Wednesday, January 1, 2020

January 1st-December 31st, 2020



Last Updated/Revised on December 28th, 2020 

Welcome 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.

Please note: new material is added at the end of each 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, type change, or spacing from imported material. I welcome corrections, suggestions and comments at: aahill@sonic.net

For Part One (introduction to Libera and to the Timeline, extensive overview & 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, 2018, please go to: 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—December 31st, 2019) https://lib-era-historicaltimelinepart12a.blogspot.com/

For Part 14 (January 1st - December 31st, 2021: https://liberahisttimelinepart14.blogspot.com/2021/




TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Japan Tour Announced

• Spring Ely Cathedral Concert Announced

• New Japan Blog and Gallery 

• Coronavirus Cancellations

• Release of Full Version of "The Moon Represents My Heart, from 2013

• Ely Concert and Japan Tour Postponed

• High-Quality Version of 1985 Video Appearance

• Libera Announces Online Concert for June 6th 

• ONLINE CONCERT: APART BUT TOGETHER

• Concert EP/Release/Reviews  

• Libera on Creative World TV Show in Los Angeles (3 Episodes in  September)

• Libera appearance on new Aled Jones CD

• Online and Live Concert Announced for December 6th at St. John's Smith Square

• December 6th Concert Programs Made Available for Download

• LIVE CONCERT ON DECEMBER 6TH AT ST. JOHN'S SMITH SQUARE

• Concert Reviews

########################### 

This is the 13th year of the Libera Historical Timeline, which is now read in over 90 countries.   

(Top dozen last year): 

United Kingdom

United States

Hungary

Germany

Singapore

Slovakia

South Africa

Ukraine

Netherlands

South Korea



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 FandeLok 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 unless the boys have been positively identified by photo.
"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, wnen the group appeared as the St. Philip's Boys' Choir, and then,  post-1987, as "Angel Voices."
"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.

 
You can click on each boy's photo to see additional photos and statistics (if available) 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 provides 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.

(Discography of St. Philip's Boys' Choir and Angel Voices releases/1987-1999): http://libera-passion.exprimetoi.net/t1272-la-discographie-st-philip-s-boy-choir-angel-voices#26744

(Discography of official Libera releases/1999-present): http://libera-passion.exprimetoi.net/t1273-la-discographie-libera#26746 

(Discography of alternative releases for St. Philip's/Angel Voices/Libera/1988-present):http://libera-passion.exprimetoi.net/t1279-les-editions-alternatives#26837 


 (Alphabetical listing of all songs sung by St. Philip’s/Angel Voices/Libera, with links to videos for each): http://libera-passion.exprimetoi.net/t1280-les-morceaux-interpretes-par-le-st-philip-s-boy-choir-angel-voices-libera#26871


 (Listing by year and description of all Libera Tours and Concerts) http://libera-passion.exprimetoi.net/t1329-les-concerts-et-sorties-prestations-live-de-libera-2000-present


(Mapping of all concert locations) http://libera-passion.exprimetoi.net/t1367-la-cartographie-des-concerts#27778 

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

The Libera Boys Choir Database, a no-frills but very complete resource, is maintained by Song Jia Goh.

https://liberaboyschoir.home.blog/

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

Yet another fine source of Libera information is the Libera Dreams Discussion Forum http://www.forum.libera-dreams.com/


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

Another evolving resource, instituted in 2019 by a fan who goes by "Dinedorelle," is the Libera Members Timeline, in the form of a spreadsheet which traces the careers of over 200 boys (including miniboys who never toured or recorded with the group). 

The site includes the ages of the boys when they joined Libera (if known), their present ages (the earliest identified singer, Andrew Hopkins, apparently turned 50 in 2019), and a separate staff spreadsheet. 
 




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

 PART 13

To mark the start of a (hopefully) successful 2020 for Libera, The Autumn Japan Tour has been announced!



Monday, October 26, 2020 19:00 - Grand Cube Osaka
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 19:00 - Bunkamura Orchard Hall
Thursday, October 29, 2020 19:00 - Bunkamura Orchard Hall

Fan Club [Libera Fan Club of Japan] members will be able to purchase tickets from mid-January onwards.—Justin


More details found on https://libera-records.com/news/2020/01/01/1331/


 NOTES FROM THE LIBERA DREAMS FORUM: 
Ely Cathedral
Looks like the spring concert 2020 has been announced by the Ely Cathedral. June 6th, 2020, 7:30 pm. —andmar https://twitter.com/Ely_Cathedral/statu ... 3865754624
https://t.co/xTwy8fcqnd?amp=1

On January 10th, Jimmy Riddle posted a 1996 video of Elton John and Luciano Pavarotti singing a song ("Live Like Horses") backed by the "Angel Voices" (pre-Libera) group, which also appeared in the same song on John's CD. 

L to R: ? Adam Harris, ?, and Liam O' Kane

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU9vS-AE8Fc (Live Like Horses/Elton John and Luciano Pavarotti backed byAngel Voices singers Daren Geraghty, Gary Francis, Steven Geraghty, Adam Harris, Liam O'Kane, Ciaran McGullagh, Chris Baron, Alex Baron/1996/5:03)

2007 REUNION 

Although we don't usually post alumni photos outside of special features, this shot, posted on a Libera Facebook fan page by Viviz Hg, was too good to pass up. 

L to R: Alumni who appeared on the 2007 Angel Voices: Libera in Concert DVD are Jonathan Barrington, Benedict Philipp, Liam Connery, Alex Leggett, Ed Day, and Josh Madine.

On January 15th, an Instagram Post from Libera gives the source those lovely high perspectives in the recent "Carol of the Bells" and "Sing Lullabye" videos: a drone-mounted camera. Below, Ethan Barron, Koji Shinokubo and Luca Brugnoli (?) play "Spot the drone."

 

On January 21st, a happy tweet from Emily in South Korea, regarding a Libera summer tour there:



SO this came up yesterday and I am still crying and no one can judge me for that—Emily
사랑해요 리베라 미치겠어 domin.co.kr/news/articleVi

 JAPAN TOUR BLOG AND PHOTO GALLERY
An unusual full-length view of audience and stage at the Bunkamura Concert Hall

On January 25th, both the Japan 2019 Tour blog and photo gallery appeared. The writer of the blog deserved great appreciation for: 1) fitting the entire tour into the blog, and 2) doing it so amusingly.

 



Daniel White solos.
Three of the "big people in the back," Ciaran Bradbury-Hickey, Peter Kielty, and Alex Gula.

 

A NOTE FOR NEW READERS

 

When Libera is not on tour during the first part of the year, we generally find ourselves, news-wise, in the Winter Doldrums. The group's next official appearance in this time is the Ely Cathedral concert on June sixth, and this kind of "down" time is often spent in some of the following activities: rehearsing/learning new music; recording or filming new CDs and/or DVDs; St. Philip's Choir activities; or some other kinds of adventures we won't know about until later.

As an example of such activities, on February 22nd fan Dmitry Fomin posted this YouTube video of the group backing Aled Jones on his 2017 CD, One Voice





According to Fomin, posting on the Libera Nation Facebook site: 



There is another song in this album with the participation of the Libera choir - "The Day Thou Gavest," but so far, unfortunately, I cannot please you with its sound: no one has put it in the public domain.—Dmitry

On February 26th, a tweet from Patrick:

#Libera Passion is 10 today !
To celebrate we've set up a new look - come and see :)
libera-passion.exprimetoi.net #liberanniversary
 

On February 29th, bamboo Posted on the Libera Dreams Forum:

"Not sure if anyone has come across this before. Angel Voices conducted by Robert Prizeman feature on Neil Diamond's 'The Christmas Album Volume II'.


According to https://www.discogs.com/Neil-Diamond-Th ... se/2695239, they are the only treble voices for the following tracks:

9. Candelight Carol - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kf90Yj0ecE
11. O Come All Ye Faithful - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DVSoJHrdEs
13. Angels We Have Heard on High - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEBQIqf0W8o
14. The First Noel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NJIwNV4urs


On March 3rd, fan Liberation added:

Yes, they're also on the volume one edition with "Happy Christmas (War is Over)" and "O' Come, O' Come Emmanuel"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGvrZdEf7xA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y76k-S6SAlY



On March 17th, it was announced that the Mozart Requiem performance had been canceled due to the spread of Coronavirus.

 On March 28th, a post on the Libera Dreams Forum:

Welcome to the Ely Cathedral Website
Because of the current COVID-19 pandemic the Cathedral is closed for the time being.

As we are seeing an increase in the number of people falling ill with COVID-19, we must all appreciate the necessity to comply with current regulations and distance ourselves from one another to prevent the spread of infection and save lives. It is for this reason that Ely Cathedral, along with all other Churches and Cathedrals in the UK, is closed for the time being for public worship, private prayer and all other meetings and activities.

