," with (L To R) Leo Barron (newly in the back row), Marc Alvares. Johnny Gardener. Jack Spicha, and Daniel White.

Wexford Carol -- I first heard this sung by Josh Madine in 2011; his voice had already changed at that time. Well, he maybe the best Libera soloist in my book but sorry Josh, l like this rendition by Tadhg Fitzgerald better.

Tadgh Fitzgerald

Voca Me -- I was looking forward to hearing Leo Barron sing this most difficult song. When I saw that it's Samuel-Francis Collins again having the solo on this, I realized what a tremendous pressure it must be for him, suddenly called to step into Leo's shoes. But it must be exciting too! He now belongs to a small group of the likes of Thomas Delgado-Little to have sung this difficult Robert Prizeman masterpiece. And yes, he nailed it!

Samuel-Francis Collins

I Saw Three Ships -- I was waiting for the song about Three ships that Cassius Collard and Koji Shinokubo mentioned, I didn't realize it was this song. A familiar tune, i just didn't know the title. Fast and upbeat, so only the words Christmas Day were clear to hear As fun to hear this song is, I can see why only a few choirs sing it. It's easy to slip up! But Libera cruised through it as easily as one eats peanuts. Thus, the festive intention of the song was joyfully felt.

Intermission. They forgot to get Moose again during the intermission. Mathew Jansen picked him up.

Carol of the Bells -- This was the most easily recognized Christmas song in the concert. Tadhg Fitzgerald and Cassius Collard explained afterwards the difficulty of performing this song. I know, it's what made the tandem of Stefan Leadbeater & Ralph Skan legendary. This time it's Ben Bywater and again, Samuel-Francis Collins, with another little Cassius (Collard) at the song's end.

Cassius Collard

In Dulci Jubilo -- Another popular Christmas song in England that is not too familiar here. So it doesn't invoke a Christmasy feeling in me. But that is okay as it is not Christmas anyway! And I honestly enjoyed it. It's livelier than when they sang it in 2011. Dominik Clarke did a great job!

Speech: At this point the end of the concert was nearing so I was beginning to feel sad. It was the perfect time to introduce Moose. I've heard about the abduction story but never the way the tandem of Cassius Collard & Tadhg Fitzgerald told it. The best speech part of the night!

Wayfaring Stranger -- one of the under-appreciated Libera songs, I think. I love this song! After the concert, John45 said he liked it too. Not only that, for him this is one of the songs that made Sam Wiggin way up among the best ever. So, was he happy that Victor Wiggin sings this song now? He answered, "Oh, absolutely!" I couldn't agree more! I love how the beam focused on Victor amidst the green luminesence, btw.

From a Distance -- Merlin Brouwer has visibly grown since his performance at the Royal Albert Hall. Comparing that to his performance here, I like this one better. He is so good here that if I pick only one best solo of the night, it's Merlin's. Could it be the acoustics of the theater? Maybe it helped but his voice alone was absolutely spine-chilling.

Merlin Brouwer awaits an entrance at the M&G.

Smile -- I never liked this song, not even after Libera covered it. To be honest, when i saw the program, half of it were songs i usually skip. But every song so far has won me over. I remember writing before that Libera sounds better live than in the album. That holds true more for me now. Victor Wiggin was even better here than in Wayfaring Stranger! He and Daniel White will play the biggest roles in Libera in the next 3 years.

But that's not the best part of this song! The audience got to hear the great Alex Gula singing complementary to Victor. The contrasting voices, and the way they were arranged on the stage-- whoever conceived this is an absolute genius!

Victor Wiggin

Alex Gula

I think Alex Gula can easily crossover to pop or r&b after his Libera days. He looks much younger in person than in the Lacrymosa video. While his voice developed even better since, like fine wine.

At this point, Daniel White paid tribute looking at his "boss" Leo Barron, who was the at center of it all up to two months ago but who is now suddenly relegated to the back row. That must be depressing but Daniel and Joseph Cranitch did a great job keeping it light. Leo has cemented his name amongst Libera's greatest. No voice change can ever take that away from him.

Joseph Cranitch

Amazing Grace-- A song heard too often in any choir. But I'll take any additional song at this point, not wanting the concert to end. This again was credited to Samuel-Francis Collins. If I choose to pick the best perfomer overall, it's Samuel. I heard his brothers Luke and Jude live before, but not Gabriel. So I asked John45, and he said, "The past two years, Gabe was absolutely phenomenal!" Perhaps Libera should go back to returning here every other year, instead of every 3 years so I wouldn't miss out! Lucky for me they recorded the Caccini Ave Maria. Will Samuel be as good? John thinks it's too early to tell.

I Am The Day -- My favorite Libera song so I was eager to see who the soloist is. It's Dominik Clarke. It's great to hear another voice on this other than Ben Crawley's or Josh Madines's. Dominik has a more distinct voice but the feeling generated by the song remains the same-- Cosmic!

Dominick Clarke

Orinoco Flow -- I haven't mentioned that I watched with five members of my family. They eagerly awaited for Orinoco and there was a huge smile on their faces during and after so it must certainly be great!

Daniel White and John Gardener spoke in Tagalog as they bid everyone goodbye. They spoke about how they have to go back to school too. Filipinos are surely gonna miss them!

Libera -- Before the concert, Patrick assured me that I will still hear Rocco at least in one solo. I wasn't lucky enough to hear him sing In Paradisum live so i'll take this. His voice is still quite high, very rich. In the second half of the song they arranged themselves and Leo Barron was at the center of the arc so they paid tribute to him too. A well deserved standing ovation!

Rocco Tesei

Bayan Ko -- no, they're not going away without singing this! It's simillar to the 2013 version where there was no prominent soloist. If they keep this arrangement then Mini-Ben [Philipp] will be the only known Libera soloist for this historic song!

For those young enough, you'll know what an impact that 2009 concert at the Philippine International Convention Centre (PICC) was. Someday they will return there again and they will sell out again!

But this 2019 tour will just be as memorable! So much drama: Mr Prizeman's absence; Sam Coates' directorial debut; a sudden changing of the guard with the trio of Alex Gula, Rocco Tesei, and Leo Barron all now down from their main soloist stature. And made difficult by some absences of other emerging soloists. But everyone stepped up. Even the youngest ones. Have there been that many soloists before? Of course it wouldn't have that Libera sound without the harmonizers or non-soloist. They all gave another phenomenal show Filipinos will never ever forget!! —Benjo

On February 21st, the boys participated in a M&G in Cebu. From the Libera Japan Facebook site:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2997543080271878&id=380678761958336 … (2/21/19 M&G in Cebu/49 photos)

CEBU CONCERT: CEBU WATERFRONT HOTEL AND CASINO
On February 23rd, Vietnamese Libera fan kinda_kOOl submitted a long, detailed and beautifully personal review to the LIbera Dreams Forum (go to page 6).

http://www.forum.libera-dreams.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&p=53977#p53977

On February 24th, the amazing Furby of Libera Passion, working in concert with the equally amazing Patrick, produced the latest list of touring members, as well as a complete roundup of the Philippines concerts, with links to the database of songs and singers, and even to concert reviews and promotional materials. Bravo!

Singers list: http://libera-passion.exprimetoi.net/t1110-apercu-des-membres-actuels-maj-fevrier-2019 …

Latest concert entry: #Philippines 2019 - http://libera-passion.exprimetoi.net/t1329p80-les-concerts-et-sorties-prestations-live-de-libera-2000-present#27717 …

(This is a screenshot; follow the link above the photo for the full summary)

On February 28th, the official Libera website commented on a decision by YouTube to disable comments on videos that feature children:

YouTube Comments

We have been informed by YouTube that they have introduced new Child Protection protocols. As part of this they have disabled comments on millions of videos which feature children. This includes all our videos.

We would like to assure our supporters that it has always been our practice to regularly review comments on our videos, and we delete those that we consider to be inappropriate. Nonetheless we recognise YouTube’s legitimate child protection concerns and for the time being we will abide by YouTube’s decision and comments will remain disabled on our channel.

While it will not be possible to comment on the videos themselves we would encourage our supporters to share our videos on social media using the share button.
Thank you for supporting Libera
Visit our YouTube channel.

Also on February 28th, an article entitled "Libera: Angels on Earth," by N. E. Rabadam Ruiz, appeared online in the Philippines' Daily Tribune. It features interview questions with Libera singer Tadgh Fitzgerald, and revealed that the proceeds of the concerts on the tour would go to benefit underprivileged children.

Tadgh Fitzgerald

Left to right: Leo Barron, ?, Ben Wevill, Alexandre Menuet, Emanuele Borelli, Johnny Gardener, Romeo Tesei, and Laurence Taylor.

http://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2019/02/28/libera-angels-on-earth/ (Article about Libera in the Philippines’online Daily Tribune/2-28-19)

On March 4th, this video of several Libera Boys (Tadgh Fitzgerald, Dominik Clarke, Alex Gula, Rocco Tesei) passing the time by playing a piano during some down time in the Philippines was posted on the Libera Dreams Forum and elsewhere.

Dominik Clarke

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGinCeDCfBY (A Piano In the Room/Libera boys passing time on a piano in the Philippines/2018/3:19)

On March 5th, another marvelous database from The Furby at Libera Passion. The sections marked "Profil" on the site (but not those on the screenshot below) open up into the Libera history and more photos of the boy in question. The hooded figures are usually miniboys, from the (pre-Furby-and-Patrick) days when photographs of same were much rarer.

http://libera-passion.exprimetoi.net/t1110-apercu-des-membres-actuels-maj-fevrier-2019#24512

Also on March 5th, The official YouTube announcement of a 2019 US Tour:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG93mVpXpqQ&feature=youtu.be (Announcement of 2019 US tour/ Cassius Collard/Daniel White/Tadgh Fitzgerald/1:46)
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On March 9th, a note from surpinto on the Libera Dreams Forum:

Arundel, UK

Date: 22nd June 2019 7:30 pm
Venue: Arundel Cathedral
Price: £15 - £35
Tickets: Ticketsource or call 0333 666 3366 (please note that a booking fee applies). Note Tickets will go on sale on 23rd March

On March 16th, Justin Chen posted a 2019 US tour promotional video, featuring scenes from the 2018 tour and the organ playing of Dr. Jonathan Gregoire.

Victor Wiggin points out the link to Libera of the US

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0aJnFEJVxA&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3ADFeOnetMELxipVeGvhozAwh050NJX6dho3KpkNReMLo_WqIAicHYQ0o (Promotional video for 2019 US tour/ Libera boys listen to Dr. Jonathan Gregoire play the organ. 1:38)

UNSUNG SOLOISTS

Throughout the years, as the St. Philip’s Boys’ Choir morphed into Angel Voices (1987), and then to Libera (1999), there have been a number of “Unsung Soloists,” that is, boys whose excellent solo work was mostly lost to the non-concert-going public because:

1. Their solo careers coincided with those of a number of equally talented singers; they were a bit shy and/or unassertive, and they got a bit lost in the shuffle when it came to recordings and videos.

2. Their prime solo years coincided with periods in which, for various reasons, few CDs or videos were produced.

3. Their time with the group was relatively short.

4. They left Libera early, for reasons, such as family relocation or schooling, and never achieved their full potential as soloists with the group.

