Concert St John’s Smith Square (2021)

[dani]

I forgot to mention Vespera



Me and Yorkie have been begging for years to have it on a set list and finally we got our wish. Steven of course is my all time favorite Libera soloist so his version is my holy grail. Luca and Daniel did a wonderful job on it and it was so special to hear it performed live after wanting it for so many years. I hope to hear it again next year and more many more years to come

[AL5678]

I'm glad people was able togo and see the show...All their tour show was great..I saw them or try to go and see LIbera awesome shows everytime they came to the USA,,
Anybody know when the streaming of the show ST John's show..
SO far no word of when...Most likely it would be on Libera You Tube ...
Thanks for the update photo.I see some new faces..
Dom's young brother is with Libera now,,,,
As far as any screw up this is what just happens after all they are just kids,it just part of life. I read someone got sick,I hope the kid is doing ok..

[john45]

Anybody know when the streaming of the show ST John's show..

From an official source "it should be ready midweek on the SJSS site".

[Surpinto]

Thanks for your, pennies, Dani!

[Padmachou]

A question for those who attended: in what way did you sense the historic moment of this being the first Libera concert since Robert passed?
I understand that he was commemorated in a speech and that there was a page dedicated to him in the programme. Were there any other ways in which you felt a collective notion of starting a new chapter for Libera?
It was partly this sense of historic momentum that made me wish I was there, so I’d be interested to hear some experiences in that regard.

(In the way that I cried a bit), and that the speech before "Once an Angel" was very touching. And from the tribute in the program. But appart from that, not so much, like Dani said. Libera still is Libera and yes it is a bit strange to think that starting with this new batch of newbies at least (if not before), the boys will never have know Robert Prizeman. But Libera is coping just like Robert would have liked it to, I believe. The way they paid a tribute, powerful but no drama, is just how he used to do it. The kids are performing a concert with a lot of fun and they are the stars of the concert. He would never take the spotlight, and beyond death he did not. I think he would be satisfied with this way of handling things.
*** Now better late than never, sorry it took me a bit longer than usual but there was a concert I attended on Monday and I have been back to France only around midnight last night, very tired. Also I had to work today.

I will make somewhat a complete review, and I probably will be telling things that have already been told but I know our friend The Furby from the French forum keeps these reviews for archives purpose and so everything will be there if somebody needs it.

As you are aware there were 2 concerts on Sunday at Saint John Smith Square and both have been filmed and recorded. They should be edited in one video that will soon be available on streaming, so you can buy it and watch it several time just like past year.

These concerts were very moving for various reasons, one being that due to the pandemic Libera has not been able to perform for a year, and actually they have perform very little for two years. Also last year they could not even move on stage, they had very little time to rehearse… The second reason this was a special concert is that it was the first one since Robert Prizeman’s death. So Sam Coates is now the director but actually he was handling the sound like he used to before, and Steven Geraghty conducted the concert. It is good to know that it is former Libera boys directing the choir, because we can trust them to care about it and they surely know how unique it is.

About the boys on stage I won’t make the list but you can refer to the pictures from the program posted before, or The Furby’s work on Libera Passion, which is already updated (thank you ! ). Ben Bywater, Mathias Montoro and Nathan Slater were on the program but not on stage, for some reason. Ethan Barron only made the second concert, probably he could not do the first one. Busy life !

About mini-boys, well, some of the fans have difficulties keeping up and that is understandable because that’s the third batch in a row that we don’t get to know really well. All the boys from the first batch are now on stage and some of them already soloists, which should help you to get familiar with their faces and names ! Stricto sensu, the third batch, only the boys that were mini-boys during this concert, leaving the stage for some songs, were at the number of 7, one of them being Samuel Whaley who already was a mini-boy previously. One of the new mini-boys is Leon Clarke, Dominik’s brother.

