Welcome to all new readers. |
For Part One (introduction to Libera and to the Timeline, extensive overview, & coverage for 1981-2007), please go to: http://liberatimeline.blogspot.com/
For The Tables of Contents for all Parts & Appendix A (there is also a Table of Contents at the beginning of each part): https://liberatimelinetocappenda.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– October 20th: https://lib-er-ahistorical-timelinepart11.blogspot.com/
For Part11A ( October 21st to December 31st, 2018): https://li-berahistoricaltime-line11a.blogspot.com/
For Part 12 (January 1st to August 17th, 2019): https://liberahistoricaltimelinepart12.blogspot.com/
For Part 12A (August 18th to December 31st, 2019): https://lib-era-historicaltimelinepart12a.blogspot.com/
For Part 13 (January 1st to December 31st, 2020): https://liberatimelinepart13.blogspot.com/
For Part 14 (January 1st – July 5th, 2021: https://liberahisttimelinepart14.blogspot.com/2021
For Part 14a (July 5th - December 31st, 2021: https://histtimeline14alibera.blogspot.com
For Part 15 (January 1st - February 20th, 2022): https://15libhisttimeline.blogspot.com
For Part 15A ( February 20th - Present, 2022): https://libhisttimelinepart15a.blogspot.com
For Part 16 (January 1st – December 31st, 2023): https://libhisttimeline16.blogspot.com
For Part 17 (January 1st – December 31st, 2024) https://libhisttimeline17.blogspot.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_QxyqDixoY&t=2s (Song Between You and Me/Hiroko Yakushimaru and Libera/1-24/5:00)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ifqJjUNiKA&t=26s (Precious are the Lips/I Hope Kanebo Live With Rouge/January, 2024/1:00)
Patrick Fandelok provided the lyrics, and one of the boys apparently provided the spoken tagline at the end.
Libera's music has been featured in advertisements for years, but this may have been one of the most unusual instances.
0:30 : that speak unto the world from your heart
0:33 : Brightest of them all,
0:34 : you’ll shimmer and dazzle like a star
0:37 : Precious are the lips
0:39 : that do not hide away who you are
0:43 : Riding over every age
0:45 : Stronger each and everyday
0:47 : Oh, beautiful and free
0:49 : Saying what you mean
0:50 : Tell us what tomorrow brings
0:51 : Precious are the lips
0:53 : that speak unto the world from your heart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CprYUY9RQ_0 (Ave Verum [Adagio in G Minor) by Tomaso Albinoni/ Solo by Freddie Mushrafi/3:55)
On February 12th, an announcement and brief YouTube video from Libera:
UK CATHEDRAL CONCERTS 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyojO8ki5ak&t=2s (Promotional ad for Libera’s Summer 2024 UK concerts, with Cory Agyei, Ben Hill, and Leon Clarke/:27)
We have announced summer concerts in three UK cathedrals. We are delighted to return to Ely on 8th June, and Chester Cathedral on 27th July. We will also visit Lincoln Cathedral for the first time on 30th July.
Supporters will recall that we have performed in Ely three times – in 2017, 2018 and 2022. Our 2020 concert was postponed due to the pandemic, and instead we produced an online Mini-Concert Apart but Together. Longer standing supporters may also remember our previous visit to Chester, in 2010. We are delighted to return to both magnificent venues and we are also very excited to visit Lincoln for the first time.
On February 14th, in a Valentine's Day YouTube video, Leon Clarke, Pietro Vergani, and Thomas Mushrafi announced that Libera will be performing in Japan in October of 2024.
LIBERA ANGEL VOICES TOUR 2024
18:30 Tuesday, October 29 at Tokyo LINE CUBE SHIBUYA
18:30 Wednesday, October 30 at Tokyo LINE CUBE SHIBUYA
19:00 Friday, November 1 at OSAKA GRAND CUBE
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| Luca is in the bottom row, second from right. He was also nominated for Best Cover Song, for his recording of "Somewhere in My Memory." |
fabchart.net/awards-2024.ht
In early March, long-time Libera fan Yorkie discovered a gem: an AI-enhanced HD YouTube video of an early performance by Libera's earliest incarnation, the St. Philip's Boys Choir.