We would like to assure you that although our building is closed, it will remain, as it has done for nearly 1000 years, a permanent sign of God's presence alongside us. The church will continue to be alive and active in supporting one another through this time and Cathedral clergy will carry on their pattern of daily prayer and worship but from their own homes. The Dean of York recently posted 'Stay safe, stay at home, save the NHS' - This is a good motto for us all to follow in all situations as far as we can.

You will see that our website provides information which we hope will be of use during this time, such as prayers, daily reflection, sermons, music by the Cathedral choristers and some film and images of the building. We have also set up an Ely Cathedral Community Support Group which you can join on Facebook or contact us by email: support@elycathedral.org. If you need to speak to someone as a matter of urgency, please call the Chapter House on 01353 667735 and we will get back to you.

We will continue to regularly engage with our global audiences and local community through our digital channels on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram so please do use the website and social media to stay in touch.

My prayers and good wishes to you all during this troubling time and we hope you, your families and your loved ones stay well.

https://www.elycathedral.org/
When you are looking at the event website, no events are displayed.
https://www.elycathedral.org/events

Only via https://libera.org.uk/event/ely-2020/ you are able to reach the Libera event website of the Cathedral ...

No good signs for the future...


But...

 

On April 8th, a new YouTube video appeared from Libera, featuring messages in a number of languages and media from: Koji Shinokubo; newly identified Miniboy Nathan Slater (piano); Mathias Montoro (Italian); Luca Brugnoli (singing "Pie Jesu" in Latin); Jack Spicha (Russian, piano); Neo Parson; Tadgh Fitzgerald; Daniel White (clarinet); Alex Gula (Polish); Alexandre Menuet (French); Freddie Mushrafi (hobbies); Oliver Watt-Rodriguez (Spanish); Victor Wiggin (art appreciation); Moose (relaxing from Mascot duties); and Luca Brugnoli again.


On April 14th, Libera released the full video of "The Moon represents my Heart," originally made in 2013, but formerly only seen in parts because of Chinese copyright issues.



https://youtu.be/csK4nSI1tAE (The Moon Represents my Heart (video made in 2013, but never shown in full because of copyright restrictions/solo by Michael Ustynovych-Repa/3:17)

A Post from Patrick on the Libera Dreams Forum:
 
I received today an email from the Ely Cathedral, about the Libera concert.
It says the concert is not cancelled but postponed to Wednesday 28th October. The people that have already booked a ticket can choose to keep it as it is, or to ask for a refund if the new date is not possible to attend (different solutions are proposed).

In my case, I am very happy that the decision about the concert is a postponement and not just its cancellation.
I will keep my current ticket and use it in October.

The new date of October 28th for the concert in Ely gives another answer : the tour in October in Japan is also impacted, either cancelled or postponed, as the previous concert dates for Japan 2020 were October 26th (Osaka), and 28th, 29th (Tokyo)


LOCKDOWN MUSIC 

At the end of April, two Libera boys appeared on online videos to share their singing with those "sheltering in place" during the Coronavirus pandemic. 13-year-old Dominik Clarke offered two lovely pieces by Mozart, and 10-year-old Luca Brugnoli recorded a sweet stay-at-home song to the tune of "Pie Jesu."
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qGbhU6OSWE (Dominik Clarke sings Laudate Dominum by Mozart/4-30-20/2:44) 

 


or  
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=603011100559792 (Luca Brugnoli's  stay-at-home version of Pie Jesu/May 2020/2:08)

On May 4th, Libera released a short video with scenes from the filming of "Lacrymosa" and "In Paradisum" from the 2018 Beyond CD.


Leo Barron and Alex Gula play chess in the "Lacrymosa" video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYD6NYwm9bo&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR29zCzMTbnyopthpryFVx47gqgGJQRpFWX3Wu8JzzD8wrVnEfyIdVpd5b8 (Behind the scenes of videos for Beyond/2018/1:31)

A POST FROM FILIARHENI ON THE LIBERA DREAMS FORUM RE THE POSTPONED 2020 JAPAN TOUR:
 

Libera Records have just tweeted that the Japan tour is postponed to October 2021.

https://libera-records.com/news/2020/05/11/1533/

It says:

"Affected by the worldwide spread of the new coronavirus, we examined the possibility of a performance in Japan this fall with the management of LIBERA. As a result, we postponed "Angel Voices Tour 2020" to October 2021. You will be asked to do so.
We have continued to study the situation while checking the changing situation, and we apologize for the news.
The schedule of transfer performance (2021) of each performance scheduled for this year (2020) is as follows.
Please keep the ticket for the transfer performance valid until the performance date, as your ticket will remain valid.

Grand Cube Osaka (Osaka International Conference Center Main Hall)
Monday, October 26, 2020 Open: 18:00 / Start: 19:00
<Transfer Performance> October 28, 2021 (Thursday) Open: 18:00 / Start: 19:00

Bunkamura Orchard Hall
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 Open: 18:00 / Start: 19:00
<Transfer Performance> October 25, 2021 (Mon) Open: 18:00 / Start: 19:00

October 29, 2020 (Thursday) Open: 18:00 / Start: 19:00
<Transfer Performance> October 26, 2021 (Tue) Open: 18:00 / Start: 19:00

Unfortunately, we will refund tickets for those who can not attend the transfer performance.
Details regarding ticket refund will be announced on LIBERA official website at 18:00 on June 1, 2020 (Monday).
Please keep your ticket in a safe place.
Ticket sales are currently stopped (* Ticket sales for transfer performances will be announced later on this website).

We apologize for any inconvenience caused to everyone who has been looking forward to the performance, but we kindly ask for your understanding.

We wish you a concert as soon as possible to enjoy the concert with everyone who supports LIBERA, and above all, we pray for your health.
"


RE-MASTERED VERSION OF 1985 TV APPEARANCE BY ST PHILIP'S BOYS' CHOIR

Sal Solo with the St. Philip's Choir on Tops of the Pops.

In early May, Libera historian Dinedorelle, who was at this point busily attempting (with some success) to match names of early singers to faces captured on screenshots, posted this re-mastered version of a 1985 "San Damiano" performance that included future soloists Sam Harper (below, L) and Jaymi Bandtock.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xkq6lAzKt-4 (San Damiano/Sal Solo/St. Philips Boys Choir/Tops of the Pops/1985)

On May 19th, long-time Libera fan Sebastien posted a lovely video of three-dimensional portrait renderings of current Libera singers, pairing them with Libera songs and unique backgrounds to capture the essence of each boy's personality. He wrote:

Here is my latest creation, selection of the current members of the Libera group, clipping, masking, work on the eye, nose, lips and skin texture portraits, and adding backgrounds. and setting up 3D videos.

Portrait of Alex Gula


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wvy4Lekqwko&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1s2woAF2RNtb-Mv8MxJk-rcGs4S4KlZBAWZWZvmvp2taWDWKLhaQl7MXU (YouTube Collection of 3-D Libera portraits by Sebastien/May 2020/5:38)

On May 21st, fan egorbea posted the following on the Libera Dreams Forum:

3-D portrait of Dominik by Sebastien
Dominik Clarke has been busy doing beautiful videos of himself. Five so far. Here is the list:

Gloria in D major - Laudamus te (Vivaldi) | Dominik Clarke (13yrs)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9Qu7Pw8xg8

Rinaldo - Lascia ch'io pianga (Handel) | Dominik Clarke (13 yrs)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imrznFfi78c

Laudate Dominum (Mozart) | Dominik Clarke (13 yrs)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qGbhU6OSWE

Le nozze di Figaro - Voi che sapete (Mozart) | Dominik Clarke (13 yrs)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyhW7wWDXhw

Beethoven - Sonata No. 8 "Pathétique" 2nd Mvt | Dominik Clarke (12 yrs)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgq0GdxO0z0

Give him some views and good reviews. He is a very talented singer.


On May 21st, Dominik Clarke posted a duet with himself singing Gloria in D-Major (Laudamus te) by Vivaldi.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=H9Qu7Pw8xg8&feature=emb_logo (Dominik Clarke duetting with himself in Gloria in D. Major/Laudamus Te by Vivaldi/May, 2020/2:34) 

LIBERA ANNOUNCES ONLINE CONCERT FOR JUNE 6TH


 

On May 25th, the following welcome announcement from Libera: 
On Saturday 6th June, Libera were due to perform a concert in Ely Cathedral in the UK.

This has been postponed – but……… there will still be a Concert – a Mini-Concert which will be shown online!


Scenes from last year's Ely concert.
Please join us at 7:30pm that night, when we will be singing on-line like we’ve never done before, along with our Libera orchestra!
This will be shown as a YouTube Premier and the concert will remain on-line after that first ‘transmission’.

We will post the actual YouTube link here and on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube closer to the time.