The two concerts had 15 songs, 14 listed on the program and one encore. The streaming video should be a mix of both. Some of us underlined that the first concert was all in all more dynamic, for the boys got tired for the second concert (that is very natural for kids). I personally liked « If » better the second time, but that might have been due to me seating on the other side and the sound probably is different from one spot to an other. I am very curious to hear the sound in the streaming. This was my first time seating front row (thank you so much Andy and Tom for giving me a front row seat for the second concert and thank you Filiarheni for selling me a ticket in the first place ! ). So, from the front row, first concert on the right side, second one on the left side, I could hear the voices live, not from the microphones. I could even hear the newbies perfectly (great newbies) !
This year the boys could move on stage and so you will get to see that on the video, I won’t be describing the staging.
From now on THIS IS A PROPER REVIEW so if you don’t want to read any spoilers you keep that part hidden.

► Show Spoiler

*** REVIEW ***

The concert started with Vespera, very impressive beginning. It’s good to hear the lower voices. Luca B sang the solo and Daniel C did the vocalize. It was very moving, as Dani pointed the return of this song has been long expected and indeed it was spectacular and perfect. As for me, I was so moved to be attending Libera again, and despite the pandemic, and after RP’s death, well I have been crying during the first concert from Vespera to If, and during the second concert “only” Vespera and the next one I hoped it was no inconvenience to my neighbours. Luca and Daniel were great. During all the concert I felt like they could have pushed Daniel Catalogna’s microphone a bit, to let him shine, but then like I said what I heard from front row might not be what other people heard.

I believe that right after that, Daniel W and an other boy (maybe Koji) did a speech. I am pretty bad at remembering who did what and when, I apologize for that. You will get to hear the speeches but I will try my best to tell you what happened so if you are not good at understanding English when people speak and you are better with reading it, it might help a bit. The speech said that last year they were on stage but they could not move, and now they are more trustworthy to their name “Libera” for they could move again freely. Then they talked about RP’s legacy and introduced the song « Once an angel », which seems to be the last one he composed in last April. They expressed that losing Robert was sad but that he would forever be with Libera through the music he composed, and so he would be here for the concert as well. I think this was a subtile yet powerful tribute, like I expressed before.

In Once an Angel, Victor did the solo (his solo), with Daniel W behind him for support and second voice. It was perfect, these two boys have a lot of stage experience and you can tell, they are like the leaders for the trebles.

Then there was Gaudete, with Luke BD doing the introduction. It was his first solo ever, well done Luke ! The staging was very dynamic, you will get to see that.

I think there was a speech after that ? Possibly 2 boys, one being Freddie ? It was about the mini-boys, which started in September, and were doing their fist concerts, « some of them » being just 7. Then the older boys were introduced as « the bigs ». It was underlined that some of them were still trebles and soloists just last year (Neo, Laurence T, Tadhg, and Oliver WR were all soloists and now are back row with Nathaniel, Joe, Alexandre and Johnny). The speech ended on a joke, saying "now we are going to say goodbyes because we do not need them for the next song”. I saw some of « the bigs » playing like they were sad to be sent backstage.

The introduction to Cum Dederit is quite challenging and I was puzzled, because the music and vocalizes started and Dominik was not at the center. They moved as they sang, which must be difficult. I felt very stressed for Dominik, if I were to perform such a solo (and I can’t ! ) I would like to be at the right spot before the music starts. I think we were all surprised to see this song on the setlist, since it is a challenging one. Well, Dominik does not look like it is difficult. He sure is very focused, but his voice was perfectly mastered, twice. He is an extraordinary soloist.

Next song is If, with Daniel W. Very well mastered, this is a difficult one too, the breathing is hard though it might not look like it is difficult. Daniel did it even better than last year.

Then there was Sing Lullabye by Dominik, with half a circle kneeling around him. I would like to underline that there was half a circle in several songs, and that we have seen new boys in these circles, like Alessandro Minarik of Ludwig, not sure about Cameron, Lewis and Joseph Hill ?