Wogan, introducing the song, noted that it had been chosen as the anthem for that year's Children in Need telethon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZP905aXpEQ&t=7s (Sing For Ever/solos by Jaymi Bandtok and Sam Harper/Wogan/1987/HD version 2024/8:13)
On April 1st, fan Mercurial909 noted that Libera's YouTube video of "Ave Verum Corpus" (see above) had reached over 2.5 million plays.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GhosVI3cZo (Libera at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church/Joyful, Joyful/2019/4:21)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP3tKsn2Oyw (Libera at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church/The Prayer/solo by Daniel White/2019/6:28)
Another set of videos surfaced shortly afterwards, with clips of assorted films in which Libera sang on the soundtrack. This compilation shows the versatility of the group, as it includes more traditional classical-music fare than Libera usually performs. Their singing has also appeared in TV specials, Japanese films, video-game soundtracks, and commercials.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COSi7WfppBQ&t=0s
(Libera in Movie Soundtracks; Part 2/7:33_
1. "The Blessing of the Boats," from The Merchant of Venice, 2005
2. "Vide Cor Meum," and "Dear Clarice," from Hannibal, 2001
3. "Kyrie Eleison," from Cousin Bette, 1998
4. "The Waltz of the Snowflakes," from The Nutcracker, 2009
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRKKUMb3ybI (Libera in Movie Soundtracks; Part 1/4:33
1. "Benedictus Deus," from The Great Miracle; solo by Stefan Leadbeater, 2011
2. "Holidays Before the War," from Le Secret, 2007
3. "Bassanio's Song," from The Merchant of Venice; solo by Ben Crawley, 2005
4. "Let My Home Be My Gallows," from Hannibal, 2001
5. "Do Not Stand," from The Snow Queen; solo by Ben Crawley, 2009
From Wikipedia: Libera Movie soundtracks[edit]
- Twelve Monkeys (1995)[32]
- Romeo and Juliet (1996)[32]
- Cousin Bette (1998)
- Hannibal (2001)
- The Merchant of Venice (2004)
- Nobody to Watch Over Me (2008)
- The Greatest Miracle (2011)
- From the New World (novel) (2012 anime)
• Home Alone II
On May 1st, the UK-based "Fab Chart" announced the winners of its annual music awards.
The winners were chosen through online voting, with Libera fans weighing in substantially.
On May 4th, Libera performed what had become an annual mini-concert for Viking Cruise Lines, a frequent sponsor of the group's tours. Two events took place, first on the ship Viking Sky, docked at Greenwich, England following a world cruise, and the next day on the Viking Neptune.
I have started making updates on the current boys concerning their concerts and solos, but I do not have the same capacity as The Furby on the website, so you'll have to check the last post to see it. Also, this gallery hasn't been updated since April 2023; Sorry but I can't do it.
From the pictures Libera put on social media, I would say there are at least 2 new boys! (These new entries are under the designation "Padma.")
On June 4th, fan Padmachou posted, on the Libera Dreams Forum, an update of the Libera touring group, new singers, and recent alumni, listed on the Forum's index under GALLERY OF CURRENT MEMBERS.
https://www.forum.libera-dreams.com/viewtopic.php?p=62256#p62256
The Gallery included members who had been active, if only briefly as minibus, over the past ten years, as well as alumni currently active in other capacities as staff members.
The information was credited to Libera Passion's Furby, who had been unable to update the "Current Touring Group" feature since early 2023.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6lyDTJmTAE (Reaction to Libera’s “Ave Verum Corpus” by Brandon Faul/8:37)
JUNE 8TH, 2024
- Four "bigs" [older boys whose voices have changed completely] Daniel White, Ludwik Kowalczyk, Frederick Mushrafi, and Jack Spicha; they were on stage for almost all the songs.
- 26 in the main group that performed all the songs. One of them, Jerome Collins, is new. Oskar Hanstveit is missing compared to recent concerts. As he was still performing with the group in May, it could be just a one-off absence.
- Seven mini-boys, who performed in about 2/3 of the songs.—Patrick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4oocgDMBX0 (Twilight/solo/duet by Ben Crawley and Chris Robsen/2002/2:45)
STAFF & MUSICIANS
Not at all surprised to see Joseph Hill dominating the soloing. They’ve been gearing him up for it for nigh on two years, and his brother Ben also. I understand it, but I hope they don’t miss the opportunity to let other boys shine too. Thomas Mushrafi is clearly well thought of in his other choir (Schola Cantorum of the London Oratory School), but had limited opportunities at this concert. Same goes for Hal Avery.
I called it last year that Nathan Slater wouldn’t be a first treble for much longer. I could hear that he was at his peak at Christmas. See that he got a duet in "From a Distance," so is he now at the 3rd treble/alto range?
Also, is this the first UK concert in well over a decade that Steven Geraghty is not involved in?
Nice to see Tadhg Fitzgerald is back as stage management, but no surprise that Ben Bywater is absent as he’ll be doing A-level exams.
Best Wishes to [former "bigs"] Victor Wiggin, Mathias Montoro, Koji Shinokubo, Alexandre Menuet, Laurence Davey and Laurence Taylor.—Mercurial909
So, our first concert of the year is finished and we have now had a chance to hear the new songs, new soloists and a glimpse of who remains in the group and who has joined them. As you will have picked up from the programme pics posted by Patrick, conducting was done by Liam Connery.
We were able to listen to the rehearsal as Ely remains open to the public (for a fee – I believe the same at Chester and Lincoln) and two things to note. The first was that they didn’t sing the complete song in all cases. They usually do this when they have had either performed recently of are well practised. I can only assume that they got some rehearsals in during their half term vacation.
The second thing, as can be seen from my spoiler set-list post after hearing the rehearsal is that they flipped the order of Twilight and Sanctus between rehearsal and concert. …
Finally, I think previously at Ely the musicians were placed at the sides of the stage, which is much preferable than at the front as they were on Saturday. The stage was higher this year and the musicians’ view of Liam would have been obstructed had they been at the front.