This concert is free for all to watch. But if you are able to make a donation to help us with the cost of presenting it we would be very grateful.  UK Taxpayers can donate using JustGiving.  All others can use Paypal.

On June 5th, Libera posted a poster for the June 6th online concert, with Tadgh Fitzgerald front and center:

 
 On June 6th, before the appearance of the link for the Libera online concert, fans discovered this marvelous collaboration between former Libera soloist and AMD Ben Crawley (aka Ben See) and Dominic Stitchbury.

Ben & Dom - Children Of Darkness (Mimi & Richard Fariña)


We couldn't resist this wonderful duet by Mimi & Richard Fariña. The lyrics are so suited to this strange time we find ourselves in. We recorded/filmed our parts independently in the beautiful Sydenham Hill woods. It is our first socially distanced duet, and we think we found the perfect song for such a challenge: "Now in this age of confusion I have need for your company" To find out a little bit more about our collaboration take a look at our new mini-website: http://tiny.cc/benanddom

 

(Children of Darkness/duet by Ben See and Dominic Stitchbury/June, 2020/4:24)

At about the same time, another Libera soloist/alumnus, Josh Madine, posted a beautifully photographed and sung sound-collage/video journey.


Almanac - A Whispered Word [Official Video]

Almanac - A Whispered Word [Official Video] Editor: Josh Madine Source Footage: Taryn Elliott/Kelly Lacy/Ruvim Miksanskiy/Tom Fisk/David Wuyts/Pressmaster Stream now on all platforms: https://li.sten.to/arpZkdK Follow Almanac's meditation playlist: https://tinyurl.com/yctwc6y4 Sign up to the mailing list: https://eepurl.com/g4H-FX

LINK FOR JUNE 6TH MINI-CONCERT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX3-YQTL50s&feature=youtu.be (Link for June 6th Online Mini-Concert)

 

MINI REVIEW FROM MAARTENDAS

 
Luca Brugnoli, Daniel White, and Dominik Clarke with orchestra and chorus on "Total Praise," June 6th.

OK, Just going to throw in my first spontaneous notes...
"Total Praise" - what a surprise, so moving and gentle.
"Deep Peace" - deeply (!) moving, especially in these lockdown times.. my eyes welled up.. I loved that Laurence Taylor also had a solo! and just loved all the soloists in that. And a wonderful background with the clouds, stars and moon..!


"O For the Wings" - captivating, a perfect song for Dominik Clarke.. so clear


"Ave Maria" - Tadhg Fitzgerald! o wow.. so delicate and pure..! The harmonies surrounding him reminded me of hands shielding a little flame.


"Smile" - so gentle, and loved hearing Victor Wiggin together with Mathias Montoro!


"Joyful Joyful" - wait, was it already the end? Nevertheless this was a soothing radiant flowing end to this wonderful miniconcert!!


I also loved all the funny speeches - and it was magnificent and touching to see Victor holding that 78 of Ernest Lough's recording.. a little bit of history right there.. From the days of that recording to this online worldwide event...


 

A massive thank you to all who were involved - the older boys, the musicians, the technical staff, all the editing, everything - it was Libera next level and just heart-warming to share with you all.


SOME IDs By Furby, Posted on the Libera Dreams Forum by padmachou
 
Here is the list !

That is 48 names ! I was surprised they did not give the name of all boys and musicians, especially since the names of the eight newest newbies are absolutely unknown.

Hal Avery
Nathaniel Bates-Fisher
Luke Batteson Dialpiaz
Cameron Birmingham ( ?)
Nathaniel Brown ( ?)
Luca Brugnoli
Ben Bywater
Daniel Catalogna ( ?)
Dominik Clarke
Samuel-Francis Collins
Liam Connery ( ? goodbye waving)
Joseph Cranitch ( not sure ? his hair looks darker than usual ?)
Laurence Davey
Frederick Day ( ?)
Tadhg Fitzgerald
John Gardner
Alex Gula
Felipe Jackson
Matthew Jansen (only on Total Praise ?)
Ludwik Kowalczyk ( ?)
Joshua Madine
Matthew Madine
Alessandro McKinnon-Botti
Alexandre Menuet
Alex Montoro
Mathias Montoro
Frederik Mushrafi
Neo Parson
Nathan Slater
Koji Shinokubo
Taichi Shinokubo
Jack Spicha
Camden Stewart
Laurence Taylor
Calam Virk Tamana
Oliver Watt-Rodriguez
Daniel White
Sam Wiggin
Victor Wiggin
Morgan Wiltshire ( ?)
Eight newbies




Image
Image
Mini-boys ! We only know Joseph's name, thanks to his sister 

On June 8th, a new set of photo IDs of those who participated in the June 6th mini-concert:


 
Nathaniel Brawn (above in blue rectangle) was at this time a frequent keyboard player for Libera, but had never been a treble singer with the group.. 

Regular members absent from the video were Cassius Collard, Rocco Tesei, Peter Kielty, Ethan and Leo Barron, and Oliver Mycka. 

The musicians are:
Strings - Project Instrumental
Flute - Eimear McGeown

Robert Prizeman played piano on some of the songs

Also on June 8th, a message from  Libera announcing the June 26th release of an EP Apart But Together, containing songs from the mini-concert.
On June 14th, a light-hearted and detailed review by surpinto appeared on the Libera Dreams Forum (NOTE: there were many fine reviews):


After the initial excitement has quieted down somewhat, it was possible to appreciate all the concert’s details in the past week.
And since ‘someone’ persuaded me to add my thoughts on them, here they are:


Total praise – a precious moment for me was the second line ‘knowing my help is coming from you’ (Daniel White, Ben Bywater and Mathias Montoro). It’s very delicate and has a beautiful glowy sound to it. A surprise for me that they sang this song. I guess they only sing this when they know millions are watching.

Ben Bywater, Daniel White, Mathias Montoro

 Koji Shinokubo’s usual bubbly excitement can be heard very well when he says: ‘so many countries… kind of’ and: ‘Actually...’ when describing the editing of themselves into Ely Cathedral. His emphasis on details of his speech makes him a very pleasant speaker to listen to.



Daniel White’s speech revealed something I had completely missed the first time, which is that they all had to sing ‘as it were solo’, so no chance for a cough or a sneeze. For singers in a choir it’s familiar: if you miss a note or take a breath where you’re not supposed to, in general it’s not such a problem if everyone else is singing just fine. 

Newest Miniboys in their first concert.
But with this lockdown recording there is no depending on others: everyone has to do their best to make sure the overall sound is right there all the time. So maybe, these challenging circumstances have been an unexpected extra singing lesson focusing on technique!

ETA - the little bloopers of them recording individually were golden! 


The mini-boy at 3:48 who goes 'whaa no!' and then when everything's set up the camera drops (it's hilarious and so true to 

life. 


 

and if that wasn't enough, we also get the sheer bliss of Hal laughing uncontrollably and his two thumbs up in the end.

Deep Peace – I’ll just add what I think of the four solos in the second verse.


Oliver Watt-Rodriguez: very steady and clear,

 
Ben Bywater: a kind of airy softness. 

 
Laurence Taylor: the most precious for me as we get to hear a rare glimpse of his beautiful voice, which is powerful with a golden shine to it.

 Neo Parson:
when I’m just listening and not watching the video at the same time, as soon as I recognise it’s him I start smiling as he always has such a smile himself and it’s infectious! His voice is both full and light at the same time.

The back row adds wonderful colour to this song.
The shot where they are walking in their robes through a hallway (at a concert, I think) made me miss them very much…

Alexandre Menuet did a great speech! Very well spoken and how nice to explain about the robes.


 


Victor Wiggin's speech was very entertaining with his constant smile, and I laugh out loud every time at his joke about not breaking the old 78 record.


 

Tadhg Fitzgerald once again proved an excellent promotor of Moose.

O For the Wings – Dominik Clarke sings so consistently and the sound of his voice is so clear and round and full. He flows with the notes and clearly enjoys to let the music come through. 

Dominik Clarke

This song is a classic on the boy soprano repertoire and so it’s a great achievement to add this on his catalogue of recordings. His recording could become another famous standard in my opinion.

Ave Maria – the more I listen to it, the more I am impressed. This is such a sensitive version. Tadhg Fitzgerald’s singing is very pleading, he really expresses the feeling of the prayer. I keep seeing the image of a flame I want to shield with my hand. The flame is strong but also vulnerable. This is my favourite song of the concert.



Tadgh Fitzgerald

The home videos were a lovely and fun glimpse into lockdown life:

Nathaniel Bates-Fisher's toboggan reminded me of a funny comic book from my childhood. I loved seeing the art that Laurence Davey made and how proud he looks while showing it.


 

I also liked how Mathias Montoro (or ‘Matti’ as Daniel
White says) used his backyard and imagination to go on wild adventures!