5. Their voices and/or confidence matured late in their career with the choir.

6. Other voices were considered more suited to those songs chosen to be recorded or videoed.

Any of these situations could produce a soloist who, in spite of excellence, is relatively unknown to newer Libera fans. During “down times” between concerts and tours, we thought we’d bring a few of these lesser-known solo talents to light.

Unsung Soloist #1: Anthony Chadney (c. 2000-2005)

Those who know this marvelous singer only through his competent but unspectacular duet with Chris Robson in the 2006 video of “Voca Me” are likely to be be electrified by his only recorded solo, “A New Heaven,” with music by Robert Prizeman and words adapted from the Biblical Book of Revelations. Anthony's opening notes have a clarion-like quality, and his voice is rich, confident and pitch-perfect throughout this beautiful arrangement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=17&v=2X5CqCvAtVE (A New Heaven/solo by Anthony Chadney/Free/2004/4:08)

His distinctive voice can also be heard adding his lovely “expanding” harmonies to Ben Crawley’s solo in “Attendite.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=XftO7TsiDD8 (Attendite/solo by Ben Crawley/harmony by Anthony Chadney/Luminosa/2001/(4:15)

Anthony's time with Libera coincided with the later treble-solo careers of Ben Crawley and Steven Geraghty, and the early solo work of Tom Cully and Michael Horncastle, with Joe Platt also in the mix. This perhaps explains why we have so few recordings of this fine treble.

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On March 24th, Justin noted the following on the Libera Dreams Forum:

According to Libera Records, there will be a Japan tour in 2019. Preliminary dates have been set at:

October 21 - Tokyo - Orchard Hall
October 22 - Tokyo - Orchard Hall
October 25 - Osaka - Grand Cube Osaka

Early ticket sale will be available for Libera Japan Fan club members in April.

More info found at https://libera-records.com/news/2019/03/24/978/

2019/3/24 UP

Breaking! The performances for Japan in 2019 have been decided!

Thank you to all the Libera fans!This year too, the live performance of Rivera has been decided!The 2019 performance schedule is as follows:

October 21 (Mon) 19:00 Opening Tokyo: Orchard Hall

October 22 (Tues and Holidays) 15:00 Opening Tokyo: Orchard Hall

October 25 (Fri) 19:00 Opening Osaka: Grand Cube Osaka

This year's performance schedule will coincide with the Rugby World Cup Japan Tournament. In Tokyo and Osaka, reservations for some hotels have already become difficult, also for fans who come from a distance,

We have been meeting with the Libera side so that we can guide you as early as possible.Therefore, first of all, I will announce the schedule of the performances to Japan today.

April Fan club pre-release launched. We will inform you in early April about the details of the performance and ticket release.

General release is scheduled to start after June.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Unsung Soloist #2: Conor O’ Donnell (2005-2007)

Conor O’ Donnell joined Libera in 2005 at the age of 12, and had only about two years to shine as a treble. Those who know Conor only as one of the low-voiced 14-year-olds introduced as “the big people in the back” on the 2007 Angel Voices: Libera in Concert DVD, will be pleasantly amazed at the purity of his solo voice on the 2007 Visions CD.

In addition to participating as a group member in videos, Conor can be seen in this early-2007 Songs of Praise episode, singing the solo opening to Robert Prizeman’s arrangement of “Ave Maria,” with Tom Cully singing harmony.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4goiNznI930 (Ave Maria [Caccini/Vavilov]/solo & harmony by Conor O’ Donnell and Tom Cully/Songs of Praise/2007/3:00)

Conor’s voice is also heard (on Visions) in one of Prizeman’s most evocative and layered compositions, “Recordare,” in which he sings a lovely high solo part. His clear voice provides a dramatic contrast with the lower verses sung by Joe Sanders-Wilde (another sure candidate for this category).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm4_ydXiEmc (Recordare/solos by Conor O’ Donnell and Joe Sanders-Wilde/Visions/2007 & Eternal/The Best of Libera, Disc 2/2009/4:58)

*********************************

Unsung Soloist #3: Matthew Jansen (2010-2016 + Staff)

(Photo from Libera Passion)

Matthew Jansen is a prime example of how a fine and prolific soloist can be classified as “unsung.” He’s credited with at least 10 different solo or small-group numbers in 2012-2013 concerts, and appeared in dozens of videos, but his only recorded solo vocal performances came with the 2013 Angels Sing: Christmas in Ireland DVD. (He also sang in duet with Ciaran Bradbury-Hickey in “Voca Me” for the 2014 Angels Sing: Libera In America DVD.)

So how can it be that such an exemplary solo career went almost entirely unrecorded? Well, Matthew’s prime treble years coincided with some complicated corporate shenanigans in which the fate of Libera’s record company, EMI, was in doubt, and few videos and no CDs were produced. Around 2013, they went with Warner Classics for the two Angels Sing DVDs.

Matthew was also caught in the batch of fine soloists that included powerhouses like Isaac London, Tom Delgado-Little, and Alessandro Mackinnon-Botti, among others.

In his brief performances of the intro to “Gaudete,” and the final “Sanctus” in the song of that name, the quality of his singing can only engender strong regrets that we don’t have access to more of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrND_c1f4Ow (Gaudete/solo by Matthew Jansen/2013 Angels Sing: Christmas in Ireland DVD/3:05)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6ArnCcUzqQ (Sanctus/solo by Matthew Jansen/2013 Angels Sing: Christmas in Ireland DVD/3:29) (Audio only; there is no individual YouTube video of this performance available)

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Unsung Soloist #4: Jakob De Menezes Wood (2007-2012)

(Photo from Libera Passion)

Jakob first came to public attention as a poised nine-year-old on the 2007 Angel Voices: Libera in Concert DVD, and subsequently sang with Libera on six more CDs, in numerous concerts (often providing a strong second voice to soloists), and in many music videos.

His high pure voice (with that of Ben Phillip) can be heard in the background and final notes of “Touch the Sky,” sung by James Mordaunt on the Peace CD, and blending with the voices of Ben Phillip and Josh Madine in the chorus of “Lullabye” on the Peace (Deluxe) version.

On 2011’s The Christmas Album, Jakob’s is the lovely solo voice heard at the beginning of and throughout “Jubilate Deo.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4P9NXZAMjQ (Jubilate Deo/solo by Jakob De Menezes Wood/The Christmas Album/2011/4:31)

His most extraordinary performance, however, was in his only other recorded solo (never sung in concert), “Lead, Kindly Light,” also on the Peace CD.

His gentle voice, that of a trusting child, brings deep emotional content to this ordinary old hymn, beautifully supported by Libera in an uncluttered arrangement by Robert Prizeman.

The shy and sweet-natured Jakob was a bit crowded out in the in the era that produced powerhouse soloists like Tom Cully, Liam Connery, Ed Day, Josh Madine, and Ben Phillip (and later Stefan Leadbeater and Ralph Skan). We can only be grateful that he was given the opportunity to shine in a solo that almost seemed to have been written just for him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZSLwmdHExI (Lead, Kindly Light/solo by Jakob De Menezes Wood/Peace CD/2010/2:33)

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Unsung Soloist #5: Joe Snelling (2007-2008)

In 2007, on the Angel Voices: Libera in Concert DVD (recorded in Leiden, Holland for the American Public Broadcasting System), little 12-year-old Joe Snelling sang those solo high-treble “Salvas” in Robert Prizeman’s classic “Salva Me,” and viewers worldwide promptly fell in love.

That sweet boyish confidence! those clear high notes, perfectly pitched and placed! And that adorably bowed head after he finished the piece as he began it, all on his own.

Joe Snelling (known to his choirmates as “The Furby,” presumably for being so darn little and cute) only sang as a full member of Libera from March of 2007 to July of 2008, but his time with the group was packed with activity. Because of his talent and musicality, he was often part of smaller groups chosen for special activities such as serenading Brian Wilson at The Kennedy Center Honors; carol-singing on a TV program called “Christmas Cooks;" and competing on the TV reality show “When Will I Be Famous?” (They won the first round, but were ultimately defeated by a man in a giant Slinky™ costume.)

Joe toured with Libera to Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, and the US; was part of the group that sang for a crowd of 68,000 (and Pope Benedict) in Yankee Stadium; and participated in another album, New Dawn (recorded in 2007, released in 2008), on which he sang “Never Be Alone” in trio with Josh Madine and Tom Cully.

The reason for the brevity of Joe’s Libera career was possibly voice-change, as in later photos of him with the group at age 13, he had clearly shot up and was looking much more like a teenager.

But although the “Salva Me” descant was Joe’s only solo on video, thanks to the wonders of YouTube, new Libera fans are still discovering it and falling in love.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpE3FyhBsMA (Salva Me/solo by Joe Snelling/Angel Voices; Libera in Concert DVD/2007/3:16)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVMGHPMsHzY (Never Be Alone/Josh Madine/Tom Cully/ Joe Snelling/New Dawn/2008/3:45)

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In early April, Libera of the US instituted a clever contest to spread the word about Libera with tweeted videos.

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Unsung Soloist #6: Eoghan McCarthy (2011-2013)

Eoghan (pronounced “Owen”) McCarthy joined Libera in 2011, at the age of 11, with previous experience as a church-choir soloist. He got off to a strong start in that year’s tours of the US and Canada, singing prominent solos in “Glory to Thee” and “How Shall I sing That Majesty” at the huge Moody Church in Chicago, Illinois.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhpLFhWAbr4 Glory to Thee/solo by Eoghan McCarthy/Moody Church Service/Chicago, Il/2013:12

In concerts between 2011 and 2013 (and tours to the Philippines, Channel Islands, Northern Ireland, Singapore, and Japan), he soloed in those songs, and sang solos or duets in three others. He appeared regularly in photos and videos, was part of The Christmas Album in 2011, sang with the lower voices on the 2014 tour to the US, and appeared on the two Angels Sing DVDs in 2013 and 2015.

In spite of all this activity, Eoghan went mostly unrecorded, possibly because, like Matthew Jansen’s, his treble prime coincided with the c. 2012 near-blackout caused by recording-company woes.

By 2013, when he appeared in The Angels Sing Christmas video, his voice was presumably in the lower ranges, and youngsters like Isaac London and Tom Delgado-Little were dominating the solo roster.

Besides the Moody Church videos, there is only one other recording of Owen’s solo voice, the lovely opening lines of “Once in Royal David’s City” on The Christmas Album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5TwbCG_6DY

(Once in Royal David’s City/solo by Eoghan McCarthy/The Christmas Album/2011/3:37)

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SUMMER CONCERT SCHEDULE

The Libera concerts for the summer tour 2019 in the USA have been announced on the "Events" page of the official site, https://libera.org.uk/events/calendar/ … As Patrick Fandelok noted: "That early announce is very appreciable, fans can now arrange accommodations and transports."

26 July, 2019

Libera in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA

Cathedral of Saint Paul

Time: 7:30pm
29 July, 2019

Libera in St Louis, Missouri, USA

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

Time: 7:30pm
01 August, 2019

Libera in Oklahoma City, USA

First Southern Baptist Church

Time: 7:00pm
04 August, 2019

Libera in Westlake Village CA, US

Calvary Community Church

Time: 7:00pm

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Unsung soloist(s) # 7. 8, and 9: Nipped in the Bud— James Mordaunt (2008-2011); Freddie Ingles (2008-2011); and Michael Ustynovych-Repa (2011-2013)

Sometimes youngsters with promising careers as Libera soloists never get to reach their prime singing years as part of the group, often because of changes in schooling or family location. This was the case with three youngsters, born in the same three-year period, who left Libera just as they were coming into their own.