Next song was Ave Maria, Robert Prizeman’s one, which I like to see as a tribute to him. Lewis was the soloist, center stage, though you could hear Luca and Daniel W supporting him. Lewis might not have felt like doing it on his own, but I am sure he could have, his voice sounds good and not shaky at all, I am eager to hear him again. Kudos to Lewis, he went fast from newbie to soloist due to the pandemic but also… thanks to his hard work. This is impressive that he has the potential to do that. All the boys performed this concert like there never was a pandemic preventing them to rehearse and perform on stage, very professionally. And it is good to see new boys stepping in and also, it is good to know that the older ones are backing them up and leading them, so thank you Daniel and Luca for leading the new boys until they will be leaders themselves.

I am not sure but there was an other speech at some point, saying that Carol of the Bells was part of the new “Home Sweet Home Alone” movie. I believe Joseph Hill was one of the 2 boys for this one ?

So, Carol of the Bells, the « Daniels » did the vocalize, Daniel C first and Daniel W for the second one. The last solo part was from Joseph Hill. Very young voice but quite confident I think ? I could hear Joseph really well during the first concert, I like his voice and he is very expressive on stage. Also he is a very very good speaker, a natural one. He is very young, I reckon he was the youngest last year ? This boy is a great chorister, I hope we hear more from him soon.

Then was Wexford Carol, with an other surprise, Morgan being the soloist, an other one that went fast from newbie to soloist. He has a young voice too, and while I have been saying that he made me think of young Steven G, I stand corrected after checking on that, he sounds like young Liam O’Kane in my opinion. Morgan was joined by two other boys, one of them I believe was Daniel C ? But unsure. I really liked Morgan’s voice, I hope he gets more confident and gets many more solos ! Well done !

I guess there was another speech from Koji and Daniel next, introducing Moose, and saying that Moose has been busy and now a bunch of new mooses are waiting to find their families. Daniel stepped up saying that their new album would be a great Christmas gift too. This was a fun way to promote the goodies. There were signed albums, I think this was the first I saw that.

Poor Little Jesus was perfect, with Luca doing the solo, as it has been for 3 years now I believe ?

Sacris Solemnis to me sounded different from the album. It’s one of my favourite songs. I am curious to see the streaming because it might be different due to the microphones effect. Luca and Daniel C were doing the middle part, just the two of them and I think it was not powerful enough compared to the album. I like this part a lot so I am biased . It still was a powerful song, and Freddie’s solo was amazing, honestly. I think it was longer than on the album which is great, it gave the boy the opportunity to shine, and he does shine really. I say he has the potential of a leader, he is also expressive on stage and very good at harmonizing. Luca B did the vocalize before Freddie’s conclusion, just like on the album.

There was a last speech, by Freddie and Joseph Hill, both great speakers. They were introducing the last two songs, and wishing everyone, though a bit early, a merry Christmas.

Nearer My God to Thee was super good. Luca started, then joined by Freddie (awesome duet), then by Victor (his voice shines on lower notes now, I really like it, very warm), and then when Luca is doing the high part Daniel took over the lead and Ludwig joined with Freddie on the middle part. It was the best I heard so far I think. Congratulations to Ludwig on his first « solo », a quintet sure is not an easy one !
Just like Joseph, Morgan and Lewis, he is now a very central chorister. I do not know why exactly but Jack and Cameron also wear microphones, which surely means they are taking charge of important leads too. The future of Libera is bright.

The last song was Sing for the World, very dynamic, a lot of smiles from the boys.

The encore was I Saw Three Ships, very festive.

All in all, you could tell the boys were very very very very very very (… ) happy to sing a concert, and they had a lot of fun. Lot of smiles among them, towards other boys on stage, towards Steven, towards their families, towards the audience, and a lot of smiles to themselves because their were just happy.

Also they were communicating a lot on stage, especially Daniel W who has been acting as “big brother” (not in a threatening “BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU” way ), checking on the boys' movements, the speeches, the newbies… He did not even look tired during the second concert, and like it has been said, he took over some boy’s speech last minute for this boy could not do it then. Steven handed him the script, but he would not take it, and indeed he did not need it. He sure has an outstanding memory and feels at ease on stage.

