Uk Christmas concert 1st December 2024

[Pnut]

With such a short lull period between the Japan tour and the Christmas concert, I think they're going to largely keep the same set list, with some seasonal-related changes:

(1) Twilight
(2) Sanctus
(3) Far Away In the Bleak Midwinter
(4) Stay With Me Ding dong Merrily on High
(5) Salva Me
(6) Seabird
(7) The Lark's Last Song
(8) Always There
(9) Ave Maria (RP) When I am Laid in Earth (Dido’s Lament)
(10) Voca Me
(11) Music Was Born
(12) Veni Sancte Spiritu
(13) One Small Voice
(14) Sacris Solemnis
(15) Love Shine a Light
(16) Once (Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence)
(17) For the Future Carol of the Bells
(18) Angel Resurrectio
(19) Happy Xmas (War is Over)
(20) I am the Day
(21) Sing for our World
Encore: I Saw Three Ships

I would love for Rutter's 'Donkey Carol' or 'Candlelight Carol' to feature in Libera's Christmas concert, but I guess it's a bit of a pipe dream.

That's brave of you Justin and I would certainly be very happy with that as a program. Will be interesting to see how many you get right although Carol of the Bells is not a difficult guess.
It wouldn't surprise me if they will keep "Sing" as their encore piece as they did in Japan. It worked well with an uplifting finale and it would be one less change of order for them to think about

[Surpinto]

With such a short lull period between the Japan tour and the Christmas concert, I think they're going to largely keep the same set list, with some seasonal-related changes:

(1) Twilight
(2) Sanctus
(3) Far Away In the Bleak Midwinter
(4) Stay With Me Ding dong Merrily on High
(5) Salva Me
(6) Seabird
(7) The Lark's Last Song
(8) Always There
(9) Ave Maria (RP) When I am Laid in Earth (Dido’s Lament)
(10) Voca Me
(11) Music Was Born
(12) Veni Sancte Spiritu
(13) One Small Voice
(14) Sacris Solemnis
(15) Love Shine a Light
(16) Once (Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence)
(17) For the Future Carol of the Bells
(18) Angel Resurrectio
(19) Happy Xmas (War is Over)
(20) I am the Day
(21) Sing for our World
Encore: I Saw Three Ships

I would love for Rutter's 'Donkey Carol' or 'Candlelight Carol' to feature in Libera's Christmas concert, but I guess it's a bit of a pipe dream.

Some good guesses here. I agree about the the likely encore and some of the Christmas songs being added, though we'll have to see for sure.

I'm highly skeptical that they would sing "Resurrectio" in concert, particularly the Xmas one. I believe the song is too demanding both in terms of the duetting/dueling solos (both soloists on the album had voice changes) and the coordination of the full choir. Don't get me wrong it would be absolutely glorious to hear it (not that I'm attending the UK concert ) but this is exactly the sort of song they record and never sing live if experience is any guide on the matter.

We know that a lot of songs are recorded but never make it on a concert set list because recording in a controlled and calm studio environment is not the same as prepping songs for a live performance, especially with all the stage action that Libera does. Not to mention that they now have to prep a few Xmas songs they haven't done since last year; or ever for some of the younger and newer members.

Though I see no way that they don't sing "Happy Xmas (War is Over)"

[justin]

With such a short lull period between the Japan tour and the Christmas concert, I think they're going to largely keep the same set list, with some seasonal-related changes:

(1) Twilight
(2) Sanctus
(3) Far Away In the Bleak Midwinter
(4) Stay With Me Ding dong Merrily on High
(5) Salva Me
(6) Seabird
(7) The Lark's Last Song
(8) Always There
(9) Ave Maria (RP) When I am Laid in Earth (Dido’s Lament)
(10) Voca Me
(11) Music Was Born
(12) Veni Sancte Spiritu
(13) One Small Voice
(14) Sacris Solemnis
(15) Love Shine a Light
(16) Once (Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence)
(17) For the Future Carol of the Bells
(18) Angel Resurrectio
(19) Happy Xmas (War is Over)
(20) I am the Day
(21) Sing for our World
Encore: I Saw Three Ships

I would love for Rutter's 'Donkey Carol' or 'Candlelight Carol' to feature in Libera's Christmas concert, but I guess it's a bit of a pipe dream.

Some good guesses here. I agree about the the likely encore and some of the Christmas songs being added, though we'll have to see for sure.

