UK Cathedral Concerts in 2024

[Surpinto]

I'm shocked that anybody would compare the performing circus that is the choir(s) of WSK with the glory that is Libera

Seriously though WSK do their own thing and it works for them. Why would Libera want to be the same?

Agreed! As everyone has already said, Libera is not like other choirs....not at all. Some have even taken to calling it a "band" or "group" but I think we all (as serious fans) reject that label on both cultural and musical grounds.

Now, to keep things on topic, we know they have plenty of experience setting up the sound at various churches and cathedrals, but, and unlike Ely, these are more novel venues. They have (to my knowledge) never sung in Lincoln, and a concert in Chester in 2010 was too long ago for them to remember how things were set up. I have no doubts that they'll set up the acoustics perfectly, but I'm sure it must be a challenge to work in a new space.

[filiarheni]

Those cathedrals were designed to have amazing acoustics. Boys have sung in them for hundreds of years without the need for microphones and speakers. Why do we suddenly need them now?

This would have been worth an own topic.

To give my two pence: In addition to what has already been said, I think that they couldn't work out their choreographic feature to such an extent of variety, as you cannot rely on a sound check before the concert, because the positions of the different voice groups and even split voice groups change all the time. Other choirs stand still or, even if they change their positions, they still normally stand there as a compact group, in a rectangular or a slight semi-circle. Libera, as opposed to that, moves all the time. The sound might get chaotic and I imagine that it would be difficult also for them to hear a changing sound.

The second is what impressed me right during my very initial Libera hours, when I found them: They treat their voices so carefully. Microphones allow them to do that, and this gentle treatment of the voice is audible. I love(d) this. During the next rehearsal in own choir, I imitated it out of interest - and suddenly I reached the highest notes with less effort. It was double enjoyment for me to know Libera gave something like this to me as well apart from their music. Sometimes, when I'm not sufficiently able to relax myself when singing, I think of them and it does have an effect. But I'm wandering away, so back to them:
Yes, they handle their voices with care. They are not forced to train their voice up to mastering the singing over other singers or instruments or to fill different kinds of rooms (different churches have different acoustics) reliably. It's something I watched with German boys choirs and with Windsbach in particular, when I saw them in Nuremberg two years ago. This is an excellent choir having a straight forward, extremely bright sound. However, as far as their voices can carry the sound, they are trained in a way for it that just wouldn't suit Libera's crossover kind.

[Luckdragon]

Now, to keep things on topic, we know they have plenty of experience setting up the sound at various churches and cathedrals, but, and unlike Ely, these are more novel venues. They have (to my knowledge) never sung in Lincoln, and a concert in Chester in 2010 was too long ago for them to remember how things were set up. I have no doubts that they'll set up the acoustics perfectly, but I'm sure it must be a challenge to work in a new space.

Sure, but but the good news is that both cathedrals are host to many types of live events. I'm sure they'll have experienced people on hand to assist. Did you know that at Chester, they can remove the pews and lay down artificial turf to create a picnic-like atmosphere? How would you like to experience Libera like that?

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2024-06-13_13-45-50.jpg (194.78 KiB) Viewed 2219 times

[Padmachou]

The second is what impressed me right during my very initial Libera hours, when I found them: They treat their voices so carefully. Microphones allow them to do that, and this gentle treatment of the voice is audible. I love(d) this. During the next rehearsal in own choir, I imitated it out of interest - and suddenly I reached the highest notes with less effort. It was double enjoyment for me to know Libera gave something like this to me as well apart from their music. Sometimes, when I'm not sufficiently able to relax myself when singing, I think of them and it does have an effect. But I'm wandering away, so back to them:
Yes, they handle their voices with care. They are not forced to train their voice up to mastering the singing over other singers or instruments or to fill different kinds of rooms (different churches have different acoustics) reliably. It's something I watched with German boys choirs and with Windsbach in particular, when I saw them in Nuremberg two years ago. This is an excellent choir having a straight forward, extremely bright sound. However, as far as their voices can carry the sound, they are trained in a way for it that just wouldn't suit Libera's crossover kind.

OMG yes thank you for mentioning that ! I have made the same experience and I think Libera has changed the way I sing for the better. They do not try to mold the voice in some sort of "perfect way" either, they let the boys' personalities show through their voice. And yes the quality of sounds, from very soft to loud, they make, is related to the use of mics. I think Joseph Hill is currently making it quite obvious, he sometimes sings in a way you barely hear and strings something tearful inside you... while he is able to be loud.... aaaand yes we are back to The Prayer as someone mentioned earlier...

[gingerthedog1]

Another reason for the mics is that they help to minimize the reverb so that their sound remains the same, despite the fact that each venue has a different acoustic. The choir can sound the same (or similar) in a cathedral with a 7 second reverberation and a concert hall with no reverb at all with the right sound mixing.