James Mordaunt

James Mordaunt (known as “Mini-James” both for his tiny size and the fact that there was a larger James singing with the group) and Freddie Ingles were best friends, often videoed and photographed together; they also sang duets in concert on “Prayer” and “Love and Mercy” (Freddie soloed on the mysterious “Always With You.”) Both sang on the 2010 Peace CD, though only James soloed on it. Both were extremely photogenic and appeared on the CD cover.

L to R: James Mordaunt, James Threadgill, Ralph Skan, Freddie Ingles, Kavana Crossley

Equally small and quite shy-looking, Freddie Ingles surprisingly developed a confident stage manner, and often participated in the speeches interspersed between concert songs, and in radio and TV interviews on tour.

Both boys soloed on the 2011 Christmas Album; Ingles on “The First Nowell” (his only recorded solo), and Mordaunt on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and the haunting “Corpus Christi Carol” (in combination with RalphSkan).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlZA_W9Q6-s

(The First Nowell/solo by Freddie Ingles/The Christmas Album/ 2011/3:39)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=htMrEIh7wcM (Corpus Christi Carol/solos by James Mordaunt and Ralph Skan/The Christmas Album/2011/3:15)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=9FEoJ_p64z4 (Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas/solo by James Mordaunt/QVC Shopping Network promotion for Peace/3:36)

James and Freddie in 2009, barely able to read from the music stand.

Mordaunt’s finest solo recording, however, was on “Touch the Sky” (Peace), composed and directed by former Libera soloist Ben Crawley. In it, his voice, poised against a complex background of chords, is both childishly sweet and surprisingly accomplished for a ten-year-old.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxF0W2jsi3U&list=PLaLe2_cDChH-oOC2R-zxpNGvkhxNWsDKa&index=12

(Touch the Sky/solo by James Mordaunt with Ben Philipp and Jakob De Menezes Wood/Peace CD/2010/3:15

James and Freddie, to the dismay of Libera fans, left at about the same time in 2011.

Michael Ustynovych-Repa

Michael Ustynovich-Repa, who was an eight-year old miniboy when Peace was released, began soloing in concerts in 2013, singing “Grateful Heart” with Tom Delgado-Little, and the high “Salvas” in “Salva Me.” His first recorded solo was part of a promotional video for the group’s appearance in Taiwan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKP3iJxzpAM (The Moon Represents My Heart/solo by Michael Ustynovich-Repa/2013 Chinese news broadcast/3:17)

His big solo moment, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” with Ciaran Bradbury-Hickey as second voice, was videoed as part of the Angels Sing: Christmas in Ireland DVD. Sadly, this wonderful performance was to be his last on video, leaving Libera fans to wonder what might have been.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unD_GQIDywc (Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas/solo by Michael Ustynovich-Repa/ Angels Sing: Christmas in Ireland DVD/2013/3:25)

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Unsung soloist # 10: Matthew Rangel-Alvares (2009-2015)

Matthew Rangel-Alvares may be one of the most unsung of all of Libera’s soloists.

Paradoxically, while he sang some of the group’s most “visible” high solos in concert (in “Salva Me,” “Ave Verum” and “Stay With Me”), toured from 2009 through 2013, appeared in the two “Angels Sing” PBS specials in 2013 and 2015, and sang on the Peace and Christmas Album DVDs, his solo voice was captured only in a (perhaps) bootleg fan YouTube video with inferior sound quality.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4s3_Owqwz8 (Stay with Me/Solo by Daniel Fontannaz/descant by Matthew Rangel-Alvares/fan video/3:47)

To add to this odd invisibility, he seldom spoke in public or on videos. We can recall a YouTube video in which Matthew is being interviewed along with another boy. The other lad chatters blithely away, and Matthew smiles and nods pleasantly, managing to say not one word.

There is/was another elusive YouTube video of him singing in “Salva Me,” in 2012 (see photo), but we have been unable to find it. Perhaps Matthew somehow managed to delete it.

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PHILIPPINES GALLERY

On May 1st, Libera posted an impressive gallery of photos from the 2019 Philippines "Friendship Tour." It includes candid, backstage, performing, free-time and M&G photos, and some excellent individual and group portraits.

https://libera.org.uk/gallery/philippines-2019/#jp-carousel-12294

Unsung soloist # 11: James Vereycken (2002-2006)

Red-haired, rosy-cheeked James Vereycken (who would eventually go on to a doctoral program at Cambridge University) sang only one recorded solo, the first and last lines of “Abide With Me” on the 2005 Visions CD.

This pure-voiced performance, however, took on a modest life of its own, being included on CD compilations and collections as late as 2012.

A 2007 fan “tribute video provides both the song itself and a visual montage of James’ years with Libera. (And yes, he’s the older brother of Michael Vereycken, a Libera singer from 2005 to 2009.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhVbKQadT9E

(Abide With Me [fan tribute]/solo by James Vereycken/2005/3:27)

James Vereycken (R) and little brother Michael(C) in 2005.

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On May 4th, German fan filiarheni posted the following on the Libera Dreams Forum:

There are a number of Libera songs we can listen to up and down the road ... however from the recording only, as they never found their way on stage. I was curious to know which songs these are...
Here is the list with big thanks to The Furby, who made my life easier by drawing it from his superb data source at Libera-Passion. I have reduced it to songs recorded on CDs under the name "Libera" and I hope it's all correct:

A New Heaven
A Song Of Enchantment
Adoro Te
Air (Air On The G String)
Ave Virgo
Benedictus Deus
Coventry Carol
Home
In Paradisum (Prizeman)
Jerusalem
Lead, Kindly Light
Luminosa
Mother Of God
Never Be Alone
Panis Angelicus
Recordare
Salve Regina
Sancta
Something Sings
Stabat
Stabat Mater
The First Noël (The First Nowell)
The Lamb
Three Ravens
Touch The Sky
Twilight
Veni Sancte
Venite Adoremus
Vespera
We Are The Lost
While Shepherds Watched Their Flock

On May 7th, Libera posted a charmingly written blog entry called "Phantastic Philippines," with the writer displaying a grand sense of humor and style.

Riding in a "Banana Boat."

The latest set of Libera boys to attempt the "Tinikling" bamboo-pole dance.

https://libera.org.uk/uncategorised/phantastic-philippines/

UNSUNG SOLOIST #12: DANIEL FONTANNAZ (2008-2011)

Sometimes a Libera soloist’s treble career is limited by a later-than-usual entry into the group. In 2008, 12-year-old Daniel Fontannaz became known first for his sweet smile; then, two years after joining, Libera, , he surprised fans by emerging as a fine soloist in César Franck’s classic “Panis Angelicus,” on the 2010 Peace CD.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-dqFZEzmOU (Panis Angelicus/solo by Daniel Fontannaz/Peace CD/2011/3:16)

He can also be heard on Peace singing with Stefan Leadbeater and Ben Philipp in the background of the lovely “Faithful Heart.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJOcgfJHsh8 (Faithful Heart/solo by Joshua Madine/supporting voices by Daniel Fontannaz, Stefan Leadbeater & Ben Philipp/Peace CD 2010/3:22)

By 2011, at the age of 14, Daniel’s beautiful extended solo in “Veni, Veni Emmanuel,” featured on The Christmas Album, possessed the vocal and emotional maturity that often preceeds voice-change. He left the group in 2011, but returned in 2013 and 2015 to participate as an older singer in the two PBS Angels Sing specials.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F44pwYqC40 (Veni Emmanuel/solo by Daniel Fontannaz/The Christmas Album/2011/4:27)

Daniel’s single concert solo, “Stay With Me,” was never recorded by him, although he frequently performed it onstage. “Panis Angelicus” was never performed in concert, although it appeared on several compilation CDs. “Faithful Heart” and “Veni Veni Emmanuel” weren’t presented in concert until after Daniel had left the group.

He was also contemporaneous with a number of other fins soloists—Tom Cully (briefly), Stefan Leadbeater, Josh Madine, Ben Philipp and Ralph Skan. We’re lucky to have gotten as much of Daniel as we did.

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On May 15th, Libera revealed the new poster for the June 22nd concert at Arundel Cathedral.

A VISIT FROM BIG BEN

A recent Instagram post showed former virtuoso Libera soloist "Big Ben" Crawley performing what appears to be a musical exercise or rehearsal of some sort with the boys, prompting interested speculation on the part of fans.

UNSUNG SOLOIST #13: SIMON BESTON (19??-2001)

“Veni Sancte,” one of Robert Prizeman’s lesser-known and more complex compositions, has never been performed in concert, but appears on the stellar 2001 Luminosa CD. Surprisingly, the first voice one hears is not a treble, but a luminous baritone.

The singer is Simon Beston, who, at intervals throughout the song, skillfully weaves a counterpoint to the exquisite trebles of Ben Crawley and Steven Geraghty, producing nothing less than a tour de force by all three (and the rest of the group).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKgb6fMehxI (Veni Sancte/solos by Simon Beston, Ben Crawley, and Steven Geraghty/ Luminosa CD/2001/5:50)

Although it’s not clear whether Simon was a member of the Angel Voices group that preceded the change to Libera in 1999., it’s probable/possible that he was, as he appears in a 2001 video of “Te Lucis/Vespera” as a low-voiced singer along with Liam O’ Kane, Alex Baron, and two other teens in St. Philip’s Choir robes; all of the others are easily identifiable in the 1997 pre-Libera video of “Salva Me.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNBie-QLnDc (Te Lucis/solos by Steven Geraghty and Ben Crawley/Luminosa CD/2001/3:33)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRtXhJCsFeo (Salva Me/solo/descant by Liam O’ Kane and Adam Harris/ 1997/3:26)


From the 1997 "Salva Me" video; a young Simon?

He was spotted singing with an adult group in a 2011 video of the 50^th anniversary of the TV show Songs of Praise, in which Libera also participated. Then he showed up in 2018 playing keyboards for the Libera Christmas Concert in St. George’s Cathedral.

In any case, Simon Beston has obviously maintained a long relationship with the group. Those in Libera’s inner circles probably know him well.

For the rest of us, he’s just that marvelous voice chanting “Veni Sancte” and invoking spirit.

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On May 26th, a 60-second promo ad for the 2019 US summer tour appeared on YouTube.

Neo Parson

https://youtu.be/9bsZyQWFUAk (60-second promo ad for contributing to Libera’s 2019 US tour)

On May 30th, an interesting tweet from Libera:

On June 1st, fan aoba posted on the Libera Dreams Forum:

"For the Future" is now available worldwide on many digital music services.

iTunes/Apple Music
The announcement by Libera Records

UNSUNG SOLOIST #14: CAMDEN STEWART (2012-2018)

From his first video appearances as a Libera singer in 2014, Camden Stewart impressed viewers with his apparent feeling for and deep involvement with the music.

Although he appeared on the Angels Sing: Libera in America DVD in 2015, sang on three other CDs, participated in five years’ worth of tours, and sang at least eight solo parts or entire solos in concert, it was not until the 2017 Hope CD that non-concert-goers got to hear the distinctive richness and timbre of his solo voice (and kudos to Cameron for blending that voice so skillfully into the whole).