1. So, onto “Twilight” and how nice it was to get this in concert for the first time. I have a real love for those early Libera albums, so this was a particular treat for me.
The solo on the album version is very softly sung by Ben Crawley, and Morgan Wiltshire was perfectly chosen to convey that same soft, dreamy tone. I didn’t pick up much change between the two versions, but I did like the addition of light bell-like tones from the percussionist during the song.
Pietro Vergani performed the Chris Robson role (speaking of Chris Robson I see one of the mini boys, Archer, is a Robson – is there a connection?) in the duet part of the song, and they both sounded great, delivering perfect vocals. I would put big money that this will be on the new album; could it even be the title track?
2. “Sanctus” was next and, there was nothing to dislike about it. A classic Libera song, but such a regular that it doesn’t really need any discussion.
The first speech set the tone for the evening, in that all speeches were perfectly delivered, new and entertaining. Congratulations to all the guys who spoke. The first was by Theo Wilson and Pietro Vergani, who told us a little bit about the group (“Sanctus” was on the first album 25 years ago so this was a kind of 25th-year anniversary for them).
3. “Sea Bird” was next. Very little goes unnoticed in Libera-world so we knew the name of the song and who had written it some time ago, but not what it sounded like. The impeccable Joseph Hill stepped to the front to perform the song accompanied by Josh Madine on the piano, with the rest of the group providing embellishments and chorus.
I don’t think it reminded me of any song they’ve covered before. The song ends on the phrase ‘I can dream,’ and I found my thoughts returning to Joe singing that line for the rest of the evening. He sang it perfectly. One might say as if it was written for him…
This was a good addition by the Hill family to the Libera catalogue, and I hope there may be more to come. The song prompted lots of positive feedback after the concert.
Perhaps my favourite ever Libera song was next— “Voca Me.” Joseph Hill did the high descants; unlike concerts of the past where the singer of that part is hidden at the back, Joe stood at the front right of the stage. It was nice not to have to guess who was singing it but I also like the challenge of trying to hunt down who has got the part by searching through the group until I can find who is missing.
5. “The Prayer” was another solo for Joseph Hill (he certainly had a busy but excellent night). There were no changes to it and they started in their usual kneeling pattern, with hands clasped in front.
6. “O Beata” is a very fine song (in my opinion) and this performance was brilliantly sung, first by Cameron Birmingham and then Mitchel Guy with a lovely contrast in the depth of their singing voices. Cameron started the song with a clear treble tone and then Mitchel with his now lovely tenor voice.
The next speech was by Samuel Whaley and Hal Avery, who told us about the changing roles in the choir, introducing the “bigs” and the miniboys and saying that one day these miniboys might be the bigs, although they didn’t want to wish their lives away!
7. Next up we had “Love Shine A Light.” The opening part was sung by Hal Avery, Morgan Wiltshire, and Oscar James; they blended beautifully to recreate that Mitchel Guy sound from the
Forever album.
8. ”Salva Me” – the first track of the first Libera album – has remained in regular rotation through the last 25 years. It’s one of those special Libera songs created by Robert Prizeman that I never tire of. The hand actions are a little more restrained these days, but are is still there, a nod to their past. It shows just how different Libera are to other vocal groups; nobody else has songs like this. Ben Hill did the high ‘salva’ call parts immaculately. We can expect big things from the younger Mr Hill.
9. “The Lark’s last Song:” Words by Josh Madine, tune by Franz Liszt, and vocal performance by Joseph Hill. Josh is certainly showing a talent for creating new material for the group. The tune is so familiar to anybody with a passing interest in classical music.
Joe sang the first verse alone, followed by verses featuring the full choir, and some where the bigs can be heard clearly, ending the final verse with Joe alone. Interesting song, and as with Josh’s other works, stylistically different for the group.
The next speech was by Lewis Quinn and Edward Sargeant, and what a speech it was, genuinely funny and brilliantly delivered like a new comedy double act.
They encouraged us to buy merchandise, which included a moose by which they introduced Libera’s mascot Moose and questioned how an animal bigger than a car became the mascot of a London-based choir. I shall miss Daniel White’s seven-part Libera harmony demo but this is a worthy replacement delivered masterfully. You need to hear it. It’s genuinely funny.
INTERVAL
In the second half, I was hoping for one of those extra unlisted pieces that Robert used to add to the start of the second half, or perhaps a return of “Mysterium” as an intro, but it wasn’t to be.
11. “Beati Quorum” has become a full choir piece with no solo part.
Then we had a speech by Leon Clarke, Oscar James and Cory Agyei to tell us about the “Libera family,” and how previous singers stay on to write songs and conduct. We then had the part about current brothers in the group with the addition of Cory Agyei’s brother, Caius Agyei (I liked the high five that they gave each other) who Cory told us was eight years old. Finally, they introduced the next two songs, which were ”Angel” and “Angele Dei” which were “about angels – just like us!”