This concert might have been the last as trebles for Victor, Daniel and Dominik, the three of them getting older and taller. Daniel and Dominik’s voices show no sign of any change so far when they sing, but it has to be expected and it should not be long now. It was an honour to see and hear them, and also the other boys. It looked like they were all feeling relief to get to perform at last.

Now I can’t wait to hear the concert again. It was vivid emotion to see Libera again, and to meet fellow worldwide fans after 2 years, despite the circumstances and difficulties (testing, isolating, being very cautious), and stress. I do not regret my trip though it sure felt different from other concerts and I hope the next ones will be a bit easier to plan and less tiresome.
But I am sure Libera will be just as good as ever

[Celt]

What a fantastic and comprehensive review Padmachou! Thank you!

Then the older boys were introduced as « the bigs ». It was underlined that some of them were still trebles and soloists just last year (Neo, Laurence T, Tadhg, and Oliver WR were all soloists and now are back row with Nathaniel, Joe, Alexandre and Johnny).

This concert might have been the last as trebles for Victor, Daniel and Dominik, the three of them getting older and taller. Daniel and Dominik’s voices show no sign of any change so far when they sing, but it has to be expected and it should not be long now. It was an honour to see and hear them, and also the other boys. It looked like they were all feeling relief to get to perform at last.

It will be interesting to see what happens to Victor and Daniel's voices over the next year. Both sang alto parts recently, which may be indicative of a maturing voice. But great to see younger singers already doing solo parts ready to take over. Tadgh being in the back row was not at all a surprise given that he was on the edge of change in the concert last year and he has developed into an excellent tenor.

[Luckdragon]

Duplicate removed.

[Luckdragon]

What a fantastic and comprehensive review Padmachou! Thank you!

Then the older boys were introduced as « the bigs ». It was underlined that some of them were still trebles and soloists just last year (Neo, Laurence T, Tadhg, and Oliver WR were all soloists and now are back row with Nathaniel, Joe, Alexandre and Johnny).

This concert might have been the last as trebles for Victor, Daniel and Dominik, the three of them getting older and taller. Daniel and Dominik’s voices show no sign of any change so far when they sing, but it has to be expected and it should not be long now. It was an honour to see and hear them, and also the other boys. It looked like they were all feeling relief to get to perform at last.

It will be interesting to see what happens to Victor and Daniel's voices over the next year. Both sang alto parts recently, which may be indicative of a maturing voice. But great to see younger singers already doing solo parts ready to take over. Tadgh being in the back row was not at all a surprise given that he was on the edge of change in the concert last year and he has developed into an excellent tenor.

It's a race against time for Ely. With 5.5 months to go, their approximate ages are:
Dominik 14
Daniel 13
Victor 13

Koji's (12) voice seems to already have broken and it's uncertain how that exotic Irish-Bangladeshi blood is going to work out for Freddie (12). These new 8- to 10-year-old soloists couldn't be emerging at a better time - and already nicely polished by some reports.

[Luckdragon]

Also they were communicating a lot on stage, especially Daniel W who has been acting as “big brother” (not in a threatening “BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU” way ), checking on the boys' movements, the speeches, the newbies… He did not even look tired during the second concert, and like it has been said, he took over some boy’s speech last minute for this boy could not do it then. Steven handed him the script, but he would not take it, and indeed he did not need it. He sure has an outstanding memory and feels at ease on stage.

The Lord works in mysterious ways.

Daniel had witnessed the same exact thing in another choir just a few weeks before and knew that it wasn't anything serious. He was therefore uniquely prepared to maintain his focus and carry on. Because of that, the other boys did as well.

As for his memory... well all of the Libera boys deserve great respect for that. They spend many hours at home memorizing their songs, many of which are in a language they don't know or have complex harmonies that have to be sung perfectly. As a result, there are no songbooks at concerts. The boys show up perfectly prepared to sing their beautiful music with heads held high. Daniel has now experienced that memory training for half a decade. It's no wonder he had little trouble taking over another boy's speech, but I'm sure it was a marvelous thing to witness.