His lush vocal interlude in “I’m Dreaming of Home,” and the prominence of his voice in the sound collages at the beginning and ending of “Venite Adoremus” reveal another great Libera singer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=D26P2dZBakw (I’m Dreaming of Home/solo by Camden Stewart/Hope CD/2017/4:41)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsXlzoVoWC8 (Venite Adoremus/solo by Merlin Brouwer/Hope CD/2017/5:24)

(Camden’s relatively “unsung” status is somewhat understandable when one considers that his long career with the group coincided with those of soloists Isaac London, Tom Delgado-Little, Ciaran Bradbury Hickey, Sam Wiggin. Alex Montoro, Alex Gula, Merlin Brouwer, Rocco Tesei, Gregor Lumsden, Gabriel Collins, and others.)

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On June 5th, lighting designer Jeroen Jans posted on the Libera Dreams Forum:

Hi All,

As international lighting designer I made some concert lighting designs for Libera.
While working, we made a lot of photos I like to share:

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmE3uqcw
https://www.flickr.com/gp/181841053@N07/4Ls938

On June 7th, Libera tweeted photos of yet another adorable new flock of miniboys (the proportion of redheads is growing).

On June 8th, a lovely new video version of "For the Future" was posted on Libera's official YouTube Channel. The boys are shown singing throughout, including all the soloists.

Soloists Koji Shinokubo, Daniel White, Oliver Watt-Rodriguez and Oliver Mycka in "For the Future."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=97&v=HFYeKiXiuiE (For The Future/solos by Oliver Watt-Rodriguez, Daniel White, Mathias Montoro, Victor Wiggin, Oliver Mycka, Koji Shinokubo/2018/4:32)

The song has been released as a Digital single in Japan, and is available at https://linkco.re/HPx9YdVm?lang=en.

ARUNDEL CATHEDRAL CONCERT

JUNE 22ND

(Photos by Patrick)

Singers (Thanks to Yorkie)

Hal Avery (introduced as 6 - youngest ever to appear on stage at a concert?)
Ethan Barron
Leo Barron
Nathaniel Bates Fisher
Luke Batteson Dalpiaz
Cameron Birmingham
Ludwik Kowalcyk
Luca Brugnoli
Dominik Clarke
Cassius Collard
Samuel-Francis Collins
Joseph Cranitch
Laurence Davey
Frederick Day
Tadhg Fitzgerald
John Gardner
Alexandra Gula
Felipe Jackson
Alexandre Menuet
Mathias Montoro
Frederick Mushrafi
Oliver Mycka
Neo Parson
Lewis Quinn
Koji Shinokubo
Nathan Slater
Jack Spicha
Laurence Taylor
Nicholas Taylor
Rocco Tesei
Romeo Tesei
Calam Tamana
Oliver Watt-Rodriguez
Victor Wiggin
Daniel White
Morgan Wiltshire

( Program photo by Patrick)

SONG LIST

Veni Creator – Solo by Dominick Clarke
Orinoco Flow

Sanctus – High notes by Samuel-Francis Collins

Angele Dei - Solo by Dominick Clarke

Salve Regina - Solo by Tadgh Fitzgerald

From a Distance – Solo by Victor Wiggin

Stay With Me – Solo by Oliver Mycka, descant by Samuel-Francis Collins

Angel - Solo by Daniel White

Voca Me - Descant by Samuel-Francis Collins

How Shall I Sing - Solo by Dominick Clarke

Wonderful World - Solo by Victor Wiggin

In Paradisum – Solo by Oliver Watt-Rodriguez, harmony by Samuel-Francis Collins

Always With You - Solo by Oliver Mycka, descant by Luca Brugnoli
How Great Thou Art - Solo by Mathias Montoro

Amazing Grace – Solo by Cassius Collard

Libera – Solos byTadgh Fitzgerald and Neo Parson

Poor Little Jesus – Solo by Luca Brugnoli

Exultate – Solo by Samuel-Francis Collins, descant by Oliver Watt-Rodriguez

(Encore) Smile - Solo by Victor Wiggin, harmony by Alex Gula

Photo by TrebleVoices

MINI-REVIEW BY JOHAN

Arundel 2019. Libera was back in Arundel after five years of absence and I became a fan all over again. It was beautiful. I sort of expected it to be the show of Rocco Tesei and Leo Barron and the rest. Boy, was I wrong!! It was the show of Libera with a few soloists, if you know what I mean.

Libera was whole, the harmonies were awesome and moved me sometimes to tears. It started with a small group of nine boys high up singing 'Veni creator' a capella, It was so beautiful,;for me they never do enough a capella, I love it.

As I said, I expected some solos by Rocco and Leo, but they were in the background and new soloists emerged. The first I need to mention is Dominik Clarke, he was absolute awesome. He did several solos and all of them perfect, no that is the wrong word, they were wonderful. Then there was of course Daniel White with several solos. He has shown in previous concerts already that he is very good, just as Victor Wiggin has who also had some solos.

But this time Libera did not depend on a few good soloists, there were more. There were beautiful solos by Oliver Mycka, Oliver Watt-Rodriguez, Mathias Montoro, Tadhg Fitzgerald and LucaBrugnoli. Tadhg did even some conducting at the end of the opening piece.

A surprise was also Samuel-Francis Collins, now one of the tallest boys, but still able to do the high discants on some of the songs. But overall I was mainly impressed how Mr. Prizeman again has succeeded in molding a group of boys into a real choir of world class. How diverse the group really is was again illustrated with the presentation of the various languages some boys can speak.—Johan

L to R: (* = Soloist) Frederick Mushrafi, Jack Spicha, Matthias Montoro*, Oliver Watt-Rodriguez*, Oliver Mycka*, Taichi Shinokubo, Dominik Clarke*, Leo Barron, Alex Gula*, Victor Wiggin*, Samuel-Francis Collins*

Back, L to R: (* = Soloist) Ethan Barron, Daniel White*, Joe Cranitch, Neo Parson*, Laurence Davey, Nicholas Taylor, Calam Tamana, Alexandre Menuet

COMPLETE ARUNDEL REVIEW BY YORKIE

So, a return to Arundel.

We didn’t have to wait for the programme to find out what we would be treated to in the concert because during the rehearsal they sang the entire set list – we weren’t allowed inside but we could hear it from outside. Some late arrivals reported that they could hear some of the rehearsal from inside the castle grounds! I’m not sure how usual practicing the whole set list is but from the rehearsals I’ve listened to before they don’t usually do more than six or seven songs + the speeches. The group consisted of 37 of which 30 were ‘full’ members and 7 were mini-boys who joined the group on stage or stood at the front right of the stage under [chaperone] Barbara Geraghty’s guidance.
The opening song was Veni Creator Spiritus – they have done it before, certainly in 2016 in Vallendar which somebody has posted a bootleg video of on YouTube. With the lights down about 9 boys entered the very back of the Apse. It started with a single voice (Dominik Clarke, I think) and then additional voices joined in. It was performed a cappella and without mics so it gave a beautiful, almost meditative Gregorian chant sound and it was a beautiful way to start the concert. I really love it when RP adds these little embellishments to the concert and this was performed excellently so we were of to a great start.

Dominik Clarke

There was a nice extra intro added to Orinoco Flow to allow the Veni Creator group and the rest of the boys to assemble on the stage proper and then we were off. No soloists on O-Flow of course. Then into the new version of Sanctus with Samuel-Francis Collins doing the bulk of the high note work (from what I could observe) and he has really made this role his own and was very good all evening.
Next up was the first speech from Joe Cranitch & Koji Shinokubo, who told us that Alex Gula and Rocco Tesei were the youngest boys when they last performed in Arundel but tonight they were the oldest at 13. They then introduced Hal Avery as the youngest onstage at age six. As they rearranged themselves for the next song I watched young Hal as he left the stage visibly pleased at the huge round of applause he got when his name was mentioned.

Hal Avery

Angele Dei was a welcome return sung by Dominik Clarke who was introduced as being 12. I didn’t realise he was that old (well, you know what I mean) but he certainly nailed this song and he was very impressive all evening. Very nice voice and he lived up to Alex Montoro's version in every way. I was impressed by Dominik.


Daniel White

The Prayer had the usual kneeling semi-circle formed around the fantastic Daniel White. A year on from his debut at Ely he has developed a very pleasing richness to the tone of his voice and he certainly delivered a perfect version of this song. Is his version as good as Isaac London’s? Yes, I think it is. I’m assuming Daniel is 10 so time is on his side and I still predict big things for him in the future.

A debut (at least I don’t think it has been sung live before) for Salve Regina and Tadhg Fitzgerald got his big solo of the evening. He has a very light sweet tone to his singing and he finished the song very strongly.

Tadgh Fitzgerald

The dynamic duo of Alexandre Menuet & Victor Wiggin were next up for the speech about the ‘nice white robes’ that are shady in summer and warm in winter. After telling us about all the exotic places Libera have performed in the last year (and Bournemouth) Victor then went on to introduce himself as the singer of the next song.
The very smiley and always happy looking Victor’s song was the one he has taken over from (the now ex-Libera member?? Merlin Brouwer) - From A Distance. You can’t help but warm to the way Victor goes about his work on stage but, more importantly, the boy can sing. His tone is different from Merlin’s whose voice was slightly husky by the time I last heard him in Brighton, but it is confident and controlled and very good. He could sing a lot of songs for Libera if Robert Prizeman needs him to. The whole group vocal was perfect on this song, nicely balanced on the high and low notes.

Victor Wiggin

Straight into that perennial favourite Stay With Me and it was a Oliver Mycka singing a great main part (Ed Day) with the Samuel-Francis Collins on those high (Liam Connery) parts. It was perfect, both boys doing their bit without error. Did there used to be arm movements on this song? Not any more as far as I can remember which is a shame, but at the end of the day it is the singing that counts and we could not have asked for better.

Oliver Mycka

Angel was back, but of course there was no Isaac London. Who would be the soloist? Step forward the master of his craft Mr Daniel White, who again demonstrated his great range and ability. It could have been written for him, and it is difficult to keep describing how good he is without repeating myself but those of you in the US who haven’t heard him since last year’s tour will be even more impressed by him now.
One of my favourite ever Libera songs was next in the form of Voca Me (new version). Samuel-Francis Collins went to the back for his spot-lit party-piece high notes. I think he had a poor view of Robert Prizeman and slightly missed his mark on the first go (most people wouldn’t have noticed but as I have listened to this piece countless times I’m probably too familiar with it) but he nailed it each subsequent time and he is certainly up there with the best of those who have sung this piece live (and it is a tough as they come). Sam had a very good night on stage. Now, the one piece of lighting that I do remember was on this song. As the tension builds and builds to the crescendo, the roof above the boys was illuminated by an intense white light that was quite spectacular. Then as the climax of the song is released in the final, lingering ‘Voca Me’ the lighting subdued to the most lustrous shade of iridescent blue. A stunningly beautiful effect and hats off to Luke Avery for the execution.