12.-13. Pietro Vergani started us off very well on “Angel,” sharing the solo part with Morgan Wiltshire—they each sang solo parts and also as a duet. “Angele Dei” featured Morgan again; he clearly has earned a lot of trust from the Libera team to be a major soloist, and he didn’t let them down.
14. “From a Distance” was up next and am I right in thinking we first heard it in Ely back in 2017? I think back then it was sung by Merlin Brouwer but I have to say Frederick Howarth and Nathan Slater set about the song very nicely and this performance was right up there with the best of any previous renditions. Frederick has a lovely voice and showed no nerves with his performance.
Whilst Nathan is now part of the back row, his new voice is also sounding fantastic. Nathan spent most of his Libera career doing the tricky high embellishments that Libera is renowned for but that sometimes go unnoticed. I wish we had heard more solos from Nathan.
15. “Sacris Solemnis” is another travel back in time to the early days of the group and this was another outing for Frederick Howarth, who again gave a top-drawer vocal. Hard to think of more superlatives, but for anybody that worries when a major soloist moves to the back row, be assured that the door opens for other singers to wow us, and that happened on Saturday—so many excellent performances. Of course we miss the old guard but with Libera there is always a new beginning to enjoy.
Another speech this time by Pietro Vergani and Edward Sargeant who informed us that “Sacris Solemnis” was based on music from Beethoven that he wrote when he was deaf, and that the next song was based on a piece of music that he wrote when he could still hear and is sounds good to them! They also told us to expect a new album this autumn.
16. “One Small Voice” was started by Julian Heitman, and the words were written by Sam Coates. It actually had a number of contributions form different boys, and I especially liked the part where the “bigs” sang a line that was answered by the younger boys.
Unfortunately, for me sitting at the front, there was a bit of an imbalance on this song between the boys and the musicians, and I am looking forward to hearing it again in July where I hope the focus is more on the voices.
I think this will be fantastic on the album and Julian singing ‘One small voice is all I have to sing’ at the start was very touching. I would expect from his performance here that he is another with the ability to feature on many more solos in future.
17. “Ave Maria” (Robert Prizeman version) was nicely performed by Lewis Quinn. Again, this is an example of the depth of talent available to Sam Coates and the team. It isn’t the easiest of songs for a soloist but Lewis had no problem with it and sang great here.
18. “God Only Knows” featured the trio of Thomas Mushrafi, Joseph Hill and Nathan Slater, and it was of course sung with great ease and skill.
19. Oscar James told us that the last song of the night was in Indonesian, and that they had to move their mouths quickly to sing it.). “Sing” is a good song to end on. Personally, I would flip this with “Smile” and and go out on a high.
Not that “Smile” isn’t a good song, but to me it has a sadness that matches my sadness at reaching the end of the concert and then the upbeat “Sing” would send me out on a high. Mitchel Guy has passed "Smile" onto Ben Hill, and the younger Hill did not disappoint. His vocal was glorious; confident and poised; he never missed a beat and he has a lovely tone. Mitchel’s rich and deeper tone complimented Ben’s treble perfectly and together they sent us out into the night very happy indeed and yes, smiling too.
In the last week of June, LiberaOfficial posted the boys' upcoming concert calendar, including a December 1st Christmas concert at the newly renamed Sinfonia Smith Square (Formerly St. John's Smith Square).
Concert Calendar
Upcoming Concerts
- 27July2024
- 30July2024
- 29October2024
- 30October2024
- 01November2024
- 01December2024
I know we're all hoping that Libera can find a worthy successor in the very near future.
Godspeed, Nick, and THANK YOU!—Luckdragon
Concert Review by Surpinto
https://www.forum.libera-dreams.com/viewtopic.php?t=4097&start=210
The main subject heading is Concerts and Public Appearances (link here). Reviews start on about page 13 of the sub-headingUK Cathedral Concerts in 2024 (link here).
On August 5th, Libera Nippon rendered singers' names into Japanese in preparation for the fall tour:
On or around August 26, Libera announced the title and contents of the group's upcoming CD, which is called Dream. It contained a considerable number of songs either newly composed/arranged or brought back from an earlier musical era. Most remarkable was the input from past Libera singers now composing music for the group, notably Ben Crawley (1999-2008), Raoul Neumann (late 1990s-2005), Josh Madine (2005-2013),and Liam Connery (2005-2011), with Sam Coates (1995-2005) as arranger.