Daniel has many talents: singing, holding speeches and even magic! I wonder if he will do a trick for us at a concert next time.

Jack Spicha’s cat Bonzo did great at the Jenga challenge and got to cuddle with Moose as a reward (hmm, or at least one of Moose’s relatives.)


Bonzo and Moose.

I loved and admired the cube solving! It reminded me I haven’t done any cubing lately (mine is now in a position that is so cool but I don’t want to change it as I have no idea how to ever get it back in that position.. maybe I should show it to Freddy Mushrafi and Lewis Quinn and they can explain it to me.) And I don’t think I’ve seen that many people do one of those types of cubes. Excellent job, guys!



Plus we now also know that Libera has its own mini-orchestra among the boys: I’ve seen piano, drumming, violin, trumpet…


Mathias Montoro on drums.

Dominik Clarke on piano

 Not to mention sports (soccer, table tennis, regular tennis)


 ...and making large puzzles!


Lewis Quinn solves a jigsaw puzzle
Hal Avery runs in a box.

The funniest bit was Hal Avery running along the street in a box. I loved how they kept the sound of him banging on a pan in that recording. Hal is hilarious!

 Yorkie pointed out on Twitter that this may have been part of clapping for the NHS, well, in that case, Hal is also doing a great job to keep the spirits up in supporting all the healthcare workers!

It was fun to watch and comforting to know the boys have kept themselves busy during these strange and difficult times.



New Miniboy Joseph with baby sister Anna.

Next up: Smile, which is a heartwarming recording.
Victor Wiggin’s somewhat husky voice and strong high notes paired with the glow of Mathias Montoro’s voice is perfect!
Again, the back row shines in this one too.


Victor Wiggin and Mathias Montoro

Joyful joyful was a bittersweet moment, the ending came much too soon! But it’s a glorious version, with everyone joining in. Precious moment of Daniel White with Luca Brugnoli and Dominik Clarke.


Daniel White (center) with Luca Brugnoli (L) and Dominik Clark

Hmm, shall I just watch it one more time? —surpinto

On June 17th, a great tech-oriented review by gingerthedog:

Get ready for a lengthy and very detailed review!
Speeches: These were so nice, I loved Koji's piano with a picture of Taichi and Koji as a baby. When Victor mentioned being told not to drop the record because it would crack, you can hear an adult laughing behind the camera (I bet it was the same person that told him not to drop the record .)

Total Praise
Wow, a surprise, I was less of a fan when it was first sung in Krakow, but this new recording is growing on me. Daniel has a happy, cheerful solo, with a little bit of an echo. Ben and Matthias join, and have a wonderful trio. This is one of my highlights of the song. Such beautiful blending (thank you sound mixers).

Then, more and more join in to make a really large group of singers, including many lower voices. To my ear they make a huge difference. I love the amens. They come slowly and build in volume and harmony, making luscious and multilayered sound.

The whole choir as a whole sparkles: hard to describe, sort of a shimmer from the octaves being perfectly tuned.

There is a nice section with amazing high vocalises done by Luca and Dominik, extremely in tune and clear.

The end has those perfectly tuned octaves sung in full force, and the shimmering, sparkling sound is extremely resonant. So cool, it’s like listening to an echo chamber. Tuned octaves are so difficult, so congratulations to the boys and the editing team.

Deep Peace
This was my favorite song of the miniconcert. Unexpected, but really well done. I loved hearing so many different solos, every single one was so well sung. It also highlighted a wonderful range of voice types : Oliver: my favorite voice at the moment, he has such an amazing range with ringing, balanced, gentle tones throughout all his notes. Ben: His voice has developed greater depth and maturity, and is a good deal raspier than before, but now it’s quite relaxing, to me like the sound of a seashell. Laurence: Brilliant voice, literally brilliant and shiny, so focused and bright. It has a youthful vigor and a glimmer. Neo: Really strong, vibrant, and gentle.
The editing of this one made use of the sky to show dawn, sunlight/noon, and ending with night. Effective imagery, matching the airy quality of the music

Luca normally has a beautiful and strong vibrato but the editing seemed to morph it so the amplitude was shorter and the wavelength was faster, it sounds different! However, still extraordinary for a boy who just turned 10 (or is about to). The delicate, serene nature of his singing is sounds to me like how soft cloth feels.

The choir is so full and light in this one, extremely vibrant and present yet never forceful. I loved how some boys would join in then ebb away and stop singing, making waves of receding sound

Perfect for the mood of the concert, generally slow, peaceful, and relaxing. I find this song really showcases the voices of the choir right now. Lots of gentle, soft, and childlike-sounding (in a good way!) voices.

O For The Wings Of A Dove
Wow. Dominik is even better than he was in December, he improves so quickly in such a short period of time. This was a solo in its entirety, and as he is 13, perhaps is one of his final chances to record before the voice change. I liked his innate musicality, he has a pure and deep understanding of how to communicate emotions through singing. This comes through in his talent for phrasing, volume, controlling tonal color, and even expressing with his face. He is also very humble, something I picked up on just by watching how he sings. The humble interpretation matches the lyrics and the song very well. My favorite parts were the long lines and crescendos on “forever at rest”.

Ave Maria
Tadgh has really developed his voice, and has a really expressive, warm sound with a nice vibrato. While not a dig at Tadgh’s performance or his singing, I prefer Tom’s version for it’s technical perfection, soft phrasing, and ringing tone. I feel as if Tom’s voice suits the song a little more, as it is more ethereal and light, compared to Tadgh’s grounded and rich voice. Of course, it’s all a matter of personal taste. Tadgh seems to struggle a little bit with phrasing, and creating smooth, connected musical lines. I sometimes felt he was a little tense and anxious, anticipating the more difficult aspects. You could see by watching his expression that he was thinking hard. Nevertheless, incredible talent, and quite enjoyable to listen to.

About the choir: Outstanding, their backing here was my second favorite part of the whole concert. The gentle “amen” parts by the choir as a whole are my highlight for this song

Smile
Victor was made to sing this song, and he does it wonderfully. His pitch is perfect as always (he may have perfect pitch or extremely accurate relative pitch, as I suspected in his quarantine video when he sang a little segment of a song exactly in tune without the use of a reference).
His voice is so mysterious, a little breathy, with slight raspy imperfections that complement his tone. For me, he brings out the wisdom, sadness, longing, AND optimistic hope of this song. I loved Gabe’s rendition of this song as well, which was sung with intuitive understanding. His was a little more bright, while I felt Victor’s darker tonal colors brought out wise and wistful elements of the song.

Matthias just keeps getting better, he is developing a really beautiful low range, lower than most trebles at his age. To me, it sounds like he is just beginning the early stages of voice change, but is one of the lucky boys that has a slow transition. Thus he can sing both treble and lower alto parts with ease. His tonal quality here matched Victor’s exactly; mysterious, wistful, yet somehow also hopeful. What a beautiful voice, I hope this kid gets more chances to record before his range slowly deepens.
In this song, Calam has a wonderful smile on his face the entire time, very genuine. A pleasure to watch

The lower voices really shine, with a prominent role. They have really nice voices that I sometimes wish they could attend in person concerts and be featured more. Really light, clear, pure singing to match that of the trebles.

The ending is incredible, light “aaaahs” that slowly decrescendo, extremely gentle and beautiful singing, especially the low and high voices which hold the same note and frame the middle, moving notes. These seem to float and drift higher, up and away.

Joyful Joyful
I was very impressed by the synchronized mixing of the introductory pizzicato beats on the strings. Those little notes are fast and I believe are really difficult to edit in time
The boys seem to be edited, once again, in their voice groups! The upper two rows being first and second trebles (Luca and Dominik as high firsts on the upper left corner) and the third and fourth rows being third and fourth trebles, and the fifth row being lower voices.

The miniboys get their own row and pop in at times. There is one miniboy who has the biggest grin on his face. While I don’t know who he is, it is lovely to watch him singing, and he perfectly matches this song. There is a nice montage where the upper trebles are in the upper row, the miniboys singing the melody are in the center, and the lower trebles are in the lowest row.
I especially loved watching Dominik and Neo singing this one, they clearly love to sing and effortlessly smile through the whole song.

I also noticed Alex M. dropping out of some higher sections of the song (even for the lower bass-tenor), it seems he is in the midst of developing a fairly deep voice! Striking, as he had such a high treble voice.

Daniel is brilliant, his voice matches the solo. To me his tonal quality sounds bright, cheerful, and welcoming. Dominik and Luca have enchanting descants, extremely well mixed and blended by the sound producers (thoroughly blended with each other as a duet, and with Daniel’s solo as well)

The violins have an extremely technically precise run here that is very well played and lined up audio wise, which really adds to the feeling of the song. I think of the strings here as running water, like a cheerful singing brook.