Samuel-Francis Collins

Speech next and Koji Shinokubo returned with Daniel White to talk about "Angel' being used to advertise a Japanese theme park which meant they got to go on the rides without queuing – oh the perks of being a Libera member. I wonder if I start singing when I next visit Alton Towers if they’ll let me fast track on to the rides? The first half finished with Joyful Joyful and they retired to their refreshments without, hopefully, spilling their drinks down their nice white robes.

INTERMISSION

How Shall I Sing That Majesty was (thank you Furby) last sung by Lucas Wood in 2015. Welcome back, old friend. In this incarnation ,the baton is passed to the exemplary Dominik Clarke. What a night the lad had but of course it takes a choir to sing these songs and they all performed magnificently. I hope some other reviewers can describe the lighting and staging for this one.
Back to speeches and it was the turn of Cassius Collard and Tadhg Fitzgerald introducing Moose and his travel exploits. But here I must report a most egregious error on Tadhg’s part. Now, you know I’m the most modest and least boastful/arrogant Yorkshire man on the face of the planet (I’ll assume your agreement here thank you). Well, in describing some of the videos they had filmed (such as "In Paradisum" in Essex) Tadhg then went on to say that the Wonderful World video was filmed in the grim mills of Lancashire (where life was anything but wonderful for the children working in the mills). Now, I wouldn’t wish to be viewed as a pedant but that video was filmed in Leeds which was very much in Yorkshire the last time I visited.

I’ll forgive him

Victor Wiggin, you're on. I guess this is a song that you either like or you don’t but I happen to be in the former camp and I really question how you can’t like this song as performed with great assurance by Victor and the rest of the boys (and that "Wonderful World" video really has more than a touch of pathos about it).

Oliver Watt-Rodriguez

The second video described by Tadhg in his speech was In Paradisum, which was masterfully crafted by Rocco Tesei of course. Well, time moves on, and whilst not officially a member of the back row he has passed this song on to Oliver Watt-Rodriguez and Samuel-Francis Collins. I have to say that Oliver did a great job with it with the first of his big two. Well done Oliver.
How Great Thou Art was performed by Alex Gula last year — he has now progressed to the back line to provide the foundation of the group along with Taichi Shinokubo and Leo Barron, which of course means an opportunity for somebody else. Step forward Mathias Montoro (ably supported by the team). He didn’t put a note wrong as he stepped up to take on his solo duties.

Matthias Montoro

Next was the languages speech introduced by Joe Cranitch – Oliver Mycka (Poland), Alexandre Menuet & Victor Wiggin (France), Oliver Watt-Rodriguez (Spain or Andalucía to be precise), Tadhg Fitzgerald (Éire), Koji Shinokubo (Japan) & Mathias Montoro (Italy); it’s a small world after all.
And then on to Always With You for the first time since Gabriel Collins sang it at Guildford in 2015; it was done by the excellent Oliver Mycka on the main part and, from nowhere, Luca Brugnoli on the high notes. To say he has launched his Libera career with a sensational performance would be an understatement. Wow, this lad absolutely nailed his high parts on this song; I mean this was album quality. Well done Luca. Watch out for big things from him.

Luca Brugnoli

Amazing Grace was Cassius Collard's breakout chance for the final verse and he grabbed it with some very nice work and some sweet sounds. No faults or mistakes just a very confident, full sound to his singing.

Cassius Collard

Libera was its usual self except…is that Neo Parson along with Tadhg Fitzgerald ? Yes, but actually he performed excellently all night with his work on the high parts. Neo seems to be blossoming nicely and we can perhaps expect a song he can make his own soon. I certainly hope so.

Neo Parson

Now, Poor Little Jesus. I think we know that this will be on the next Christmas Album. They sing it quite often at the St Philips Festival of Nine Lessons. It was introduced by Jonny Gardener in the final speech of the night. He described it as an ‘Old American Spritual’ and thanked us for coming (he also told us how to correctly pronounce the name of Eimear the flautist). If you don’t know it, it follows roughly this tune. And the man to sing the final part of it for us was Luca Brugnoli. Did I mention he was good? I lied; he is far better than that. It was accompanied by just some gentle strings but was almost a cappella. Exultate made its return (again I assume for the upcoming Christmas Album with, I hope, ‘I saw Three Ships’ from Brighton). Samuel-Francis Collins and Oliver Watt-Rodriguez performed the frilly bits.


Alex Gula

And then we were on to the encore of Smile. Victor Wiggin is absolutely the right man for this one and the ever excellent Alex Gula provided the counterpoint to Victor’s treble for a lovely finale. America, we pass them on to you for this summer's tour in very good form. Beg, borrow or steal to make their concerts, you deserve to hear them and they deserve your support.—Yorkie

On June 24th, the amazing Furby of Libera Passion came up with the current list of Libera singers as well as profiles for all the newest members.

On July 4th, a Tweet from Libera:

Top photo: "Big boys" Alex Gula, Taichi Shinokubo, and Leo Barron; Bottom L: Little guys Calam Tamana, Laurence Davey and Nicholas Tayler. Bottom R. soloist Tadgh Fitzgerald.

On July 5th, Libera performed for Viking Cruise Lines in what has become an annual event. Viking had previously underwritten parts of several tours, and was the headline sponsor of the 2018 US tour.


Top photo: Ben Bywater, Tadgh Fitzgerald, Samuel-Francis Collins; Bottom: Johnny Gardener, Jack Spicha, Ethan Barron.

Concert Calendar for 2019 Summer US Tour

Upcoming Concerts:

(Photos courtesy of Steve Walker)

July 26^th, 2019

Libera in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA

Cathedral of Saint Paul

Time: 7:30pm

July 29^th, 2019

Libera in St Louis, Missouri, USA

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

Time: 8:00pm

August 1^st, 2019

Libera in Oklahoma City, USA

First Southern Baptist Church

Time: 7:00pm

August 4^th, 2019

Libera in Westlake Village CA, US

Calvary Community Church

Time: 7:00pm

August 6^th, 2019

Libera in Garden Grove, LA, CA

Christ Cathedral

Time: 7:30pm

On July 10th, the apparently tireless Furby, of the Libera Passion site, added to his extensive database with two maps (2000 - 2010 and 2011 - 2020) displaying all Libera performing venues. Clicking on each marker reveals photos and links to more detailed information on that particular performance. Another notable accomplishment!

(The images below are screenshots; use the link provided to access the actual pages.)

http://libera-passion.exprimetoi.net/t1367-la-cartographie-des-concerts#27778

On July11th, Libera posted a new promotional video for the US tour:

Spokkesboys Tadgh Fitzgerald, Victor Wiggin and Daniel White.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=9Cdq3QRlJR8 (Promotional Video for2019 US Tour/Tadgh Fitzgerald, Victor Wiggin and Daniel White/1:10)

On July 17th, bachmahlerfan posted the following article link to the Libera Dreams Forum:

London’s Libera Boys Choir performs in St. Paul on July 26

July 26 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

$11 – $55

The internationally renowned Libera Boys Choir makes a stop on their summer tour at the Cathedral of Saint Paul, 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 26. Ticket prices range from $11 to $55 and are available through TicketSource online https://www.ticketsource.us/uslibera. They will be accompanied by members of the Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Opera Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony.

LIBERA’s global popularity can be traced to their distinctive vocal sound, imaginatively lit stages and dynamic performance style. The group’s albums have topped both mainstream and classical charts in many countries, and their recordings hold their place in top-ten lists alongside major artists like Andrea Bocelli. The group has had more than 60 million views on YouTube, received 3 Classical Brit award nominations and is one of the most downloaded classical acts on iTunes.

https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/calend ... n-july-26/

UNSUNG SOLOISTS #15 &16: CHRIS AND ALEX BARON (LATE 199OS – 2002)

The Brothers Baron were just on the cusp of the Angel-Voices-to-Libera transition, with Alex appearing as an adult singer on the Free CD in 2002. (They’re “unsung” because their treble solos were recorded just the slightest bit too early to be classed as Libera.)

Chris had an especially lovely voice, as evidenced in this dreamy rendition of “Bailero,” a “Chant d’Auvergne” from the 1996 Angel Voices 2 CD; the song was never performed in concert. The piece was arranged by Robert Prizeman with a lush orchestral accompaniment, but is presented as a solo without choral backing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obgyguWqXMo (Bailero/solo by Chris Baron/5:37)

LiberaFansGermany has posted a collection of solo samples from both brothers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=104&v=ZEsXk55zAHQ (Medley of solos by Chris Baron and Alex Baron/3:42)

Sometime in July, Libera Passion's Furby changed the format of his listing of current singers to include an all-inclusive photo:

2019 US SUMMER TOUR

On July 24th, the Libera Boys arrived in the US,

De-planing: (from L) Neo Parson, AlexandreMenuet, Luca Brugnoli?, Ethan Barron, Cassius Collard.

On July 25th, Patrick fan_de_LoK of Libera Passion provided information on the upcoming 2019 Christmas album, here with commentary by surpinto:

Thank you fan_de_LoK for the update. I am surprised by the track list as there are so many songs which Libera has never recorded before as Angel Voices or otherwise; six it would seem.

01 - Angel Gabriel
I assume that it is this song, but maybe there are other versions/melodies? This has never been recorded by Libera.

02 - Do You Hear What I Hear
This was previously recorded on the Angel Voices 3 album.

03 - In the Bleak Mid-winter
This song was also on the Angel Voices 3 album.

04 - I Saw Three Ships
Sung in the UK. I look forward to hearing about it after everyone at this forum raved about this song!

05 - Noel Nouvelet
In searching for this song it sounds very familiar but I can't place the tune. But I think that this link gives as close to a rendition as we'll likely hear from Libera minus the men's voice. This piece has never been recorded by Libera.

06 - Silent Night
Beautifully sung by Libera and recorded many times on the Angel Voices , Angel Voices 3, Libera: Angel Voices, Christmas in Ireland, Libera at Christmas albums.

07 - In Dulci Jubilo
Same as above, recorded multiple times. A very upbeat rendition - always welcome. It is featured on Angel Voices 3, The Christmas Album, and Christmas in Ireland.

08 - Carol of the Bells
By far their most popular YouTube video with nearly 8 million views! It is included on Christmas in Ireland, Angel and Santa Will Find You EP's, and Libera at Christmas.

09 - Wexford Carol
This is one of my personal top favorites of Libera's music and so a new version is always welcome! I assume Tadhg will be singing the solo as per the most recent live performance of this song. There were two distinct recordings made with the both recordings sung by Isaac as the soloist. The first recording was on Christmas in Ireland and the second with a longer solo and with a verse in Gaelic was on Libera at Christmas and Santa Will Find You. I am looking forward to hearing a new voice on this piece.

10 - Once in Royal David's city
This was sung on Angel Voices 3 and The Christmas Album but a recent television broadcast had Victor singing the solo.

11 - Sing Lullabye
Could it be this song? This is also a new song for Libera.

12 - Poor Little Jesus
A new one for Libera this is probably the song performed at their most recent UK concert.

13 - Ding Dong merrily
I'm surprised by this song being included. While I do like this song it has been recorded time and time again by many (particular English) choirs for Christmas albums. That does not mean I am against it, no at all, only that I am hoping it will stand out in some way from the rest. If not I am still sure it will be very well done.