[theriverflowson]

Printed programmes of the concerts are now available in Libera's shop as well as 2022 calendars

[Yan U]

Are the tickets for the concert in Ely Cathedral (21 May) available to book now? Can’t wait to hear and see them next time

[maartendas]

Merci Padmachou, for mentioning so clearly the smiles from the boys, which showed how happy they were to sing in a live concert again. That alone makes me very happy too

[paul]

I forgot to mention Vespera



Me and Yorkie have been begging for years to have it on a set list and finally we got our wish. Steven of course is my all time favorite Libera soloist so his version is my holy grail. Luca and Daniel did a wonderful job on it and it was so special to hear it performed live after wanting it for so many years. I hope to hear it again next year and more many more years to come

I couldn't agree more, from the first time I heard it, I always wanted to hear it live, I also got my wish. I would like to see Mysterium back on the set list as well. I think Luca would nail the treble part on that.

[Surpinto]

► Show Spoiler

*** REVIEW ***

The concert started with Vespera, very impressive beginning. It’s good to hear the lower voices. Luca B sang the solo and Daniel C did the vocalize. It was very moving, as Dani pointed the return of this song has been long expected and indeed it was spectacular and perfect. As for me, I was so moved to be attending Libera again, and despite the pandemic, and after RP’s death, well I have been crying during the first concert from Vespera to If, and during the second concert “only” Vespera and the next one I hoped it was no inconvenience to my neighbours. Luca and Daniel were great. During all the concert I felt like they could have pushed Daniel Catalogna’s microphone a bit, to let him shine, but then like I said what I heard from front row might not be what other people heard.

I believe that right after that, Daniel W and an other boy (maybe Koji) did a speech. I am pretty bad at remembering who did what and when, I apologize for that. You will get to hear the speeches but I will try my best to tell you what happened so if you are not good at understanding English when people speak and you are better with reading it, it might help a bit. The speech said that last year they were on stage but they could not move, and now they are more trustworthy to their name “Libera” for they could move again freely. Then they talked about RP’s legacy and introduced the song « Once an angel », which seems to be the last one he composed in last April. They expressed that losing Robert was sad but that he would forever be with Libera through the music he composed, and so he would be here for the concert as well. I think this was a subtile yet powerful tribute, like I expressed before.

In Once an Angel, Victor did the solo (his solo), with Daniel W behind him for support and second voice. It was perfect, these two boys have a lot of stage experience and you can tell, they are like the leaders for the trebles.

Then there was Gaudete, with Luke BD doing the introduction. It was his first solo ever, well done Luke ! The staging was very dynamic, you will get to see that.

I think there was a speech after that ? Possibly 2 boys, one being Freddie ? It was about the mini-boys, which started in September, and were doing their fist concerts, « some of them » being just 7. Then the older boys were introduced as « the bigs ». It was underlined that some of them were still trebles and soloists just last year (Neo, Laurence T, Tadhg, and Oliver WR were all soloists and now are back row with Nathaniel, Joe, Alexandre and Johnny). The speech ended on a joke, saying "now we are going to say goodbyes because we do not need them for the next song”. I saw some of « the bigs » playing like they were sad to be sent backstage.

The introduction to Cum Dederit is quite challenging and I was puzzled, because the music and vocalizes started and Dominik was not at the center. They moved as they sang, which must be difficult. I felt very stressed for Dominik, if I were to perform such a solo (and I can’t ! ) I would like to be at the right spot before the music starts. I think we were all surprised to see this song on the setlist, since it is a challenging one. Well, Dominik does not look like it is difficult. He sure is very focused, but his voice was perfectly mastered, twice. He is an extraordinary soloist.

Next song is If, with Daniel W. Very well mastered, this is a difficult one too, the breathing is hard though it might not look like it is difficult. Daniel did it even better than last year.

Then there was Sing Lullabye by Dominik, with half a circle kneeling around him. I would like to underline that there was half a circle in several songs, and that we have seen new boys in these circles, like Alessandro Minarik of Ludwig, not sure about Cameron, Lewis and Joseph Hill ?

