Hello, everyone. Eventually, I had a opportunity to go to Libera’s concert tour. Honestly, that was my first time to see for my favorite singers or groups. So, I was more excited than ever I went any concerts. Because, I had several times to see my host family of friend’s bands by consequences in overseas or while I was out and encountered to see a band at malls or streets however, unfortunately mostly I didn’t know…
This is going to be a long story and be aware and don’t stop reading. Because for sure, you will amaze how great singers(groups?) I met. Specially, people who loves modern music and classic music, new ages, I want to dedicate my passion for them! It’s going to be 2 parts.
If you don’t know what Libera is..
Libera is a non-profit all-boy English vocal group directed by Robert Prizeman. Most members come from the parish choir of St. Philip’s, Norbury, in South London. The albums, tours and TV appearances they do as Libera are in addition to their regular singing as part of the full choir of men and boys at parish choral services. They come from a variety of backgrounds in the London area, attending many different schools, including local state schools, church schools and performing arts schools. Libera recruits boys from any religious denomination and even those with no religious affiliations. Most join between the ages of seven and ten, however older boys may join if they have the appropriate singing abilities.[1][2]
According to a Songs of Praise TV special that aired January 25, 2009, the group has approximately 40 members between the ages of seven and 16, including new boys who are not yet ready to fully participate in albums or tours. Nineteen boys participated in their 2008 US tour. Twenty-four boys sang for the album New Dawn.
The group’s name comes from its signature song. “Libera,” which is based on the Libera Me portion of the Requiem Mass. “Libera” is the Latin word for “free”.
Libera had 2 days concert on 13th and 14th. I went to the first day on 13th. There were crowded outside of the hall and people were waiting to open the door before 15 minutes or so. The concert started a bit late approximately 5 minutes late.
One of Libera member announced to Audiences about caution in the concert.
Maybe, audiences waited for few minutes … then..
First, musicians came out at background – 4 Japanese ladies who plays Violins, Viola and Chero and Percussion – Simon Roth and Keyboard, clarinet and recorder – Steven Geraghty sat down and waited for the rest of main boys.
First song : “Jubiate Deo“
Few boys appeared slowly singing Jubiate Deo under the luxuriously lights of yellow… then, another libera member lined up. The Main solo was Barney and Cassius (if its wrong tell me..) .
When I see Barney on TV, he looks really enjoying singing on stages and finally i saw his great smile and confidence that I felt from him too. ( Oh maybe was he nervous ?)
As soon as next song was sang, it was “Libera“. I love this song since when I became a fan in 2005. This song is very familar to me, yet I don’t remember the lyrics. I should remember and sing together… Who sang with them during the concert ? Solo was Ralph. I thought somewhat other boy would sing the part but he did ! YAY. I immediately thought that he can sing in high notes than I expected. Ralph, you did well.
First speech was Barney and Cassius? Barney spoke in english for introducing about Libera.”We are Libera. ~~” Subtitile was at background in Japanese. (I think so..if i can remember.. )
Barney tried to talk in Japanese a lot ! Wow, amazing ! He must try hard to remember Japanese as he can possible but accidentaly… Ooops he forgot. One second posed. He was calmed and continued … No problem, Barney ! It was perfect and glad to hear your Japanese !
Song of life, OH MYYYYYYYYYY , this song is my best song as I was asked by RALPH when it was MEET AND GREET time after the concert. R: “Which song was (is ) your favorite(best) song?“ I said “Of course song of life. Because you had a solo for that!”
Immediately, Ralph’s smile was more bigger and happy face !! ‘ Oh, thank you.” ( I will update this at part 2.)
I don’t know if Ralph remember this conversation but I was happy for the question that he asked me ~~. Anyway..Back to the concert reporting, Boys stood.. I waited to see who was going to stand at the middle. It was Ralph ! Yay! I could see his face smiling and had a confidence to sing. I thought Ralph have a difficulty to sing in high notes a bit since everyone says but NO WORRIES. The high voice he sang was great !! I was expected him ~.