- The Lark’s Last Song
Composer: Liszt
Lyrics & Arrangement: Joshua Madine*
- One Small Voice
Composer: Beethoven
Lyrics & Arrangement: Sam Coates*
- Going Home
Composer: Dvořák
Lyrics: David Downes
- Dido’s Lament
Composer: Henry Purcell
Lyrics: Nahum Tate
- Sea Bird
Composer & Lyrics: Katie Hill & Chris Hill
- Lullay
Composer & Lyrics: Ben Crawley*
- Dream You Of
Composer & Lyrics: Joshua Madine*
- Always There
Composer: Takatsugu Muramatsu
Lyrics: Robert Prizeman
- Veni Sancte
Composer & Lyrics: Raoul Neumann*
- Twilight
Composer: Robert Prizeman
Lyrics: Cecil Frances Alexander
(remake)
- Resurrectio
Composer & Lyrics: Liam Connery*
- Happy Christmas (War Is Over)
Composer & Lyrics: John Lennon & Yoko Ono
- Once (Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence)
Composer: Ryuichi Sakamoto
Lyrics: Sam Coates*
- Music was Born (from 'Rhapsody in Blue')
Composer: Gershwin,
Lyrics: Leslie Bricusse,
Arrangement: Sam Coates*
"We are absolutely thrilled to announce our new album, Dream. Marking 25 years since the release of our first album Libera in 1999, Dream is an homage to the bravery and creativity of those who helped shape our unique sound over the years. We will reveal much more about this new album over the coming weeks..."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi1UhJxZXGk&t=103s (Libera signing in Los Angeles, Summer 2024/1.43)
At the end of September, this description appeared on the Amazon UK page, along with a number of photos.
"This new album, ‘Dream’ marks 25 years since the release of ‘Libera’ in 1999 and the intervening years would see such opportunities as touring internationally, performing for popes and presidents, releasing a further twelve studio albums, and seeing generations of singers pass through our small corner of South London.
"The new album has the usual “Libera signature” arrangements of classics from Beethoven, Dvorak, Gershwin and Liszt, alongside original compositions from alumni Josh Madine, Ben Crawley, Liam Connery and Raoul Neumann. There is a stunning version of John Lennon’s ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’.
"Classical fans will appreciate Libera’s versions of ‘Going Home’ from the hymn-like melody at the heart of Dvorak’s ‘New World Symphony’ and the choral “One Small Voice” using the haunting melody popularly known as “Beethoven’s Pathetique”.
"The group are celebrating this 25th Anniversary year with a UK Cathedral tour, Japan tour, new album and concluding with a Christmas concert in Westminster. Being the most famous anti-war song ever, the release timing of Libera’s version of “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” could not be more appropriate. This is a “Dream” for what is yet to come.
REVIEW/QUOTES ‘When I heard them sing - it actually took me to tears” - Brian Wilson (Beach Boys) “I like them so much, they sang at my wedding!” – Aled Jones
On October 19th, Libera posted the official video for "One Small Voice"...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOwZNIN-5T0&t=7s (One Small Voice/from Beethoven's 'Pathétique' Sonata No. 8 Mov. II Adagio Cantabile/ solos by Oskar Hanstveit, Julian Heitmann, Frederick Howarth, and Joseph Hill/Dream CD 2024/3:27)
- 01 - Sea Bird
Luca Brugnoli
- 02 - One Small Voice
Julian Heitmann
Joseph Hill
Oskar Hanstveit
Frederick Howarth
- 03 - Dream You Of
Morgan Wiltshire
Benjamin Hill
- 04 - The Lark's Last Song
Joseph Hil
- 05 - Always There
Morgan Wiltshire
- 06 - Twilight
Morgan Wiltshire
Pietro Vergani
- 07 - Once
Thomas Mushrafi
- 08 - When I Am Laid In Earth
Joseph Hill
- 09 - Veni Sancte Spiritu
no chorister listed
- 10 - Resurrectio
Luca Brugnoli
Frederick Howarth
- 11 - Going Home
Lewis Quinn
Edward Sargeant
Theodore Wilson
Benjamin Hill
- 12 - Lullay
Benjamin Hill
Morgan Wiltshire
Pietro Vergani
Joseph Hill
- 13 - Music Was Born
Joseph Hill
- 14 - Happy Christmas (War Is Over)
Luca Brugnoli
Caleb Slater
Frederick Howarth
Henry (Hal) Avery
Benjamin Hill
https://libera-records.com/news/2024/10/18/5389
Cory AGYEI
Hal AVERY
Laurence AZIKIWE (Below: first time in Japan)
Tadhg BARBER (First time in Japan)
Max BOLTON (First time in Japan)
Leon CLARKE
Jerome COLLINS (First time in Japan)
Mitchel GUY
Julian HEITMANN
Benjamin HILL
Joseph HILL
Frederick HOWARTH
Ethan HUTCHINSON
Oscar JAMES
Gabriele MARINI
Thomas MUSHRAFI
Lewis PEARSON
Lewis QUINN
Archer ROBSON (First time in Japan)
Edward SARGEANT
Caleb SLATER (First time in Japan)
Nathan SLATER
Federico VERGANI
Pietro VERGANI
Samuel WHALEY
Theodore WILSON
Morgan WILTSHIRE
----------
Sam COATES (Music Director & Sound)
Joshua MADINE (Piano)
Liam CONNERY (Conductor & Assistant Music Director)
Kavana CROSSLEY (Sound)
Matthew JANSEN (Lighting)
Victor WIGGIN (Stage Director)
Tadhg FITZGERALD (Stage Director)
- 29October2024
- 30October2024
- 01November2024
https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1f31WYQEUk/ (Segment of TV show Saturday Morning Prayer in Japan, featuring greetings from the boys [Joseph Hill, Benjamin Hill, and Federico Vergani], a music clip of "Angel," filmed in Japan in 2015, with Isaac London as soloist, and a short rendition of “Homerarete Nobiru Type no Uta,” which roughly translates to "The Song of Growing When Praised.")