Next song was Ave Maria, Robert Prizeman’s one, which I like to see as a tribute to him. Lewis was the soloist, center stage, though you could hear Luca and Daniel W supporting him. Lewis might not have felt like doing it on his own, but I am sure he could have, his voice sounds good and not shaky at all, I am eager to hear him again. Kudos to Lewis, he went fast from newbie to soloist due to the pandemic but also… thanks to his hard work. This is impressive that he has the potential to do that. All the boys performed this concert like there never was a pandemic preventing them to rehearse and perform on stage, very professionally. And it is good to see new boys stepping in and also, it is good to know that the older ones are backing them up and leading them, so thank you Daniel and Luca for leading the new boys until they will be leaders themselves.

I am not sure but there was an other speech at some point, saying that Carol of the Bells was part of the new “Home Sweet Home Alone” movie. I believe Joseph Hill was one of the 2 boys for this one ?

So, Carol of the Bells, the « Daniels » did the vocalize, Daniel C first and Daniel W for the second one. The last solo part was from Joseph Hill. Very young voice but quite confident I think ? I could hear Joseph really well during the first concert, I like his voice and he is very expressive on stage. Also he is a very very good speaker, a natural one. He is very young, I reckon he was the youngest last year ? This boy is a great chorister, I hope we hear more from him soon.

Then was Wexford Carol, with an other surprise, Morgan being the soloist, an other one that went fast from newbie to soloist. He has a young voice too, and while I have been saying that he made me think of young Steven G, I stand corrected after checking on that, he sounds like young Liam O’Kane in my opinion. Morgan was joined by two other boys, one of them I believe was Daniel C ? But unsure. I really liked Morgan’s voice, I hope he gets more confident and gets many more solos ! Well done !

I guess there was another speech from Koji and Daniel next, introducing Moose, and saying that Moose has been busy and now a bunch of new mooses are waiting to find their families. Daniel stepped up saying that their new album would be a great Christmas gift too. This was a fun way to promote the goodies. There were signed albums, I think this was the first I saw that.

Poor Little Jesus was perfect, with Luca doing the solo, as it has been for 3 years now I believe ?

Sacris Solemnis to me sounded different from the album. It’s one of my favourite songs. I am curious to see the streaming because it might be different due to the microphones effect. Luca and Daniel C were doing the middle part, just the two of them and I think it was not powerful enough compared to the album. I like this part a lot so I am biased . It still was a powerful song, and Freddie’s solo was amazing, honestly. I think it was longer than on the album which is great, it gave the boy the opportunity to shine, and he does shine really. I say he has the potential of a leader, he is also expressive on stage and very good at harmonizing. Luca B did the vocalize before Freddie’s conclusion, just like on the album.

There was a last speech, by Freddie and Joseph Hill, both great speakers. They were introducing the last two songs, and wishing everyone, though a bit early, a merry Christmas.

Nearer My God to Thee was super good. Luca started, then joined by Freddie (awesome duet), then by Victor (his voice shines on lower notes now, I really like it, very warm), and then when Luca is doing the high part Daniel took over the lead and Ludwig joined with Freddie on the middle part. It was the best I heard so far I think. Congratulations to Ludwig on his first « solo », a quintet sure is not an easy one !
Just like Joseph, Morgan and Lewis, he is now a very central chorister. I do not know why exactly but Jack and Cameron also wear microphones, which surely means they are taking charge of important leads too. The future of Libera is bright.

The last song was Sing for the World, very dynamic, a lot of smiles from the boys.

The encore was I Saw Three Ships, very festive.

I couldn't wait to read a review of this concert, despite the impending video. Your review is so very detailed and precise. It gave me good visualization of the show despite not having seen it yet. Thank you so much for that!

Are the tickets for the concert in Ely Cathedral (21 May) available to book now? Can’t wait to hear and see them next time

Not as of yet. Once ticket sales are announced, someone (possibly you? ) should start a new thread to that effect. I will certainly do it if no one beats me to the punch. Welcome to Libera Dreams by the way.

[bamboo]

Any idea if any e-programme is available instead of a hardcopy one like last year? Shipping costs are ex!!