My favorite part of this song is the ahhs from 2:59 to 3:07, which form a dissonance that is perfect to my ears.

The ending is climactic and powerful, but my favorite quirk… the editors did not cut off every boy at the exact same second, so one boy holds his note out for a tad too long at the end and you can hear his voice alone for a split second (try listening for a high F). Looking through the videos, it appears to be Laurence Davey! This was very pleasant actually, not at all musically off-putting or distracting. He has a very pure, gentle tone that added a sort of “halo effect” (like an echo coming off the end of the song).

Amazing concert, exceeded my expectations!—gingerthedog

Also on June 17th, a Tweet from Libera Passion:


You can now see how many concerts each member has taken part in!You can now use ctrl+f to quickly locate a boy. As usual, clickable pics provide detailed info. Also, some newbies just got in

 


On June 18th, a post from andmar on the Libera Dreams Forum:

Libera has officially announced the Ely concert now. The concert was originally planned for the 6th of June 2020 but due to the coronavirus pandemic it had to be postponed. Those who had bought tickets for the performance received a notification from the cathedral previously. Now the date is confirmed by Libera themselves.

Of course, it's not very convenient as the concert is now planned for a Wednesday, but I'm sure many of us will do the best to come, as we have missed out favourite choir for a while. 

I only hope very much, that the pandemic situation will be under control to that extent, that this concert will take place as planned.—andmar

https://libera.org.uk/event/ely-2020/

Ely2020Announcement.jpg
On June 25th, the EP of Libera's online concert Apart But Together became available for downloading.

 
  • Total Praise
    02:37
  • Deep peace (Gaelic blessing)
    03:17
  • O for the wings of a dove
    02:19
  • Ave Maria
    02:31
  • Smile
    03:33
  • Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee
    03:33

Libera - Apart But Together

Choose your preferred music service
On July 7th, a post from Libera:

 

On July 11th, a post from Patrick on the Libera Dreams Forum:

The libera Fan Club released yesterday July 9th the new yearbook 2019-2020 :)

The release went a bit delayed from the original plan, due to the covid-19 situation, but it is now in the hands of the FC members, or almost.
For the foreign members there is now the international shipment to apply, from the address proxy service (tenso.com in my case). I shall receive mine in a week or two.

The yearbook has 34 pages and tons of photos coming from concerts and outings held in 2019.

Here the cover, as posted by a fan in public on twitter.
Sorry to not share inside pages, the FC rules prohibit publishing materials that are for the members only.


The yearbook is not for sale, it is not possible to order multiple copies. Only one issue is sent per FC member, which represents something from several hundreds to a few thousands people in Japan, and a couple of foreigners abroad.


This 2019-2020 yearbook is the second published by the Fan Club in Japan (see about the 1st edition here).
Let's hope we will have one or two public concerts in late 2020, otherwise there will be little photos available next year for the 2020-2021 issue. —Patrick


LordG wrote:Is it possible to become a member of the Libera Fan Club?
Where do I find it?
You can find it here : https://liberafc.jp

Keep in mind that we are talking about the Japanese fan club, where everything is written in Japanese.
In order to register you will be asked to provide a mail address located in Japan, and there is a 6000 yens fee to pay yearly. Foreign credit cards are accepted.

If you are still interested about becoming a member, I suggest you to read this topic from the start (viewtopic.php?f=36&t=3023), you should find some useful tips there.
 
On September 3rd, a Facebook Post from Steve Walker:
Creative World
A brand new “This is Libera” PV will be posted on the ”Creative World FB page today! (After 5pm in Los Angeles time)

The first 4 episodes will focus on Libera and internationally acclaimed Japanese composers, who have worked with Libera. To avoid missing any upcoming information, please make sure to ”Follow” our FB page. And don’t forget to subscribe our YouTube channel! You can watch our shows via YouTube globally, starting on 9/13!🤗

新しいリベラのプロモ動画が到着!本日ロス時間の夕方5時頃、番組のFBにてアップされ...

See More
 
 

 

Also on September 3rd, Libera posted a new and comprehensive This is Libera promo ad, full of impressive statistics and a few hilarious moments.

 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=149&v=tzL7Cq3OBB0&feature=emb_logo (Promotional Video 2020/3:32)

On September 7th, a posting by Patrick on the Libera Dreams Forum:

 

The social medias of the show 'Creative World' :
- Twitter : https://twitter.com/TCstudio3
- Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/cwtvhollywood
- Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8O0-2 ... cVKKtdol-g
- Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/cwtvhollywood


Can we watch the TV show live ?
I looked for solutions to watch that channel KXLA 44.1 live, but in vain.
Unless you live in the Los Angeles area, it doesn't seem possible to see the show live.

Thankfully the 'Creative World' show says it will go on Youtube one week after the live airing.
So the 1st episode will be on their YouTube channel starting Sunday September 13th, here : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8O0-2 ... cVKKtdol-g


What to expect ?
It is difficult to say yet.
They posted a few studio setup photos and some press Libera photos, all being already known.

On a social post they said :
"Libera will be joining us through their video content during episodes 1-4!
We are also planning to film Libera for the interview very soon!".

So likely the 4 shows will just broadcast official videos related to the composers.
As the interview is said to be recorded very soon, perhaps it will be during the October half term week break ?

Official Libera has just released a new presentation video "This is Libera", and it was immediately picked up by the program on its socials, as they were waiting for it.
Possibly that the video was made by Libera in connection with the 'Creative World' program broadcast.
 
On September 13th, a post on Libera Dreams by Patrick:
 
(Screenshot)
 
Re: Libera on 'Creative World', a Los Angeles TV show

Post by fan_de_LoK » 

At 5pm (Los Angeles time) they published a video on Youtube, as announced.
But surprisingly they decided to split the 30 minutes show in 3 videos of 10 minutes each.
Parts 2 and 3 went posted at 6pm.
 
 
Part 1
 
(Staff introduction, no libera)
Overall, more than half of the show was devoted to Libera.—Patrick

On September 17th, another Libera Dreams post from Patrick:
 
Aled Jones will release a new CD named 'Blessings' on November 6th.

Libera participates on track #8, 'Vespera'.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08JB7GDXQ

It is not said if the recording is recent or not.

Here's the cover of the CD :
189041.jpeg.jpg
And here the link to Apple Music (the track can not be listened to yet):
https://music.apple.com/fr/album/1531963017


In the past, Aled Jones already performed 'Vespera' with Libera [at that year's Classical Brit Awards TV show].
Here's a video from 2005 :
 
On  September 18th, Jimmy Riddle added a link to a review of the CD from the Sydney Arts Guide:

https://www.sydneyartsguide.com.au/aled ... mber-2020/

From the review: The evening blessing – Vespera – takes an uplifting pop beat, as Aled enlists the boy choristers Libera.

“This is such as a wonderful piece of music; I’ve known Robert Prizeman who leads them for years, but this has had a wonderful update which really feels life affirming.  I love these boys so much I had them sing at my wedding!

More from Patrick on Creative World Programming:

Today, September 20, was the 2nd episode of Creative World published on YouTube.




This episode talks about Japanese composer Seiji Kameda (明日へ ~For the Future~) and Libera.
As with last week, the episode is divided in 3 parts of approximately 10 minutes each.


Next week's episode will be about composer Akira Senju (song 'Eternal Light') and Libera.

On September 27th, More from Patrick re Creative World Broadcasts

Camden Stewart in costume during the filming of a video.


Today, September 27 the 3rd episode of Creative World was published on Youtube.

This episode talks about Japanese composer Akira Senju (Eternal Light) and Libera.
It is divided in 2 parts of approx. 15 minutes each.
Surprisingly they did not broadcast the song 'Eternal Light'. I don't get this. 


• Part 1 

Introduction and talk with Akira Senju. No Libera images

At about 7'20'' he talks about how he connected with Libera.


Next week's episode will be the 4th of the series and the last with Libera.
It will be about the composer Michiru Oshima ("You Were There," from the video game ICO).—Patrick

 On October 4th, a note from Patrick: Libera featured on TV


 
The Libera part in the "Harvest Festival" on the Big Church Sing was a 30-second talk introduction by Daniel, followed by the video of 'Morning Has Broken' from the DVD Angels Sing - Libera in America, recorded in 2014.


The Libera part is from 21'25'' to 25'00''

 
On October 22nd, a recent tweet from Aled Jones, retweeted by Libera
 
 
Here’s a little snippet of #Vespera which is taken from my forthcoming album #Blessings.
🎶
The song features the distinctive sound of – the all-boy choir group directed by Robert Prizeman. 
 
Descant on "Vespera" is sung by Luca Brugnoli.

Re-order Blessings here: aledjones.lnk.to/blessingstw
 
On October 24th, a message from surpinto on the Libera Dreams Forum:

As per Jimmy Riddle on twitter Libera members have been featured in a song by a band whose music is intended for children. This song is part of an anti-bullying campaign by the band.