This song, popular in Japan, especially in schools and youth-choir performances, encourages a positive and supportive environment, emphasizing the importance of praise and encouragement for personal growth.
On October 27th, a tweet from Patrick:
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGd82vTL1/
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| Joseph Hill solos. |
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| Lewis Quinn solos in "Ave Maria." |
- They said that this time none of the boys speak Japanese, however that Liam Connery does speak some Japanese. Then Liam turned to the audience and said some sentences that sounded impressive to me; the audience laughed, so he must have made a joke.
- During the speeches there were (I assume) Japanse sub-titles above the stage.
- They said, Libera combines old and new, innovation and tradition, just like in Japan.
- Federico Vergani and Nathan Slater, in relation to the Dream album, told the audience about their dreams, which I thought was beautiful. I won’t spoil them in case they tell them in the December concert as well.
- I was great that they brought back the Libera demo. Lost count on how many layers there were each time though. I think they showed hands for who was in which high-to-low group first, which went super fast so I only saw some hands, plus for some reason I thought they had seven or eight groups the first night and only five or six the second. That got me extra confused listening to the Libera demo which followed. Anyway, I got the general idea, and it sounded great. (I’ll loop the video with the demo when at home, with good speakers, and see it if I can finally understand it .)
- When talking about the young and “old” members, Victor Wiggin and Tadhg Fitzgerald were also mentioned and the two then waived at the audience from the edge of the stage.
I went to one signing session, because I wanted to experience it for myself instead of via videos of other fans, but actually I was a bit nervous about saying the right things.
You could only go to the signing session by getting a ticket through buying merchandise. So after the concert I held the ticket in my hand and left the concert hall expecting to add myself to some waiting line.
, there were indeed people that had not left their seats yet.Walking to the signing happened in order of seats so being quite at the front, I didn’t have to wait long.
In a different part of the building, three rows of tables were setup. Again, people were managed very efficiently and I just took the row where an employee directed me at. I totally forgot to make any photos or videos. I did try to interact with the boys at least a little bit.
The nervousness had not been necessary. The boys were very confident in saying things themselves (thank you for coming etc.) and very efficient in signing. Luckily my row didn’t go too fast to ask a quick question here and there and also here came very confident and genuine responses. "Veni Sancte" was often mentioned as favourite song of the evening (which I understand well).
Once is Libera’s interpretation of the haunting melody of Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence by the late Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. Filmed at Nakano Numabukuro Hikawa Shrine, near where Sakamoto was born and grew up, it represents the coming together of both Western and Japanese musical and cultural influences as the Libera boys learned about the customs of traditional Japanese Shinto shrines. The dancers representing both the shrine maiden and the goddess exchange and combine Japanese and contemporary Western dance styles as they interact with the tree of life at the centre and the Libera singers at the shrine. The music acts as a bridge between heaven and earth, conveying a prayer for peace across time and space. Music: Ryuichi Sakamoto Arranged: Sam Coates Words: Sam Coates
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSi2zX4rreI&t=30s (The Lark’s Last Song/Franz Liszt’s Liebestraum in Ab Minor/solo by Joseph Hill/Dream/2024/4:03)
On November 29th, Libera Music Director Sam Coates and four singers were interviewed on ITV News in Great Britain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alx_eAQALG0 (ITV Interview with Libera Music Director Sam Coates, and singers Joseph Hill, Caleb Slater, Benjamin Hill, and Edward Sargeant/11-29-24/5:43}
On November 30th, a studio video of John Lennon's "Happy Christmas (War is Over)" had its YouTube premiere.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kImi7LzcGSU(Happy Christmas [War is Over]/solos by Luca Brugnoli, Caleb Slater, Frederick Howarth, Hal Avery/Dream CD/12-24/3:48)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg-2bvIfLko&t=3s (35-second promo for UNICEF/Edward Sargeant, Joseph Hill, Benjamin Hill, Caleb Slater)
Around this time, Surpinto discovered a lovely cover of Libera's version of "Sanctus," (as adapted by Robert Prizeman from Johan Pachelbel's "Canon in D") sung in South Africa by a choir from the Ivory Coast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaAYDTX3OoM Sanctus Libera by LVDA Choir ( Chorale La Voix des Anges/SMDP Pretoria/3:23)
On December 1st, the Creative World TV show in Los Angeles dedicated nearly half of their show to airing the video preview of Dream posted earlier in the Timeline.
On December 3rd, Libera posted their online gallery of 81 photos from the recent Japan tour. https://libera.org.uk/gallery/japan-2024/
According to my calculations, this concert was the 13th I attended. Few have struck me as much. Of course there was the very first concert (Christmas 2015), which I don’t remember a lot about apart from being swiped by a huge wave [of appreciation]. Then, the Ely concert with Rocco Tesei singing In Paradisum (was it 2018 ?); the 2019 Christmas album concert; and the 2021 “comeback” after-the-Covid-crisis concert where I cried a lot.