THANK YOURALPHHHHI LOVE YOU ~~
Sanctissima ・・・ohhhh my fav song ! Ben P was singing this song before. Now this time, Ralph sang for us! Thank you Ralph ~~ for singing this song. This melody and harmony… I LOVE IT!
I think there was other speech time between Song of life or Sanctissimma and Sanctus in English. They talked about moose holidng a moose peppet by Cassius and other boy. The moose is their mascott for long time but Why Moose ? Moose is a Canadian animal. I thought the mascott was brough to Libera after the Canada tour. But it seems not. I don’t know and I don’t remember why it is mascott for Libera.
I am not sure if it was mistaken in Japanese but next song was supposed to be “I vow to thee my country but the Japanese translation was “Sanctus” again… ?! Why ?
“Sanctus” was sooo good. I was concetrated on this lovely, familar song because this is also one of my fav in 2nd album CD （Im saying withouth remembering…)
The introduction started..then.. “I ~ vow ~to thee my country began~ ! Ben C’s well known song !! (With Joe P or Tom C). The solo was Matthew J with Thomas and Dylan ! I never saw Dylan sang on Song of Praise or any other videos that I have ever seen. Cool. I now know Dylan’s voice. (Although I can’t remember right now)
“Eternallight” . Yup, you know who sang this plus one more person ? Of course him and him! So far, Only he is the one who can sing better!! STEFAN and RALPH ! ( Wait, i didn’t mean the other boys can’t sing well but so far well-known and the song is for especially Steph ! him) They were great singer as I heard on Video clip I love the Stefan’s soft, lovely voice. I love Ralph’s voice when boyish voice. I don’t think he has a low voice but the type is more like Josh Madine.
Salva me. WOW. If i could go to Libera’s concert during 2000 or 2001. I think I could hear Steven’s high voice. “Salvaaaa meee”. Aww. No Steven was sitting at the back and playing
Jude spoke about libera’s musicians . YAY STEVEN. I saw you ~~ since I like your solo songs “Vespera” and “salva me” in 2001 ~.
The last song before the interval time was “Excultate“. Solo was Stephan. This is my fav. I realised that Stephan’s voice is actually lovelier than I thought. Thanks to HIM. The harmony was GREAT !!!!!
Little pocket story: ….
Some little boys were tired or not, they were yawing during the concert which I was a bit concerned for the starting time was late for under 12 years old boys.. And I also was concerned that the Meet and Greet wasn’t going to happen ( but happened even the boys were so tired !!!!! )
A boy who was standing in right side ( I don’t remember when or who but little brondy boy ), I thought “was he ok? what’s wrong with him?” Because he was moving and trembling his legs.. ( Kinda he was nervous?!)
Matt ( can I call you Matt (Matthew M?! ) , I thought that he is always simple, no emotional face on TV and as well as the concert HOWEVER Maybe he is so serious to sing. Of course he sang well and better at anytime!!! Just I noticed or thats what I thought about him. I want to listen his solo oneday! Please , Matthew M. !!
Um, what’s else. Oh when boys took positions for each songs, at the last moment before the song begin (lighten up), a boy whispered to adjust the positions. Did anybody hear that?
OK, so NOW, here is a clip from Japanese TV show! On 13th April, Libera was appeared on TV “Sukkiri”.
If you don’t know Libera and interested in who they are, just go to Libera’s official site. And if you can read Japanese and want to follow up their latest news go to Japanese Libera website.
I am not a member of choir or I neither am a christian or religious….I am not a fan but only Libera. But listen the song if you love to listen Choir or for raising good moods.
Bye for sleep…
Zzzz
p.s Next : Photos ! Looking forward for it ! See you next time ! xo
! Ben C’s well known song !! (With Joe P or Tom C). The solo was Matthew J with Thomas and Dylan ! I never saw Dylan sang on Song of Praise or any other videos that I have ever seen. Cool. I now know Dylan’s voice. (Although I can’t remember right now)