Always good that Libera is involved in an assortment of varied projects as this is always a positive for the choir and for the choristers.

Be warned the videos do not play in certain countries and will either be tagged as generally "unavailable" or as "The uploader has not made this video available in your country". So if you have this issue, like I did, you will need to use a VPN or UK-based proxy so that YouTube thinks you are in the UK.

My advice is to use https://www.4everproxy.com/. Put in the URL

Code: Select all

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R989Rdcqmsc
and then make the webserver and IP location be London.

An alternative is the browser extension Tunnel Bear which can be used for free up to a download of 500 mb; more than sufficient for this video. If those options fail to work for any reason then you will have to search for online proxy and VPN services which work on your system/browser/device. There are many options from browser extensions to fully-featured software suites. Nearly all are only available as paid options so I apologize for not being able to offer more technical support.—surpinto


ANOTHER POST ON LIBERA DREAMS From Jimmy Riddle, re Livestreamed Libera Holiday Concert on December 5th

Thanks to Patrick's (@fan_de_LoK) news discovery this morning, it appears Libera have come to the rescue for us again in these troubled times by holding (x2) Christmas concerts on Sunday 6 December, with a note indicating that the 8pm event will be 'streamed live' (Screenshot below)
 

https://www.sjss.org.uk/whats-on?field_dis_tid%5B%5D=54&when=all&field_date_value_1%5Bmin%5D%5Bdate%5D=&field_date_value_1%5Bmax%5D%5Bdate%5D=&field_tag_tid=All&combine=Libera  (St. John's Smith Square Website Page for Concerts)

On November 5th, a post from filiarheni:

St John's Smith Square

Libera has changed their text on the news site from "We have announced" to a more careful "We are planning to perform". Also in this section, but not yet on their event site - where it ought to appear as well! - they added the hint that the 8:00 pm concert will be streamed live:

"We are planning to perform two concerts on Sunday 6th December at St John’s Smith Square.
The performances – at 5pm and 8pm – will be identical in content, shorter than a full concert with no interval. Because the number of audience seats available in the hall is considerably smaller than usual, the second concert will be streamed live.
Contact the box office on +44 207 222 1061 or visit the booking website.

Details for obtaining a connection to the live stream will follow."

On November 6th, a link to the Aled Jones version of "Vespera," featured a new Libera arrangement and descant by Luca Brugnoli

Also on November 6th, a post on the Libera Dreams Forum by the ever-vigilant Patrick FandeLok:

Something new is cooking about libera on the tv show Creative World.

Three things just popped :

1) Creative World says that this Sunday 8 November they will have "an exciting announcement for Libera fans".
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... &__tn__=-R
This will be broadcast one week later on Youtube.

2) Creative World will have a full show dedicated to Libera. It will be broadcast on Sunday 13 December, and will be visible on Youtube on Saturday 19 December.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... &__tn__=-R
Before their 1st show they posted about 'an interview that was to come soon'. Perhaps it is that.

3) Creative World just shared and completed a post from Nick Centanni about donating to help to have a new Libera tour in the US.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... &__tn__=-R

On November 10th, The Furby from Libera Passion posted a photo identifying the boys who participated in the anti-bullying video "The Kids Are United."

On November 17th, I caught up with a November 10th retweet about the Creative World TV show by Patrick (The Libera Dreams site mysteriously went missing.)

We have an exciting Libera announcement to make, which you can watch here
Right-pointing triangle
youtu.be/_ntch11VMkE For more details, please check out our FB @ ”cwtvhollywood”! #libera #boyschoir

Next episode on the “Creative World”: Taku Miyamoto, a legendary golf photographer! And some music videos of Libera
Clapper board
This episode will be airing on Sunday 6pm (GMT-8). #Golf #photographer #themasters2020

An article on the anti-bullying video in which Libera appears was published in Essex magazine on November 3rd.

On November 21st, the Libera online community rejoiced at the restoration of the Libera Dreams Forum, by the efforts of Steve Walker, Furby, Patrick Fandelok and others. It once again became available at http://www.forum.libera-dreams.com.


On November 28th, a post on the Libera Dreams Forum re the December 6th concert at St. John's Smith Square:
Contact Netnutter

ARe: St John's Smith SQ Christmas Concert 2020 (Dec 6)

Unread post by Netnutter » 

dani wrote: <span title="Sat Nov 28, 2020 8:35 am">3 hours ago</span>So I only just realized the streamed concert isn’t live
Although we can not sell physical programmes, an electronic souvenir programme will be available for download ahead of the concert.

The concert will be streamed – made available to view online – shortly after the end of the second concert. This will be available through the SJSS website. 
Thanks for the update.  

It's a shame that they won't be streaming it live, but I'm sure they have their reasons.  
But at least those that cannot attend the live shows will still be able to see it.

I have checked the SJSS site and other online shows are split between 'Rent' and 'Free'. Rental prices for the on demand videos they currently have seem to be around the £5 mark.
  
From the Libera Site:

St John’s Smith Square Concert Update


There are still a few tickets available for our concerts in St John’s Smith Square (SJSS), London on Sunday 6th December at 5pm and 8pm. They can be purchased from the box office on +44 207 222 1061 or visit the booking website.

Although we can not sell physical programmes, an electronic souvenir programme will be available for download ahead of the concert.

The concert will be streamed – made available to view online – shortly after the end of the second concert. This will be available through the SJSS website.


Add caption

And on November 29th, Libera's 2019 video of "Carol of the Bells" was featured on The Big Church Sing Christmas Special. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSeBSH2 ... e=emb_logo


On December 4th, links to download the program for the December 6th concert were posted on the Libera Dreams Forum with (non-spoiler) comments from fans:

Re: St John's Smith SQ Christmas Concert 2020 (Dec 6)

Post by Netnutter » 

Post

 by Netnutter 

PROGRAMS!! PROGRAMS!! GET YOUR  SJSS PROGRAMS HERE!! ONLY £3

https://libera.org.uk/news/st-johns-smi ... programme/
or
https://libera.org.uk/product/sjss-program-2020-pdf/

Libera now have the Souvenir Program for the concert available on their website.

Wow. They have 42 boys listed.


Some pics from our soundcheck at








Re: St John's Smith SQ Christmas Concert 2020 (Dec 6)

Post by theriverflowson » 

Very nice Program (27 pages) with a lot of interesting pictures (for example from the production of 'Carol of the Bells' video and some Christmas motives), totally worth 3 GBP!  :D

I guess we should hold back with Spoilers who will (or will not  :cry: ) attend, right? Guys, buy the program and check it out!

On December 6th, Information on the concert livestream:

GlennJalmas wrote:
A new update for the streaming. 

https://libera.org.uk/news/st-johns-smi ... rt-stream/
Thank you! Here's what it says (to have it directly):

"As previously announced, our concert on Sunday 6th December at St John’s Smith Square will be recorded and the video will be made available to be viewed online after the concert. We expect the video to be available online at 8pm (UTC) on Wednesday 9th December via the St John’s streaming platform. It will be available for pre-order some time ahead of the stream going live, and we will provide an update when pre-orders goes live."

First Half Concert Report:

Re: St John's Smith SQ Christmas Concert 2020 (Dec 6)

Unread post by Mr W 

Sooooo pleased I made it down to London for the concert.

It was certainly “different”. I would guess an audience of 200 or so, all separated out very efficiently by the SJSS staff. Quite a few empty seats which I imagine were bought by people who then could not travel. It didn’t spoil the concert.

The choir started with the choir all seated on the stage, showing great self-discipline to just sit there, backs turned, from around 4:45 pm until the concert started. Programme ran for approx 70min.

No Robert Prizeman, and a brief message that his absence was related to the whole pandemic situation. My guess is that he is probably isolating, as he has been in contact with someone who is infected. Stephen Geraghty did an excellent job of conducting the choir.

The programme was as published, I liked the new songs, although “If” will need to grow on me. "I Saw Three Ships" as encore.

"Sing for our World" was introduced as just translated from Indonesian. I loved this song. The lads looked like they enjoyed singing it too.

Solos from (if I remember correctly, apologies if any omissions) Tadgh Fitzgerald, Daniel White, Victor Wiggin, Luca Brugnoli.






Libera Singers


Solos

In the Bleak Midwinter - Dominik Clarke Walking in the Air - Luca Brugnoli If - Daniel White Sing Lullaby - Dominik Clarke The Angel Gabriel - Victor Wiggin Carol of the Bells - Dominik Clarke & Daniel White, last ding-dong by Daniel Castalogna Deep Peace - Tadgh Fitzgerald (first concert), Frederick Mushrafi & Oliver Watt-Rodriguez Nöel Nouvelet - Victor Wiggin, Frederick Mushrafi & Oliver Watt-Rodriguez Poor Little Jesus - Luca Brugnoli



On December 7th, another review on the Libera Dreams Forum:


Re: St John's Smith SQ Christmas Concert 2020 

Post by dani »

I suck at doing long detailed concert reviews, so I will just give my views on the first concert.