This one is going to stay in my memory as a really special one as well. The choir was pitch-perfect ready and performing at top level, and the soloists were all fantastic + lot of new songs + wonderful quality time with friendly fans afterwards.
I arrived a bit late for the beginning of the rehearsal, but stayed until the end because I could not resist knowing which songs were going to be performed. (I was listening with my head flat to the gate (and complaining about helicopters being noisy). There were a few mysteries ongoing: who would sing the solo on "If" ? Was Cameron still up to performing “Sing Lullaby?” I actually didn't listen much from the rehearsal—mostly enjoyed being there with some friends, anticipating the concert. Yes, I blame the helicopters, still.
The concert started with the boys entering the stage under applause. I don’t remember this happening often. They got to their positions, with MorganWiltshire at the center. I really like "Twilight" as an opening song. I was particularly impressed with Pietro Vergani’s voice and the way he harmonizes with Morgan during the second part.
Then Pietro Vergani and Oscar James made the first speech. They promised a concert with some Christmas-sy songs, since it was the first day of December, and surely it would be allowed though it was a bit early. They said they were all singing but also some of them played instruments, like Nathan Slater, who was going to play the piano for the next song.
I was immediately shocked by how much Thomas has improved ! He already had a nice voice but I mostly heard him give excellent vocalizing solo parts. This is on an other level, and his voice has matured with some depth and warmth, and you can tell his technic is good, totally mastered now. I hope he gets new solos. I was also impressed by Federico, it was the first time I heard him solo. First, he exudes RELAXING vibes. He is smiling gently and delivering his part confidently and very well, good harmony, and has a warm voice too.
“Carol of the Bells” was a nice one too, with the movements of the white robes when the boys turn. I think they were in four groups, 2 front stage on the right and left of the stage, and 2 a bit further in the middle with a gap between. And the bigs behind as they were during the whole concert. The nice “aaah” were performed perfectly by Thomas Mushrafi and Julian Heitmann. Then little Archie Robson walked to the front stage mics to deliver the last verse.
Ben Hill was standing right in front of the Bigs’ line for “Salva Me”, doing the high part. I think the rest of the boys were still in 4 groups, until they moved at some point to form a large arc or maybe lines with a dramatic effect (at which point poor Ben was obliterated from my view). They kept with the usual choregraphy of hands going up in prayer on “saaalva me”.
The boys rushed to form 4 vertical lines with Joseph Hill facing the audience at the top, for “Seabird”. I have been impressed by how fast and neatly they did it ! We have been experiencing some positioning on stage with my choir and moving from one position to an other is always a mess ! Somehow we bounce onto each other and laugh and chat, and it takes us WAY too much time. Just how well trained are the Libera boys ?
The choir slowly deploys as wings during the song. I have been really moved by Joseph’s performance on this song. He is deeply involved, his eyes closing when he gets too emotional, his voice able to be very dense or very thin and fleeting (like a bird). I think, with all respect to Luca Brugnoli (and I am glad they recorded a last solo from him), that I enjoy Joseph’s version even better. Not that he is perfect, but he is authentic and when seen live it is priceless. I could not see Ben Hill on this one but I suspect he supports Joseph with some high notes during the chorus parts.
Joseph Hill went center stage again for “The Lark’s Last Song”. The boys were standing in two concentric half circles. I read that some people find this song a bit flat and/or annoying. I get that it is a very well known piano piece and can be repetitive, but I still enjoy it a lot, and particularly live! It felt like receiving waves of music from the boys. You can tell they enjoy it and it does the work for me. I am curious to know if some of those who don’t care for the song liked it better live ?
Cameron Birmingham went front stage for “Sing Lullaby”, which surprised me. He is so tall now ! And he is singing 3rd or 4th part, so I did not think he could manage the solo part. But, HOW WRONG I was. He nailed it, his voice is really beautiful now, with a slight vibrato which reminded me of Freddie Mushrafi’s last concerts as a treble !
The boys then spread everywhere on stage and (OMG Spotify decided to play it just now while I am writing !) went to perform “Music Was Born”. Well, this one is quite something… From the snippets before the album was out, I did not like it. Now I definitely do and I especially like the lyrics, matching Libera so well (like "How Can I Keep from Singing," Let Me Make Songs…, etc" it’s about MUSIC).
Leon Clarke and Samuel Whaley gave the speech, mentioning Joseph and Ben Hill singing the highest note ever recorded by Libera, and they just performed it ! Awesome. Then they explained that Libera sings notes from very high to low, and boys are usually divided in “1rst voice”, “2nd”, “3rd”, “4rth”, and the Bigs.
Second half !
The boys entered stage and spread everywhere for “Veni Sancte Spiritu”. I was curious about this one, having read Patrick’s description of the movements on stage. Also, I did listen to the song only once before the concert so it was still new to me. I don’t yet know the song enough to say if I really like it, but it’s a catchy one. Though I was a bit disappointed with the choregraphy.