I'm highly skeptical that they would sing "Resurrectio" in concert, particularly the Xmas one. I believe the song is too demanding both in terms of the duetting/dueling solos (both soloists on the album had voice changes) and the coordination of the full choir. Don't get me wrong it would be absolutely glorious to hear it (not that I'm attending the UK concert ) but this is exactly the sort of song they record and never sing live if experience is any guide on the matter.

We know that a lot of songs are recorded but never make it on a concert set list because recording in a controlled and calm studio environment is not the same as prepping songs for a live performance, especially with all the stage action that Libera does. Not to mention that they now have to prep a few Xmas songs they haven't done since last year; or ever for some of the younger and newer members.

Though I see no way that they don't sing "Happy Xmas (War is Over)"

I've made some amendments to my predicted set list, see if you agree I've completely forgotten about the Christmas classics "Walking in the Air" and "Do You Hear What I Hear".

[Surpinto]

I've made some amendments to my predicted set list, see if you agree I've completely forgotten about the Christmas classics "Walking in the Air" and "Do You Hear What I Hear".

These are good guesses, we'll just have to see how it all turns out I suppose. My only real quibble was with "Resurectio", the rest is perfectly plausible. "Walking in the Air"? I guess if they have a soloist who wouldn't be over-taxed by his other solo duties, it that could be possible.

[dani]

I believe Resurrectio will be sing but maybe Spring next year. It seems to be the most requested song to be added from the new album to the set list so far.

[Cat-a-tonic]

I'm highly skeptical that they would sing "Resurrectio" in concert, particularly the Xmas one. I believe the song is too demanding both in terms of the duetting/dueling solos (both soloists on the album had voice changes) and the coordination of the full choir. Don't get me wrong it would be absolutely glorious to hear it (not that I'm attending the UK concert ) but this is exactly the sort of song they record and never sing live if experience is any guide on the matter.

We know that a lot of songs are recorded but never make it on a concert set list because recording in a controlled and calm studio environment is not the same as prepping songs for a live performance, especially with all the stage action that Libera does. Not to mention that they now have to prep a few Xmas songs they haven't done since last year; or ever for some of the younger and newer members.

I would tend to agree, also the theme is more Easter than Christmas being about the Resurrection, though of course Christmas and Easter are linked so it wouldn't be out of the question. I'm waiting on the western release so haven't heard the whole song but I agree from what I've heard it sounds difficult. I certainly don't think there would be time for new soloists to do it. But would it be impossible for the originals to do it? The snippet I've heard is quite low and Freddie H was still singing Sacris Solemnis and Happy Xmas solos in Japan. No idea about Luca and he doesn't seem to be singing with Libera anymore but I guess he might come for Christmas as other alumni have. It certainly sounds more like a recording piece than one to sing live but then I thought that about Cum Dederit so...!

[in2dwww]

With my December plans changing, i would still have a chance to make it to the concert, but tickets are gone

If anyone has a ticket for sale i'd be interessted.

I may have a spare ticket. Coming from the US, travel is really rough and expensive given that it's Thanksgiving weekend. A friend was going to go with us but can't stomach the flight expense. I will dm you once I get confirmation.

Okay, 4 people coming from the US to other parts of Europe before visiting London on Dec 1 has proven to be impossible.

Therefore, I have 3 tickets available as I bought 4 and I am the only one able to attend.

Please PM me for details or I will send them back to the box office by November 20.

[in2dwww]

With my December plans changing, i would still have a chance to make it to the concert, but tickets are gone

If anyone has a ticket for sale i'd be interessted.

I may have a spare ticket. Coming from the US, travel is really rough and expensive given that it's Thanksgiving weekend. A friend was going to go with us but can't stomach the flight expense. I will dm you once I get confirmation.

Okay, 4 people coming from the US to other parts of Europe before visiting London on Dec 1 has proven to be impossible.

Therefore, I have 3 tickets available as I bought 4 and I am the only one able to attend.

Please PM me for details or I will send them back to the box office by November 20.

It appears that my dms are stuck in the pm outbox.

[Mercurial909]

I would absolutely be interested in any spare tickets going. If anyone has any going spare, please leave a note in my DM’s. Many, many thanks.

[in2dwww]

I would absolutely be interested in any spare tickets going. If anyone has any going spare, please leave a note in my DM’s. Many, many thanks.

Yes, I have 3. Please PM me.

[fan_de_LoK]

I've made some amendments to my predicted set list, see if you agree I've completely forgotten about the Christmas classics "Walking in the Air" and "Do You Hear What I Hear".