14 - Gaudete
Another Libera standard featured on Angel Voices 2, Angel Voices 3, Luminosa Eternal, The Christmas Album, and Christmas in Ireland

15 - What child is this(Greensleeves)
First and only recording of this is on Christmas in Ireland with a solo by Isaac. I wonder if there will be a new soloist on the recording. Interested to hear this one.—surpinto

On July 26th, Steve Walker posted a photo of some of the boys relaxing in St. Paul.

L toR: Laurence Davey, Daniel White, Rocco Tesei, Ethan Barron, Leo Barron, Taichi Shinokubo.

CONCERT #1: Cathedral of St. Paul, St. Paul, Minnesota

Newbies on tour are Luca Brugnoli, Laurence Davey, and Frederick Mushrafi. Missing from the previous concert at Arundel Cathedral were Nicholas Taylor, Joe Cranitch, Luke Batteson-Dalpiaz, Felipe Jackson, Ben Weville and Romeo Tesei. No Miniboys.

Ben Bywater and Peter Kielty returned after missing the Arundel concert.

Josh Madine returned as sound production assistant.

PROGRAM (subject to change):

Veni Creator
Music & Words – traditional
Solo by Dominick Clarke

Orinoco flow
Music – Enya; Words – Roma Ryan

Sanctus Based on ‘Canon’
Music – Johann Pachelbel; Words – Traditional;
Arranged – Robert Prizeman
High notes by Samuel-Francis Collins

Angele Dei
Music – Robert Prizeman;
Words – Traditional & Robert Prizeman
Solo by Dominick Clarke

The Prayer
Music – David Foster; Words – Carole Bayer Sager; Arranged – Sam Coates
Solo by Daniel White

Salve Regina Based on ‘Impromptu in G flat’
Music – Franz Schubert; Words – Traditional;
Arranged – Robert Prizeman
Solo by Tadgh Fitzgerald

From a Distance
Music & Words – Julie Gold; Arranged – Sam Coates
Solo by Victor Wiggin

Stay With Me
Words & Music – Robert Prizeman
Solo by Oliver Mycka, descant by Samuel-Francis Collins

Angel
Music – Takatsugu Muramatsu; Words – Robert Prizeman
Solo by Daniel White

Voca Me
Music – Robert Prizeman; Words – Traditional
Descant by Luca Brugnoli

Joyful, Joyful
Music – Ludwig van Beethoven; Words – Henry Van Dyke; Arranged – Robert Prizeman

INTERMISSION

How Shall I Sing That Majesty
Music – Robert Prizeman; Words – John Mason
Solo by Dominick Clarke

Wonderful World
Words & Music – Bob Thiele and George David Weiss; Arranged – Sam Coates
Solo by Victor Wiggin

In Paradisum
Music – Ben Robbins; Words – Traditional
Solo by Oliver Watt-Rodriguez, harmony by Samuel-Francis Collins

How Great Thou Art
Music – traditional; Words – traditional translated by S Hine; Arranged – Robert Prizeman
Solo by Matthias Montoro

Always With You
Music – Robert Prizeman; Words – Robert Prizeman & Ben Crawley
Solo by Oliver Mycka, high notes by Luca Brugnoli

Amazing Grace
Music – traditional; Words – John Newton; Arranged – Robert Prizeman
Solo by Cassius Collard

Libera
Music & English words – Robert Prizeman
Solos byTadgh Fitzgerald and Neo Parson

Poor little Jesus
Music & Words – traditional; Arranged – Sam Coates
Solo by Luca Brugnoli

Exultate
Music – Robert Prizeman; English words – Henry Burton
Solo by Samuel-Francis Collins, descant by Oliver Watt-Rodriguez

(Encore) America the Beautiful

CONCERT MINI-REVIEW BY SURPINTO

As this concert was nearly identical to the one in Arundel which has been reviewed multiple times I will attempt to avoid any superfluous details and just give my overall impressions and personal highlights. The only difference in the set list as compared to Arundel was the absence of “Smile” and the insertion of “America the Beautiful” as the encore.

To start, the lighting in the cathedral is amazing. If you haven’t seen photos of the Cathedral of Saint Paul, I suggest that you check them out on Google Images. It’s a beautiful building and the lighting effects have a special aesthetic appeal to me when Libera performs in stone cathedral or church like that. Further, the acoustics were really special with the last note of a song lingering in the air for a few precious seconds allowing the fullness of the piece to settle in. Wow!

As far as songs are concerned my wish came true with a live performance of “Salve Regina.” The soloist was Tadhg Fitzgerald of course and I am very glad I finally heard it performed. It was not my favorite song of the night but due to my love of the piece I thought it was worth its mention.

That brings me to several standouts regarding solos and subsequently my favorite song of the night. Luca Brugnoli is crazy good on the top descants – I think that this is the replacement of the likes of Tom Delgado-Little, Leo Barron, etc that we have all been waiting for. But I do not want to take anything away from Samuel-Francis Collins as he was quite good on his high note parts as well and has improved markedly.

With that being said, “Poor Little Jesus” was my favorite of the night. Now, that shouldn’t be a huge surprise, given that every other song should be very familiar (from recordings) to serious long-time fans, so any new song is bound to get extra attention.

Luca’s solo was excellent, but the piece itself had a sort of dignified and slightly restrained air about it that made it all the more appealing somehow. It was like you were getting a small taste of something much grander; something which, if you experienced it, would be too much to handle, a light too bright…..or something like that. This song literally gave me goosebumps.

Now, on to one of my other favorite songs: “In Paradisum.” As I have only heard it sung by Rocco Tesei (recording + 2018 concerts), Oliver Watt-Rodriguez' solo differed from Rocco’s and that takes some getting used to. It is hard to get used to a different boy singing a piece that requires such an exceptionally difficult solo; a solo that is rather central to the song in fact. But Oliver did a lovely job on it and as this song requires a lot of range and perfection I applaud him for that.

Other notable mentions include Oliver Mycka’s singing on “Always with You,” the overall performance of “How Great Thou Art” which really resonated with me, Daniel’s flawless execution of every single one of his solos particularly “Angel” which is actually not a song I gravitate to but which was renewed for me at this concert, and Cassius’ solo on “Amazing Grace” which was done beautifully.

The choir was solid, the sound quality was great, and the venue was stunning. I couldn’t ask for anything better!

Funny anecdote: In the signing line after the concert several of the boys tried to get fans to start a fake rumor that they would be performing in Mexico next year. Such mischief!

Review addendum.
I forgot to add a very important but impressive fact about the newer iteration of "Sanctus" as sung in recent concerts and on Beyond (at 1:38 on that album). I have heard them perform this newer version live before and had commented that the new part they added with the words "Pleni sunt cæli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis." was an excellent addition and even renewed a song that for me had become a bit over-listened to in my nearly 16 years as a Libera fan. But the reason I am adding this addendum is not to comment on the song itself (I love it!) but to point out something I had not been seated close enough to the stage to see before last night.

During the words "Pleni sunt cæli et terra" the group on the right side of the stage sang the words alone, then the left side picked up the words "gloria tua" alone. It was really cool to see and hear that and created a neat aural effect.—surpinto

On July 28th, a fan called gingerthedog wrote an especially detailed review, not only of the St. Paul concert, but of the group dynamics and certain technical aspects. Here are highlights of Part One:

The acoustics were not quite as resonant as other cathedrals I have been in, but there was a two- or three-second echo, and the sound was able to fill the large space well.

I did notice, however, that the choir relied on microphones in order to bring out a balanced sound between each of the separate choir parts. People familiar with choral singing will know that higher sounds carry further, and so the lower vocal parts are not heard as easily.

During the concert, the lower vocal parts were amplified distinctly through the microphones and projected through the left speaker. This makes sense, as the boys who are threes are generally standing on the left side of the stage.

During their interview last summer Alex Gula revealed that he was a three, and Daniel White had started as a two and was now singing with the high firsts. That is how the boys and Robert referred to their parts, at least. Ones sing melody, twos sing a little below the melody, threes sing even lower. High firsts sing the highest notes, of course.

However, since I was sitting towards the left of the stage, the blending between all of the voice parts was often not great at my position in the audience. This did not detract very much from my experience of the concert, as I was able to hear separate boys’ voices well.

The lower parts not only extend depth, beauty, and body to the full choir sound, they also ground the pitch. Many of the higher parts are difficult to sing in tune, and so the lower parts are often the anchor points for making sure the sound is centered and accurate.

There were main highlights for me. Firstly, the boys singing the high first trebles had a great night. Four boys were consistently singing the high notes: Samuel-Francis Collins, Daniel White, Neo Parson, and Luca Brugnoli. The four usually stood together in the rightmost point of the stage. This is two more boys than usual, but I suspect Robert Prizeman wants to train more young boys to be able to sing these high parts for the future. They did not overpower the sound too much.

Clockwise from top L: Tadgh Fitzgerald and Ben Bywater; Oliver Watt-Rodriguez and Samuel-Francis Collins; Peter Kielty and Frederick Mushrafi; Leo Barron and Alex Gula.

I could see Samuel-Francis leading the other boys. I noticed one particular moment where Sam had come in with his note on time, and the other three were just a little bit late. I was very impressed that the other three managed to match pitch and blend the very second they started to sing along with Sam. All four boys had perfect blend, and were very in tune throughout the concert. I look forward to seeing more high note singing from Neo and Daniel, as they have not yet had solo vocalises. Sam and Luca had incredible performances, and will be mentioned below.

A second highlight for me was the blend of the entire choir. While Libera has always had a good blend, tonight I noticed it and paid attention to it more. I was particularly impressed with the blend in Voca Me and Poor Little Jesus, and these were some of my favorite songs this concert. Tonight, though the soloists were spectacular, it was the choir as a whole that wowed me the most. Perhaps it was the cathedral itself that contributed to their blend. But considering the acoustic blending manufactured by the sound professionals, It seems it is the boys themselves who were able to produce such a whole sound. It is telling that my biggest gripe was the positioning near the left speakers which ruined the blend of the choir, yet my highlight was the blend of the choir. It goes to show llibera’s extraordinary talent.

The boys were also looking and indicating mistakes to each other less so than they used to. This was slightly less distracting for me, and I think it just comes and goes with the culture of the choir as established by the current boys. This crop seems to stay focused on their own singing instead of communicating with other boys.

I enjoyed meeting fans from around the world. Around me, there were people from New York, Japan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Poland. In just one little corner. After the concert I was glad to meet many forum members. I would like to especially thank surpinto and andmar for being very welcoming and inviting. Meeting you all made my trip so much more worthwhile!

On to the concert proper.

I love Veni Creator Spiritus, and Dominik Clarke began very unassuming, in a humble tone. His voice seemed kind and gentle, and he was soon joined by eight other boys in a similar fashion. Like plainsong, I found the lullaby comforting and relaxing.

(L) Neo Parson and Rocco Tesei; (Top R) Dominik Clarke, Taichi Shinokubo, Koji Shinokubo, Daniel White, Laurence Davey; (Bottom R) Victor Wiggin, Luca Brugnoli, Jack Spicha, Ben Bywater, Cassius Collard.

Compared to the choir two years ago at my last concert, the sound was more pure and young sounding. I think this is due to the average age of the choir being slightly lower than it used to be. There are a lot of 10- to 11-year-olds in the current group, with many promising soloists. None of the current soloists were soloing two years ago. This is good for the future of the choir, I look forward to seeing them develop.