“One Small Voice” was the next one. I don’t remember how the boys were positioned except for the four soloists (Julian Heitmann, Joseph Hill, Ben Hill and Freddie Howarth) in the middle. Compared to Ely in June, I find Julian more confident and so was his voice. His voice is unique. It sounds young, yet not without experience, and it shines in a peculiar way. I also like Joseph’s part on this song. I have been humming the song a lot, it is one of my favorites on the album, I think Sam made a wonderful work arranging it.
They also mentioned the remix album coming next week (Edward said it was already out and [conductor] Liam Connery made him correct it). They said the next song was "The Angel Gabriel," which would be on the EP, but they could not perform it exactly the same. First, because [Alumnus] Victor Wiggin was doing the solo then and he is now too old. Second, because the song in the remix is double-speed.
Pietro Vergani was the soloist on “The Angel Gabriel”, a nice Christmas song. He seemed a bit stressed (well, more than for his other solos) and I actually wondered… Lewis Quinn was meant to be there (he is listed on the programme) and I can’t imagine they would not have given him a solo. Might this have been Lewis’ solo and Pietro had to step in last minute ? Anyway he made a great job, despite stress making him a bit short-breathed.
I was surprised to see Theodore Wilson step front stage for “Gaudete”. I guess we won’t enjoy his voice for a long time because he is growing up really fast. This was a gem ! It’s not an easy solo to master and he was confident and clear ! Also it’s one of my Christmas favorite songs, I was glad it was on the setlist.
“Once” was perhaps the song I was waiting for the most. I fell in love with the preview snippet before the album was released, and was surprised when I found out it was Thomas Mushrafi. I could not really reunite the voice and the boy, even when the video went on Youtube. Because Thomas’ voice always sound special to me, and I find the record, though awesome, wonderful, and again I love the song… well, it makes his voice a bit less like him ?
Cory Agyei and Hal Avery talked about "Once", and said that they shot a video in a Japanese shrine where they learned a lot about traditions and bowing, praying, and also stroking a rocky dog which they did not exactly fully understand (this refers to a picture they posted on social media). They then said that Jerome Collins was going to sing "If," which was originally a solo by Daniel White, who gave him advice.
“If” was such a surprise ! And the surprise soloist was Jerome Collins! A nine-year-old boy singing this masterpiece! He was touching and impressive, not in an operatic way. His voice is not so strong (yet), but it is steady and full of faith and hope. He sang with his eyes looking up, as if he was asking higher beings to answer his hopes. He is a very musical boy, and I think he will make a wonderful soloist, since he has so many years to come. Bright future for Libera, if Jerome sticks to the group.
Well, kudos to Pietro Vergani for stealing my heart. He was all smiles and soft voice and, well, it worked. Ok. I get it Pietro, it’s a nice song ! I won’t complain ever again (yes, I will, sorry, but feel free to correct me again). Nice work from Morgan Wiltshire, too, but who is surprised ? Morgan is on fire right now, you can rely on him whenever you need to.
“Happy Xmas” was much anticipated as well, and did not disappoint. All soloists were amazing and very touching. Freddie Howarth’s voice is wonderful, I would like him to record, please, thank you very much (and have Cameron Birmingham do the high part, there, kill two birds with one stone !).
Max and Archie said the concert was nearing its end, and wished us a Merry Christmas.
The last song was “I Saw Three Ships”, another Christmas hit by Libera. And the encore was “Sing” !
So, two songs without soloists but a lot of fun and smiles. On “Sing” I noticed the boys enjoying the part when they walk one step closer to the front stage. Nice way to end the concert.
There is so much more I could write about.
Laurence Davey and Lewis Quinn were missing despite being on the programme, and I missed them. I hope we will hear Lewis’ treble voice again but it might have broken already. Hopefully they recorded it one last time ? I guess “Going Home” is one thing already, but I would have loved for his "Ave Maria" to be on an album.
I noticed Cory Agyei was wearing a mic despite not having solos, I guess he is playing some important part. I think he might be 3rd voice, so, pretty low for his age and size. Also, I notice someone signed my programme “CAA”, and I think it might be Caius Agyei trying to be distinguished from his brother since they have the same initials!
It was good to see the Bigs (Mathias Montoro, Koji Shinokubo, Jack Spicha, Laurence Taylor, Daniel White and Victor Wiggin), and how loyal they are to Libera.
Of course Joseph and Ben Hill were handling most of the high notes and doing so very well. I like how they work together, I don’t remember brothers in Libera working hand in hand before. I would love to see Joseph perform "Dido’s Lament" live; it would be exceptional. He is right now super-skilled vocally so I expect memorable solos from him in the next year(s) to come. —Padmachou
On December 13th, A Libera Christmas, a compilation of four previously released songs from the 2019 CD Christmas Carols with Libera ("Carol of the Bells,""Walking in the Air," "Noël Nouvelet," and "Ding Dong Merrily on High," along with "Happy Christmas War is Over" from the Dream CD) became available for streaming.