You can hear this during rehearsals in cathedrals, where the reverberation is present, and then a concert in the same space, where it is still present, but there is much less of it.

[Luckdragon]

Another reason for the mics is that they help to minimize the reverb so that their sound remains the same, despite the fact that each venue has a different acoustic. The choir can sound the same (or similar) in a cathedral with a 7 second reverberation and a concert hall with no reverb at all with the right sound mixing.

You can hear this during rehearsals in cathedrals, where the reverberation is present, and then a concert in the same space, where it is still present, but there is much less of it.

Don't they try to keep SOME of the cathedral sound when performing in a cathedral? I think Prizeman's songs sound especially nice with my equalizer set for cathedral, although not so much for the more recent songs.

I've only seen them live in a modern American church (L.A. 2023), so it was the standard sound as you describe. Fortunately, I sat close enough to hear their natural voices before they went through the mixer. It really helped me appreciate how talented they are.

[Yorkie]

Don't they try to keep SOME of the cathedral sound when performing in a cathedral? I think Prizeman's songs sound especially nice with my equalizer set for cathedral, although not so much for the more recent songs.

No, I would say they don't although the setting helps the lighting & general aesthetic.

I have been to concerts where they used the cathedral organ and that was special.

[gingerthedog1]

Another reason for the mics is that they help to minimize the reverb so that their sound remains the same, despite the fact that each venue has a different acoustic. The choir can sound the same (or similar) in a cathedral with a 7 second reverberation and a concert hall with no reverb at all with the right sound mixing.

You can hear this during rehearsals in cathedrals, where the reverberation is present, and then a concert in the same space, where it is still present, but there is much less of it.

Don't they try to keep SOME of the cathedral sound when performing in a cathedral? I think Prizeman's songs sound especially nice with my equalizer set for cathedral, although not so much for the more recent songs.

I've only seen them live in a modern American church (L.A. 2023), so it was the standard sound as you describe. Fortunately, I sat close enough to hear their natural voices before they went through the mixer. It really helped me appreciate how talented they are.

From what I've heard, they have their own ideal sound mix which they try to replicate every performance, so they have to completely counteract any natural cathedral acoustics. Then, they can insert their own reverb/sound effects.

Of course, it's all speculation on my part.

[Citlec]

To swing the discussion back to Chester. There are some nice photos from a verger at Chester:

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So looking through the photos it seems there are fixed stone seats either side just before the organ, but everything else is moveable. I think the best bet for Libera might be to set up the stage for the boys in the space in front of the Crossing. Unless they can build over those stone seats? And then either musicians at the back or in the arches at the side?

[Surpinto]

Thanks for this! If they build the stage in a similar manner as the first picture, I would expect musicians at the back with the choir entering stage from the two sides. That seems like the best arrangement.

[fan_de_LoK]

Some high-resolution aerial views of the Cathedrals and landscapes surrounding of the next two concerts, in Chester and Lincoln

• Chester
    
   
   
• Lincoln
  

[theriverflowson]

Some high-resolution aerial views of the Cathedrals and landscapes surrounding of the next two concerts, in Chester and Lincoln

Great views that increase the anticipation, thanks Patrick! Btw, is anyone having recommendations for Evensongs / services nearby?

[Surpinto]

Some high-resolution aerial views of the Cathedrals and landscapes surrounding of the next two concerts, in Chester and Lincoln

Great views that increase the anticipation, thanks Patrick! Btw, is anyone having recommendations for Evensongs / services nearby?

Agreed regarding the views!

While I don't have any specific recommendation (Yorkie, can you help?) my understanding is that choirs are on summer break during this time, so services are usually done by a substitute choir or none at all. Obviously, I have no idea about any specific churches/cathedrals in that area, but this is my general understanding.

[theriverflowson]

While I don't have any specific recommendation (Yorkie, can you help?) my understanding is that choirs are on summer break during this time, so services are usually done by a substitute choir or none at all. Obviously, I have no idea about any specific churches/cathedrals in that area, but this is my general understanding.

Uhh, you are right, I always forget about this Well, there might be a lot of other things to do and explore, so this is fine for me.

[Surpinto]

While I don't have any specific recommendation (Yorkie, can you help?) my understanding is that choirs are on summer break during this time, so services are usually done by a substitute choir or none at all. Obviously, I have no idea about any specific churches/cathedrals in that area, but this is my general understanding.

Uhh, you are right, I always forget about this Well, there might be a lot of other things to do and explore, so this is fine for me.

I think you'll find plenty, at the very least the cathedrals themselves are supposed to be quite something even without a choral service. Though I'm sure that a daily service without music is available for those wanting it in such prominent cathedrals.