Next came a direct transition to Orinoco Flow. It was upbeat as usual, and the call and response in the song was a little less distinct than usual. This is probably due to the young average age of the choir meaning the boys’ voices are less developed and differentiated. The sound was still of excellent quality, however.

Following a quick transition to Sanctus, the boys really came into their sound and expanded and lifted their singing. In this song, I noticed the great blend between the high notes (Samuel-Francis Collins was excellent and really matched his voice to the group) as well as between the other parts. Sam also has a unique quirk where he tilts his head when he sings the highest notes, just like big brother Gabriel Collins.

Due to sound mixing, the threes stood out to me in this song, and I realized how essential they were to the success of the song. I also noticed that Koji Shinokubo really seemed earnest and joyful in his singing during this song. I saw genuine appreciation from him. .

Then came Angele Dei. Dominik Clarke stepped forward and began, very hesitantly. His voice was beautiful, and very strong, especially in the tuning of the highest notes. However, he seemed uncertain about his singing. His breath was somewhat shallow. I assure you all that his voice and ability are excellent. The overall sound of the choir was full and quiet. The dynamics and the lilt of the sound was well done, with every other syllable accented and expanding, then contracting. Blending again was well done.

Clockwise from top L: Laurence Taylor, Johnny Gardener; Alexandre Menuet and Matthias Montoro; Oliver Mycka; Neo Parson and Rocco Tesei.

Daniel White walked forward for The Prayer. I was impressed with the richness and resonance of his voice in the lowest note when he sings “And watch us where we go.” Even a year ago he had similar depth, and it has only gotten better. Really impressive for only 10 years old. In his lower register his tone quality reminds me of a treble boy at his prime, on par with Isaac at age 12 and 13. I feel that his high register, while also beautiful, is still developing. His pitch is good in higher registers, but his sound is slightly pulled back in his nasal passage. I am sure his voice will become more expansive and carry more weight as he gets older. I am looking forward to where he will be as he grows.

Daniel White

Tadgh Fitzgerald took on Salve Regina next. Hearing his voice for the very first time, I was impressed with his gentle vibrato and his warmth of tone. Like Dominik Clarke, Tadgh was somewhat hesitant and uncertain in his singing. In his final notes, it seemed his breath support was not strong enough to allow him to finish strongly, and he looked a little dissappointed at the end of his solo.

I, however, thought his solo was full of expression and done wonderfully. I made sure to tell him I enjoyed it during signing. I met another fan who thought Tadgh’s voice was the best of the concert. Congrats to him. The choir as a whole really brought emotion and expressiveness to this song, and I enjoyed it for that reason.

Next, smiley, engaging, enthusiastic Victor Wiggin was up with From A Distance. While the rest of the soloists had been slightly hesitant and having trouble with breath control, Victor was immune to nerves. Ever since he was a miniboy, he has always had his charm and smile, and hasn’t lost it since. The confidence really showed in his singing. He brought his upbeat personality into his voice and he matched the hopeful song perfectly.

I loved his performance, but his pitch, rhythm, and singing was for me, some of the best of the concert. The choir was great at the beginning of the song, which is my favorite part. The dissonance between the notes makes a shimmery chord, and they pull it off so well.

Clockwise from top L: Calam Tamana and Nathaniel Bates-Fisher, Dominick Clarke, Taichi Shinokubo and Koji Shinokubo, Victor Wiggin and Luca Brugnoli, Daniel White and Laurence Davey.

I also really enjoy when the choir sings in unison “you look like my friend even though we are at war.” Then a group of younger boys comes in with the next verse, adding to the innocence of the words.

Mr. Victor set a tone of confidence for the rest of the night. I noticed that from then on, the choir had settled into the venue and the first concert of the tour. Soloists were more comfortable from here on out.

Oliver Mycka and Samuel-Francis Collins began on Stay With Me. They are both perfect for the song. Oliver had great tone which reminds me of honey. It is young sounding, light and heavy at the same time. It is very smooth. Sam’s vocalises were in tune and perfect.

Next was Angel. Daniel White was even better on this than The Prayer; he sounded more confident (in part thanks to Victor Wiggin's performance) and really embraced the range of the song. As mentioned earlier, his tone is impressive both low, mid, and high range. He is one of the four high firsts, and I hope to hear more of his high range soon. I can see him having a song like Ralph Skan’s The Fountain which requires a huge range.

Voca Me was one of the best songs of the concert. In the signing line, three or four boys told me this was their highlight of the concert as well. For such a difficult song, the pitch, blend, volume, was all perfect. It was only during the intermission that I learned Luca Brugnoli was the one who did the high vocalise. I was seriously impressed. He is better than Tom Delgado-Little at the same age; his vocalises have great tone and volume; his pitch was not perfect, but so good for such a high part.

Luca Brugnoli

In the future I see Luca tackling enormously difficult pieces, if he can do one of the hardest Libera soloes ever at just age nine. He is a prodigy. The last "Voca Me" was subdued and strong, and it was a wonderful end to this song. The audience clapped extra long after this one. The lighting emphasized the climax, and was particularly well matched for this mood-piece.

Joyful Joyful was another song that highlighted the high notes, and the choir sang with definite joy. Koji Shinokubo, once again, had an earnest smile on his face, as did Daniel White. It is usually not my favorite song, but I found the live version very compelling.

Part 2 to come.

For a fascinating discussion of various parts of this review, go to: http://www.forum.libera-dreams.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&p=54584&sid=8885fd07ae7bfb516701046d09055801#p54584 (2019 US Summer Tour, Page 9)

SPECIAL MENTION

Song Jia Goh, a resident of Singapore, has compiled an absolutely no-frills Libera database, which she describes below.

Libera Boys Choir Database

About

I have found it endlessly tiring to trawl through discussion forums or blogs to find the information I want about a particular boy in Libera, a concert Libera has performed in or Libera’s discography, especially during the time period when Libera was still called “St Philips Boys Choir” or “Angel Voices”. There have been helpful databases but most of them are now defunct. Hence, this website serves to provide information about each boy past and present all in one portal, with links for easy reference. I hope to continually maintain this for as long as I can! This database does not contain extensive information about concerts, Libera appearances or other general information. For such information, please refer to the ‘Links’ tab. *If I have used any of your photos or information without crediting you properly, do leave a comment and let me know!—Song Jia

On July 30th, gingerthedog continued her fine review of St. Paul concert dynamics.

Part 2! During the intermission, I and other fans took some time to marvel at Luca Brugnoli’s new solo on Voca Me as well as appreciate the quality of the choir. I don’t believe I have ever heard it performed so well, even compared to the DC recording.

Then, the orchestra started to tune and Dominik Clarke walked on the stage by himself to start How Great Thou Art. This time, he had completely regained his confidence and was singing like he owned the stage. While Dominik struggled a little to fully project his voice with the low notes, I noticed that his voice really blossomed on the highest notes, as in the first half of the concert. His pitch was pinpoint accurate in his high range. Although he is ‘old’ by Libera standards at 12 years old, I think he is still pretty far away from his voice break. As he grows bigger, his lower range will become more steady and rich, and he will find greater breath support with a bigger set of lungs.

In this performance he looked quite little standing by himself on the stage and brought out the innocence of the music. For such a large, majestic piece of music, his solo brought out the calmness and gentleness of the song, like he was in the eye of a storm. When the whole choir joined in, the largeness and force of the full song hit, nicely contrasting the solo beforehand. The choir showcased its ability to project sound while maintaining blend and technical quality.

Victor Wiggin then walked very confidently into his spot for Wonderful World. He was already smiling, clearly enjoying himself before the song even started. Again, Victor’s brilliant and joyful voice matched the song. This one was another highlight for both the boys and the audience. The choir was adept at singing in unison, but also singing the very complex harmony part in the middle of the song. Here the threes and the lower voices played another very important role, having featured sections as well as adding luminous depth to the harmonies.

I noticed that the sound people would project the microphones of the lower parts a little at certain sections of the song. This was slightly distracting for me. As mentioned before, the projection would usually happen in the left speaker, which was close to my spot. I took it as a chance to appreciate the often underappreciated tenor boys’ voices.

Victor’s last line was done acapella, and his pitch was so precise that I was awestruck. He finished very strongly. The American audience appreciated the familiar song. He was a standout for me this concert.

Oliver Watt-Rodriguez then started on In Paradisum. His voice was so clear; it reminded me of traditional cathedral chorister singing. Very pure head voice, light, little vibrato with no hint of breathiness. Though Rocco has a powerful and woodwind-like tone to his voice which also suits the song, I think I prefer Oliver’s version. He is able to communicate a lullaby-like meaning to the song, and it sounded effortless.

Samuel-Francis Collins stepped forward to accompany Oliver for the second verse, and he did a great job as well. Oliver’s last note literally rang out in the cathedral and echoed for longer than usual due to its purity of tone and pitch. This was another one of my highlights for the concert.

How Great Thou Art was taken up by Matthias Montoro, whose shining and gentle voice reminds me of [former Libera soloist] Camden Stewart’s. It is deep and sounds almost like wind rustling leaves, a pleasant airiness. The choir great on the last verse of this song, which was done with minimal accompaniment.

Oliver Mycka and Luca Brugnoli started on Always With You. Oliver did well finding the pitch and counting the rhythms for this difficult solo. Luca, as another poster said, delivered album-worthy high notes. I find that Luca sings somewhat shyly , even though his sound is not so. He is very young and will gain ease with time.

Amazing Grace, one of my favorite Libera songs, again showcased the young, heavily blended sound of the choir. This batch of singers is particularly adept at unison singing. When Cassius Collard started his solo, my eyes were on Robert Prizeman the whole time. Robert's conducting was extra energetic, detailed and expressive. He counted every beat, showed every lift, expansion and decrescendo with his baton, and even shook it a little at the end of long notes to encourage a tremolo.

It was clear he was encouraging young Cassius along, like a father watching his son play a sport for the first time. It was very cute and heartwarming, I could tell Robert really wanted the boy to succeed. Cassius sang as if none of Robert’s encouragement was needed.

Libera was more playful and buoyant, due to the different sound of the boys soloing and making up the choir. It surprisingly fit the song well. The four high noters stood out, and Samuel-Francis Collins did a great job leading Neo Parson, Luca Brugnoli, and Daniel White in producing the brilliant notes which finish the song so spectacularly. Neo has a beautiful voice, warm and friendly just like his personality. It matched Tadgh Fitzgerald's warm voice and they blended seamlessly. While Oliver Mycka’s voice was like honey, Tadgh and Neo have voices like mead. Warm, velvety, and sweet. (pardon the use of alcohol in reference to childrens’ voices) I hope Neo gets more opportunities to come.

Poor Little Jesus was my favorite song of the night. The choir’s blended and innocent sound is so well suited for this tightly harmonizing piece. It reminds me of ‘Mother of God’ in its reverent, soft harmonies smoothly interwoven. But now, imagine the personal and sweet touch of Isaac’s “Hymn to Mary” mixed in. It’s intoxicating. It feels like you are living in the sound for just a few moments. Luca Brugnoli’s voice is capable of ageless vocalises but also can sound young and gentle. Here his solo leans into the latter. The choir at its current iteration showcases its unique ability to encapsulate the splendor and grandeur contained within the simple sound of a young child's’ voice.

Exultate had a new flute solo which I really enjoyed. The song was otherwise upbeat as usual.