I’m joining the speculation game for the Christmas concert setlist.
Just 10 days remain before the concert at Sinfonia Smith Square.

My approach aims to be factual, based on the patterns observed in recent Christmas concerts, specifically 2022 and 2023, by comparing the Christmas concert setlist with the immediately preceding one.

In the image below, I’ve identified four categories of songs:
- In green: Christmas songs added to the concert.
- In yellow: new or revived songs added to the concert, not necessarily Christmas-themed.
- In blue: songs performed at the previous concert and retained for the Christmas concert.
- In beige: songs performed at the previous concert but omitted for the Christmas concert.

Sinfonia Smith Square 2024 - Songs speculation.png (125.02 KiB) Viewed 293 times

Sinfonia Smith Square 2024 - Songs speculation.png (125.02 KiB) Viewed 293 times

Based on 2022 and 2023 trends, here’s what I predict:

1. Christmas Songs Added:
Seven Christmas songs are typically added, out of around 10 possible options.
I’ve chosen the first seven alphabetically.
Carol of the Bells, Ding Dong Merrily On High, Noël Nouvelet, and I Saw Three Ships seem to be regular inclusions.
I’m excluding Walking in the Air in the absence of Luca’s treble voice and Wexford Carol, as Tadhg B is likely still young to handle the Gaelic solo confidently.

2. Other New/Revised Songs:
There are usually 2–3 non-Christmas-themed songs added, but it’s hard to predict which ones, so I won’t attempt to guess here.

3. Songs Retained from the Previous Concert:
Around 10–12 songs are typically carried over. I’ve included all tracks from the new Dream album, except Always There.
Additionally, I’ve kept Voca Me, Love Shine a Light, and Sing for Our World, which seem to be regular staples.

4. Songs Omitted from the Previous Concert:
Between 9 and 12 songs from the prior setlist are usually dropped.
I’ve excluded all Japan-themed songs, as well as Ave Maria, as it no longer featured as a solo in Japan and I doubt Sam would keep it.
I’ve also removed Sanctus, as it was already omitted last year.

With this reasoning, I’ve compiled a list of 21 songs, leaving three titles unspecified:

1. Twilight
2. Ding Dong Merrily On High
3. ?
4. Gaudete
5. Sing Lullaby
6. Sea Bird
7. The Lark’s Last Song
8. The Angel Gabriel
9. In the Bleak Midwinter
10. Voca Me
11. Music Was Born
12. Veni Sancte Spiritus
13. One Small Voice
14. Carol of the Bells
15. Love Shine a Light
16. Once
17. Noël Nouvelet
18. ?
19. Happy Christmas
20. I Saw Three Ships
21. Sing for Our World

Edit: I added The Angel Gabriel to one of the empty spaces, following the announcement that it will be included on the Remixes EP and since it was already added at last year's Christmas concert.

[fan_de_LoK]

One thing that troubles me is removing For The Future from the list.
It’s unlikely to be performed at the Christmas concert, as it was already omitted last year.
Yet, so far, it’s the only song in which Jerome had a solo during the Japan concerts.

I sincerely hope we’ll get a chance to hear him at the Christmas concert.
Even though his solo consisted of just a few lines, the emotional richness of his voice left a very strong impression on me.

[john45]

One thing that troubles me is removing For The Future from the list.
It’s unlikely to be performed at the Christmas concert, as it was already omitted last year.
Yet, so far, it’s the only song in which Jerome had a solo during the Japan concerts.

I sincerely hope we’ll get a chance to hear him at the Christmas concert.
Even though his solo consisted of just a few lines, the emotional richness of his voice left a very strong impression on me.

Brilliant analysis as always. Thanks Patrick.
There are possible vacancies for a new soloist in "Noel Nouvelet" and "Sing Lullaby". Perhaps Jerome could fill the position in one of those.

[fan_de_LoK]

There are possible vacancies for a new soloist in "Noel Nouvelet" and "Sing Lullaby". Perhaps Jerome could fill the position in one of those.

Thanks John.
Hopefully you are right.
It would indeed be a shame if he doesn't have a solo at all.

[dani]

I believe with the new album release that it will be mainly those songs with 4/5 Christmas songs.

With the half-term falling later this year and an album release, they have less time to make massive changes to the set list with only a month in between Japan and London. I hope to be proven wrong though and to hear tons of Christmas songs. I have my fingers and toes crossed that Lullay is added.