Due to the pandemic I was amazed I was even able to see them this year and I was super excited for what lay ahead.

We had been spoiled, as we could download the programthreedays in advance & I was looking forward to the three new songs the most. 

It was a strange start, as the boys came in 15 mins before the start and all went to the stage and sat down with their backs to the audience. With so many boys and staff it was I assume the only place to be due to all the restrictions and places being closed on a cold Sunday night in London.

 I will have to hear
Let Me Make Songs for the People again on the stream as I simply don’t remember it.

In the Bleak MidwinterDominic Clarke did the solo, and considering he is 13 his voice is still fantastic and I don’t think he struggled all night.

If - was Daniel White on solo and the boys backing him and I absolutely loved it. Daniel had a lot to do and I think he nailed it.

Deep Peace - So Tadgh Fitzgerald got the solo on this and unfortunately he struggled which isn’t his fault—it’s his age and it happens to all boys in a choir. He was replaced for the second concert and I think we heard his last solo unfortunately as he had been a outstanding treble for the choir.

Sing For the World - the last song so I need to hear it again as I felt like it wasn’t a very Libera song but I ended up enjoying it because the boys were so clearly happy and into the song. Their enthusiasm made me love it by the last notes.


I Saw Three Ships was the encore which I was happy about, as I think Sam Coates has remixed a great song to suit the Libera style.

It was a really enjoyable concert and considering how little traditional practice they would of had to get concert ready you wouldn’t of known. 

Luca Brugnoli , Freddie Mushrafi, Daniel White, Dominic Clarke, and Victor Wiggin all had great nights.—dani


On December 8th, a post from GlennJalmas on the Libera Dreams Forum

The streamed concert is now available for purchase in the SJSS website Scheduled premiere for £10 and with a £1.75 online booking fee.



On December 9th, Libera released a concert video of "Ding Dong Merrily on High." 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghqtlJWOCMY&feature=youtu.be (Ding-Dong Merrily on High/2020 Holiday Concert in St. John's Smith Square/3:35)

A message re streaming the concert from St. John's Smith Square:
The video is released for view at 8pm (GMT) this evening and can be watched at any time from then until the end of 6th January 2021.
There is also a maximum of 6 individual browser sessions (if you close and restart the browser). If possible, I would recommend using a browser or device that keeps the tab open.
As the programme has already been recorded, you will be able to pause and restart at any time so don’t worry about interruptions.
You also don’t need to click on the event as soon as the content becomes available, but whenever is convenient to you.

Please only click the link from the released time to avoid you being locked out of the stream.

Padmachou wrote: Did you notice a change in the boys' look ? I can give you a clue, it's not white  :D Probably they could not change in SJSS so they came with "it"...
I hadn't noticed but someone already pointed it out to me. Their shoes!

I presume it wasn't possible because they came in from outside. They arrived 15 minutes before the start of the concert, took their coats off and piled them at the back on the left (coincidentally right next to me in the first concert!) and then filled on stage and after taking their face masks off all turned away from the audience and sat down on the stage.

I'm guessing they did this because the artist facilities in SJSS are too cramped for social distancing.A1
2
17

On December 12th, a visual assist from padmachou on the Libera Dreams Forum:
 Image
I count 37 boys on stage, so maybe not everyone from the program's list made it.
Miniboys circled from left to right : first one is Joseph, third one is Freddie Mushrafi's little brother Thomas. Here are the names of every boy on stage.
From left to right:

1st row : Alexandre Menuet, Daniel White, Victor Wiggin, Koji Shinokubo, Frederick Mushrafi, Luca Brugnoli
2nd row : Tadgh Fitzgerald, Laurence Davey, Laurence Taylor, Oliver Watt-Rodriguez, Dominik Clarke, Daniel Catalogna
3rd row : Miniboy Joseph, Morgan Whiltshire, Hal Avery, Lewis Quinn, Jack Spicha, Ethan Barron, Mathias Montoro
4th row : Frederick Day, Cameron Birmingham, Luke Batteson-Dialpaz, Neo Parson, Ludwik Kowalczyk, Unnamed Miniboy
5th row : Unnamed Mini-boy, Thomas Mushrafi, Calam Tamana, John Gardner, Ben Bywater, Nathaniel Bates-Fisher, Unnamed Mini-boy, Unnamed Mini-boy
6th row : Peter Kielty, Cameron Stewart, Alex Montoro, Taichi Shinokubo

LIBERA STREAMED CONCERT REVIEW; DECEMBER 6th, 2020 



The rollicking carol below was released by Libera a day or two ahead of a live-streamed concert held at St. John’s Smith Square, a church-turned-concert-venue in London. Two concerts were performed that day before a socially distanced live audience, and the second was videoed for streaming, becoming available from the SJSS website on December 9th.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghqtlJWOCMY (Ding Dong Merrily on High/12-6-20/3:31)


Visible L to R: Alexandre Menuet, Luke Batteson-Dalpiaz, ?, Laurence Davey, Neo Parson,  Daniel White, Laurence Taylor, Ethan Barron, Victor Wiggin, Oliver Watt-Rodriguez, Koji Shinokubo, Daniel Catalogna, Freddie Mushrafi.



The quality of the entire performance can only be called astounding, considering that:

1. Director Robert Prizeman was unable to be present, due to exposure to covid-19 (Assistant Musical Director Steven Geraghty, who has been associated with the group for nearly a quarter-century, filled in seamlessly).


2. All of the rehearsals for the musically complex and vocally demanding program of 13 songs plus encore (three of them never before performed by the group) were held online,with only a brief in-person pre-concert run-through and sound check with the entire group.


3. The soloist for” Deep Peace,” the brilliant Tadgh Fitzgerald, was apparently ambushed by impending voice-change in the first concert, thus the solo was transferred to the first row of treble singers for the streamed video.


4. Of the 36 singers onstage (a number of recent alumni participated in the concert, resulting in even richer low harmonies than usual), six were “miniboys,” that is, seven- and eight-year-old singers in training. Although they had taken part briefly in an online concert released on YouTube in June, this was the first time that these boys had song with the choir in person, and their very first time before a live audience. These little ones appeared as poised and composed as their older counterparts, especially considering that:

 

5. The group had already performed the entire concert for a different audience earlier in the day, without benefit of intermission in either one (to discourage mingling), and had had only a brief respite in between. (Perhaps it might be expected that older boys could muster and maintain that level of attention and energy without slumping, faltering, or twitching, but for seven- and eight-year-olds to do so is rather amazing, especially as, for safety reasons…

 

6. …the boys took their positions onstage 15 minutes before the concert (to allow the audience to be seated) and sat motionless with backs turned until the beginning of the concert.)

 

A second carol was released by Libera on 12/13/20:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWpOU3aCX_I&fbclid=IwAR3N5QEeiPj859_FK-i9g7qBIsyg9vcfuS9TBMudrFZDj7HJPOVO7GN5vSg (In the Bleak Midwinter/solo by Dominik Clarke/12-6-20/4:31)

Veteran soloists Daniel White (who also seemed to be acting as unofficial MC), Victor Wiggin, Dominik Clarke, and the preternaturally accomplished nine-year-old Luca Brugnoli were all in fine voice.

Tadgh Fitzgerald (L) and Luca Brugnoli


Dominik Clarke


There were two new soloists: Freddy Mushrafi, (his little brother Thomas was the youngest onstage), who not only sang beautifully, but took part with great poise in several of the narrative speeches given at intervals between songs. 


"Small Daniel"

 

The second “newbie” was “Small Daniel” Castalogna (as opposed to “Big Daniel” White), who brightly provided to solo line that ends the group's unusual—and annually chart-topping—arrangement of” Carol of the Bells.” 

 

Of the three new songs, by far the most spectacular was “Sing for Our World,” with music and original lyrics by Elwin Hendrijanto translated from the Indonesian; it could well become a signature song for the group.

 

The video’s visual quality leaves a bit to be desired, mostly because of the limited static positioning of the cameras dictated by Covid caution, but the audio is superb, the musicians accomplished, and the arrangements complex and moving.

 

The streamed concert is now available for purchase in the SJSS website Scheduled premiere for £10 and with a £1.75 online booking fee. This gets you six views of it between 12/9 and 1/6/20.

On December 16th, Furby on the Libera Passion site posted the latest roster of members for the recent concert:

https://libera-passion.exprimetoi.net/t1110-apercu-des-membres-actuels-maj-decembre-2020 

Singers from the previous concert noted as not participating were: Samuel-Francis Collins, Alex Gula, Felipe Jackson. Joe Cranitch, and Nathan Slater.