America The Beautiful is not usually my favorite song, but the audience around me ate it up. It was a strong finish to the concert.—gingerthedog

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CONCERT #2 AT CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF ST. LOUIS, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI — July 29th

0n July 31st, fan eagorbea2018 reviewed the St. Louis concert.

Veni Creator Spiritus
Only nine boys came out in semi –darkness and started singing a Capella. They did not stop for the next song.

Orinoco Flow
The big boys Leo Barron, Alex Gula, Taichi Shinokubo, and Peter Kielty were missing for this song and for many others.

Sanctus

1st speech of the night was by Daniel White and Koji Shinokubo. Daniel talked about Orinoco Flow, how the song says they sail away but he said they flew because it is too far to sail. Daniel said Luca Brugnoli and Laurence Davey are the youngest at nine years old and the oldest boys are 14 years old. Koji talked about Kings Cross Station and Hogwarts.

Angele Dei
Dominik Clarke did the first solo of the night. He has a nice, clear voice with sharp enunciation.

The Prayer
Daniel White did the solo, a spectacular performance. I read many fans say Daniel was better than last year. I agree. He is very passionate when singing this song. He has complete control of his smooth, warm, very mature voice. He has made this song his own. Of course, the dazzling harmonies of the choir make this song one of my favorites.

Salve Regina
Tadgh Fitzgerald did the solo. He was a little nervous but still did a great job.

The 2nd speech started with Alexandre Menuet talking about the hoods being shady in summer and warm in winter, while Victor Wiggin demonstrated wearing it. Victor Wiggin mentioned they visited Japan, Russia, and the Philippines and he introduced himself as the next soloist.

From a Distance
Victor Wiggin did a magnificent solo. Wow! What a night for Victor! He is very confident on his singing ability. He was calm and focused. His sweet, slightly raspy voice was so smooth and warm in this song. He sounded very different from himself, better if that is possible. For me, this was the best performance on the first half. Victor was fantastic on this song. And the choir made this song fabulous with their shimmering harmonies. Victor is a worthy successor to Alexander Montoro (whom I never saw in concert) and Merlin Brouwer.

Stay with Me
Oliver Mycka did the solo with Samuel Collins on the descant. Oliver has a beautiful, delicate voice well suited for this song. Samuel was clear and sharp on his descant.

Angel
Daniel White did the solo. Maybe it is just me, but I think Daniel’s voice is not suited for this song. He can sing all the notes but somehow it does not fit. Oliver Watt-Rodriguez, Ben Bywater, or Victor Wiggin would be a better choice. Angel is my favorite song of all of Libera’s songs. Isaac London’s videos and recordings cannot be compared to the only two I have heard singing it (Camden Stewart and now Daniel). Isaac’s voice is not smooth and gentle like Daniel’s but it has a texture and personality that is hard to match.

Voca Me
Descant by Luca Brugnoli. He sounded echoey. (It was probably a fault with his microphone.) I could not see him up there behind the choir but I figured out he was the only one I could not see and a fan confirmed it was Luca. The choir sounded great as ever. I did not see who did the final "Voca Me."

3rd speech by Victor Wiggin and Koji Shinokubo. Koji talked about being from Japan and said his brother Taichi was in the back. Taichi was jumping. Victor explained how Angel was filmed in Japan and that they get to the front of the queue on the rides.

Joyful Joyful
No soloist. It was the usual happy song full of wonderful harmonies and a great finale for the first half of the concert.

Intermission

How shall I sing that Majesty
Dominik Clarke did a majestic solo performance! WOW!!! He has an awesome, controlled voice, with a slight vibrato. The choral harmonies were breathtaking. For me this is the best song of the second half and the first concert where I hear Dominik’s solos. What a voice! He is intense! Of all the recordings I have heard of this song, in my opinion, he is the best (this is my first time to hear it live). I think Dominik is better than prior singers Stefan Leadbeater, Alessandro McKinnon-Botti and Lucas Wood and that is saying something.

4th speech by Tadgh Fitzgerald and Cassius Collard. Cassius said Moose is the most travelled moose in the world because he goes to all their concerts around the world. He mentioned Moose has a Twitter account where he posted photos of himself at Niagara Falls and should be in the Guinness world records. Tadgh mentioned Moose was kidnapped by a fan on a concert last year.

Wonderful World
Victor Wiggin did the solo with his slightly scratchy voice full of feeling. He puts his whole being into his singing. That is what makes him so effective and his songs so emotional. I was too far to see his smile, but I suspect he was serious this time. Victor, together with Daniel White, is becoming one of the top soloists of this batch of Libera boys .

In Paradisum
Oliver Watt-Rodriguez did the solo, replacing the marvelous Rocco Tesei. Oliver has a very high voice not as full and mature as Rocco but beautiful and gentle. Oliver did very well on an extremely difficult song.

How Great Thou Art
The surprise soloist was Mathias Montoro. He has a sort of alto voice, like Alex Gula before him. Mathias has a beautiful voice. Good job Mathias!

5fth speech was about countries of origin by Peter Kielty. Oliver Mycka from Poland, Victor Wiggin and Alexandre from France, Oliver Watt-Rodriguez from Spain (Andalucía), Tadgh Fitzgerald from Ireland, Koji Shinokubo from Japan, Mathias Montoro from Italy and Peter himself from USA. People started clapping when Peter said he is half American. They did not let him finish his speech. He kind of forgot the end of it and ended it quickly.

Always With You
Oliver Mycka did the solo. Wow! Oliver’s voice is very soft, sweet, and very pleasant. This is his song. He did it perfectly. The very difficult descant was done by Luca Brugnoli. Luca was very impressive. We can expect great descants from him in the future, since he is only 9 years old. (I believe the only recording of this song was by Tom Cully on the solo and Liam Connery on descant).

Amazing Grace
Cassius Collard did the solo. It is a short solo but he did it well. He has a sweet voice which reminds me of James Mordaunt in Touch the Sky.

Libera
Duet of Neo Parson and Tadgh Fitzgerald. They were brilliant. What an unexpected combination of singers (for me the first time hearing both of them). I could not see which of them did the high parts but I suspect it was Neo. Neo was standing next to Daniel on most of the group formations and Daniel has been mentioned by some fans as one of the high-note specialists. Leo was his boss, remember?

Last speech - Johnny Gardener talked about Libera being their theme song. He mentioned that the next song, Poor Little Jesus is an American spiritual and will be in their new Christmas album. He said the last song is Exsultate. He thanked us for being at the concert and he said a sharp good night. His is such a funny guy.

Poor Little Jesus
It started a Capella and then with soft music. This is a gentle song. I could not make out the words. Luca Brugnoli did a short solo. He has a very mature, clear voice. He reminds me of Daniel’s first solo.

Exsultate
There was no solo at the beginning. Samuel-Francis Collins did the solo at the end of it. He has a great voice. I was a bit disappointed he did not do the Voca Me descant. Maybe he will get more solos. He comes from a line of outstanding soloists (His three older brothers Luke, Jude, and Gabriel were in Libera also).

America the Beautiful
Great finale for a spectacular concert. It is a very emotional song for me. The public thought the concert was over. They sat down when the music started.

The Venue
The Cathedral Basilica of St Louis is an astonishing work of art. Covered with mosaics depicting both historical and biblical scenes ,it is so beautiful there are no words to describe it. The Libera boys were standing on a raised area in front of the altar. It was great because you could see them from any seat. A fan that was sitting quite far away mentioned that he could see the boys, and that the sound was amazing even that far away. I was in the fourth row. This is my fourth Libera concert. For the first time the musicians were at just the perfect volume. The acoustics in the cathedral made the Libera sound even more ethereal.

My thanks to Robert Prizeman and all the Libera chaperones and staff for training and taking care of the Libera boys whose musical talent is a gift to all fans around the world. It was a breathtaking concert. God bless you all!

END OF PART 12 FOR NOW; For Part 12A, Go To:

https://lib-era-historicaltimelinepart12a.blogspot.com/ /

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Part 12: January 1st, 2019 - Present

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For Part One (introduction to Libera and to the Timeline, extensive overview & 1981-2007), please go to: http://liberatimeline.blogspot.com/

For Part Two (2008-2009) http://liberatimeline2.blogspot.com/

For Part Three (2010) http://liberatimeline3.blogspot.com/

For Part Four (2011) http://liberatimeline4.blogspot.com/

For Part Five (2012) http://liberatimeline5.blogspot.com/

For Part Six (January-May 2013) http://libera-timeline-6.blogspot.com/

For Part 6A (May-December 2013) http://libera-historicaltimeline6a.blogspot.com/

For Part Seven (January-July 2014) http://libera-historicaltimelinepart7.blogspot.com

For Part 7A (August-November 2014) http://libera-historical-timelinepart7a.blogspot.com

For Part 7B (December 2014) http://libera-historical-timeline-part7b.blogspot.com

For Part 8 (January-March 2015) https://lib-erahistorical-timeline-part-eight.blogspot.com

For Part 8A (January-March, 2015) http://liberahistorical-timeline-part-8-a.blogspot.com

For Part 8B (August-December,2015) http://liberahistoricaltimelinepart8b.blogspot.com/

For Part 9 (January-July, 2016) http://liberahistoricaltimeline-part-9.blogspot.com/

For Part 9A (July through December, 2015) http://lib-erahistorical-timelinepart9a.blogspot.com/

For Part 10 (January 1st, 2017 August 11th, 2017) https://li-berahistoricalt-imelinepart1a.blogspot.com/

For Part 10A (August 12th to December 31st, 2017) https://lib-era-historic-altimelinepart10a.blogspot.com/

For Part 11 (January 1st to October 20th) https://lib-er-ahistorical-timelinepart11.blogspot.com/

For Part 11A (October 21st to December 31st, 2018) https://li-berahistoricaltime-line11a.blogspot.com/

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

(Introduction)

(How to Identify Individual Libera Singers)

(Reviews of Moscow Concert)

(Philippines Tour Official)

(Japan Tour Blog, Part 2)

(Japan Photo Gallery)

PHILIPPINES TOUR

(Philippines reviews & Photos)

(2019 US Tour Announced)

(Arundel Concert Announced)

(UNSUNG SOLOISTS: A Continuing Series)

1. Anthony Chadney

2. Conor O' Donnell

3. Matthew Jansen

4. Jakob De Menezes Wood

5. Joe Snelling

6. Eoghan McCarthy

7. James Mordaut

8. Freddie Ingles

9. Michael Ustynovych-Repa

10. Matthew Rangel-Alvares

11. James Vereycken

12 Daniel Fontannaz

13. Simon Beston

14. Camden Stewart

15. Chris Baron

16. Alex Baron

(Japan 2019 Tour Announced)

(Schedule for 2019 US Tour)

(New Miniboys)

ARUNDEL CATHEDRAL CONCERT

(US Tour Schedule)

2019 US TOUR

(St. Paul Concert Review)

(St. Louis Concert review)

(New Liberaboyschoir Database)

Upcoming Concerts

YouTube Comments

Concert Calendar for 2019 Summer US Tour

London’s Libera Boys Choir performs in St. Paul on July 26

July 26 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

For Part 10A (August 12^th to December 31^st, 2017) https://lib-era-historic-altimelinepart10a.blogspot.com/