On December 16th, a note from USLibera on Twitter:

Libera was a guest on the Los Angeles TV show "Creative World" this week. The episode will be available on YouTube after 5pm, this Saturday, Dec 18 on the CW Channel (look for episode 15). bit.ly/3moOw7w #libera #boyschoir #tv #episode #creativeworld #losangeles
Image
...And a review of the December 6th Concert video by the Furby:

Hello, I know much has already been written and I’m quite late, but as I'm rarely given the opportunity to review a concert of Libera, here I am (first time in English so please excuse any weird turn of phrase)


After watching it for the second time, I can say this concert is a real breath of fresh air. How much I missed them.

I must say that I am absolutely amazed by the quality of the performance, as we know the specific rehearsing conditions (if "rehearsing" is even the appropriate term) the group had to go through lately, due to the constraints imposed by the pandemic context. Reading Robert Prizeman's note on the souvenir program - very interesting to learn more about how Libera handled the lockdown and then the restrictions - I was really expecting something a bit sketchy. Quite the opposite, we got the very high level of performance which Libera has accustomed us to, even including - how dare they - new songs! In fact, only some details remind us of the particular context: the masked boys, their early arrival on stage turning their backs to the audience, the obligatory spacing which leaves no room for choreography.

I was also surprised by the quality of the audio recording, and happy to see that the filming restrictions still allowed shooting from multiple angles, so that it doesn’t feel too static.

Let Me Make Songs for the People. This previously unheard track left me with very few impressions the first time I heard it, yet I really enjoyed it on the second listen. It is a hymn with unsurprising though very varied arrangements, a song that gains some depth with each new listen. For me this piece felt like a love letter by Prizeman for his art (he composed the music) with the feeling that whatever happens, this music must go on.

In the Bleak Midwinter. I am very impressed by Dominik Clarke's performance throughout the whole concert, with impeccable pitch from start to end, without apparent effort, brilliant through every solo or descant – the latter stand out especially well in the mix. Magnificent.

Walking in the Air. Although this track has been over-recorded by many artists, I still remember the chills when I first heard Libera’s version - sung by Luca Brugnoli - on the last album. Love the solo part as much as the arrangements. Luca is truly phenomenal, and again, what a voice!

Ding Dong Merrily. I have always loved this song, it is kind of an ode to joy for me, not to mention the medieval arrangements that I am very fond of. For this live version the clarity of the vocals is incredible despite the hectic tempo, melodic tangle and frenetic delivery. I still can't figure out how they manage to catch their breath for the final take off. Once again I really like how certain voices stand out and allow us to appreciate certain components that are usually more subdued, like Luca on the a capella section.

If. Another new, lovely piece, very dramatic, with this hammering piano that counterbalances the slowness of the melody and adds much tension. Daniel White delivers a solo that, although sometimes slightly off pitch, is really poignant. I can't wait to discover a studio version with the music video coming soon.

Sing Lullaby. I remember it wasn't one of the songs that touched me the most on the last album, but the more I listen to it the more captivating it gets. Dominik' Clarke's solo is superb, delivered with a plain, gentle mastery.

The Angel Gabriel. Glad to find this song in the setlist. Even though it is a quite conventional piece, there is some melancholy about the melody and Victor Wiggin's voice quality that carries me away every time.

Carol of the Bells. Now a classic in the repertoire, firstly released almost 10 years ago (!) Very happy to hear "Small Daniel" Catalogna's voice on the finale, giving a feeling of self-confidence and clarity. Once again the mix allows us to clearly hear Dominik Clarke’s perfectly pitched descants.

Deep Peace. I’m quite unconvinced by this chorus version of the main part, but we know it was quite a last minute change. Fortunately enough, we can cherish a recording of Tadhg Fitzgerald's voice in solo on last June’s Ave Maria.

Noël Nouvelet. I was really delighted to see that this piece made it to the setlist. This is my favorite track on the last Christmas album, with its medieval arrangements and Oliver Watt-Rodriguez's solo. On this live version his voice and Frederick's combine very well. I also find Frederick Mushrafi is an excellent speaker - his diction deserves some praise.

Poor Little Jesus. I don't know why I didn’t give this track more attention when I first listened to it on the last album. Now this version really moved me, it's powerful and melancholic. And Luca Brugnoli excels once again on his solo.

Total Praise. Just like the piece above, I am surprised to rate it as one of my favorite tracks from the concert, although I had skipped it quite easily until then (I think I got stuck on the first WYD version). I especially like how the voices stand out very clearly on the final, powerful crescendo.

Sing For Our World. New song, loved it. We're quite off the usual tracks, and I'm totally hooked. At first I wondered what exotic instrument they were using at the beginning of the song, before realizing it was the boys' voices! In some parts the vocal fireworks even reminded me of this song  by Angel Voices. It’s rhythmic, catchy, with a very pleasant melody, like a film soundtrack telling a story. Very suitable for the end of a concert and, thematically speaking, a perfect fit for the current context.

I Saw Three Ships. Another song that I really enjoy, happy and catchy, perfect to conclude a concert that feels like coming back home after a long day.

Thank you Libera and SJSS for allowing us to experience a beautiful moment.—Furby




On December 20th, a post by filiarheni on the Libera Dreams Forum, with information about an interview appearance by Libera On an LA-based TV program called Creative World.
A superb interview by Creative World with Victor Wiggin, Freddie Mushrafi, Neo Parson, Koji Shinokubo and Daniel White and Shin Matsuba as the interviewer was released today. Despite the short length of only 15 minutes, there was time enough for getting plenty of interesting information with some amazing responses by the boys - and some to laugh at quite a bit!  :D Fortunately it wasn't just talking back and forth, but simply questions with as much time as possible given to the boys. I really loved it!

I may be doing a spoiler now listing all the questions, but as I meant this thread to offer an orientation also for later times, please just skip it, if you haven't heard the interview yet and don't want to know anything prematurely.




  1. Age now and age when joining Libera, nationalities, language knowledge
  2. Reason for joining Libera
  3. What was the process of the audition and what did it feel like?
  4. Training for new boys before concerts and tours
  5. Do you and how do you practise at home?
  6. How did you keep occupied during the lockdown?
  7. Did you practise at home?
  8. Which countries did you travel with Libera?
  9. Favourite Libera song?
  10. Which was the most memorable tour and why?
  11. What's your favourite part of being in Libera?
  12. What was the most memorable experience with Libera?
  13. Christmas concerts in the past
  14. Favourite Libera Christmas song and why?
  15. What are you looking forward to during the Christmas season?
  16. What comes to your mind when hearing the word "creative"?
  17. Message to the audience
A selection of replies which stood out for me in a particular way, while the entire interview is worth listening to:

At 6'20'' Neo reveals they're practicing for a new album. youtube.com/watch?v=nDbbF8

9. Neo's favourite song is Libera being their theme song and meaning "a lot to the choir"; he also likes the lyrics' meaning (!) and admitted to be biased in his choice for having a solo there. 

12. While Victor and Neo liked rides in the U.S. and Japan, Freddie mentioned a concert and I thought wow, but then he continued with the main part of enjoyment being a swimming pool in the back. 

16. This is a question whose replies I was very curious about. I love to hear Neo suggesting composing music as being especially creative. The most amazing and grown-up response came from Daniel which I want to quote here in full length, as it did impress me: 

"The first thing is probably just colours, lots of colours, I've always thought of creative as colours, it kind of links to art a bit. Creative to me means kind of full of life, always seeking new things, challenging what you already know, always questioning everything, but in a healthy way."

And finally, their messages to the fans are so friendly, for example with Freddie wishing us to get well through these times and hoping to see us as soon as possible and Daniel thanking the fans for their support in the most charming way. 

That's a really uplifting interview all along! 
—filiarheni

On December 25th, a charming holiday message from Libera appeared on YouTube, featuring Dominik Clarke, Neo Parson, Koji Shinokubo, Joseph (whose last name nobody was sure of at this point), and Thomas Mushrafi.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMBhgtK0xqc&feature=youtu.be


Earlier in the week, a video of "Poor Little Jesus," from the December 6th concert with Luca Brugnoli soloing, became available, and "I Saw Three Ships" was promised for December 27th.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYPDk-XX-1U (Poor Little Jesus/solo by Luca Brugnoli/3:01)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZzsYsesXg8 (I Saw Three Ships)


On December 28th, a post from Jimmy Riddle on the Libera Dreams Forum:



For those yet to watch the concert, you may have an opportunity via Viking TV...on New Years Eve.

End of Part 13; 

For Part 14 (January 1st - Present, 2021: https://liberahisttimelinepart14.blogspot.com/2021/01/last-updatedrevised-on-january-1st-2021.html