St. George's, London Concert SOLD OUT!

Libera's London concert has SOLD OUT! They posted about it on their web page here. Sight-restricted tickets will be available at the door on the night of the concert. If anyone did not get their ticket in the mail, they will have a sales list at the door so you can still get in. Congratulations, Libera! :D

Mack's Review of Armagh Concert

Mack is a great Libera fan from California USA. We call him Mack, but he is known to many of us as LiberaGrandpa. He got to attend his very first Libera concerts in Northern Ireland and wrote a review about concert #1 in Armagh. Reviews by concert newbies are always the best! Thank you, Mack, for sharing with everyone! :D

I am a newbie when it comes to Libera in general and in going to their concerts. I only found out about Libera a year ago last September. The Northern Ireland concerts were my first concerts. I tried to attend 3 previous outings, but for one reason or another it was not to be.  So fourth time’s a charm.

I arrived in Belfast, No. Ireland on a Tuesday evening. It was cold, but not extremely so.  I had reserved a car for getting around. I had planned to drive down to Armagh from Belfast on the day of the concert and then return to Belfast, as finding suitable local transportation was almost impossible. Little did I know that just trying to find my hotel was going to be an ordeal. I kept going in circles for 2 hours, with my destination at one point, just a block away, little did I know….lol. I finally saw a police car behind me. I just stopped in the street, figured I’d screwed up big time, flagged them forward, and said, “Hi, I’m lost.” I told them I was trying to find my hotel but couldn’t. They were great. They booked me, threw me in jail………oh wait, that’s fiction. They were great and told me to follow them. They made a couple of lefts and said, ”There’s your hotel. Enjoy your stay.” I was saved.

After a night’s sleep, I woke up at 4:30 a.m. local time and couldn’t get back to sleep. At  7a.m. I had  breakfast then walked over to St. Peter’s Cathedral where Libera would be singing the day after tomorrow. I later came across Yorkie and Paul who were staying down the street from me. We went to a local establishment and talked for quite a while. Yorkie has a wicked sense of humor, and Paul is no slouch either. Great craic, as the Irish would say. We met up later with Patrick, his nephew, Francois and Furby. Off we went to find dinner. We ended up at a TGI Friday’s, an American chain restaurant! I came all the way to Belfast to eat American food…..lol. I had a blast listening to everyone’s stories.

Concert day in Armagh. I had been looking forward to this. Who will the lads be? Will Josh be there like in the Channel Islands? If he is, will he have a solo? What will the song set list be? All kinds of questions ran through my mind. At 10 a.m. we headed out. Patrick did a great job of leading, I had no trouble following. Then we ran into a traffic jam. No problem, it’s early. After a few detours, we parked at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and met up with Tony and Bernard. We took pictures inside and out. Sam Coates, Jonathan Barrington, Steven Geraghty, Ian Tilley and a couple of others were busy working hard to get the Cathedral ready for that night’s concert. We left them to their tasks and headed to town for some lunch. When we got back to St. Patrick’s, Yorkie and Paul joined us. We went inside the Cathedral, as it was quite brisk outside. At 4 p.m. Sam told us they needed to lock the doors, so out we went into the cold, cruel world.

There were nine of us in the queue and then John showed up with Yuki & Mummy-san. It got colder. Yuki, Mummy-san and Patrick’s nephew sat in a car to keep warm. By 6:00 p.m. it was extremely cold. The doors opened just before 7:00.

It’s “Showtime”. The audience had grown to about 200 inside. They pretty much filled the center pews all the way back. I was second pew, center aisle, right side. Patrick was to my right. I was one happy camper, considering who I was sitting with. The musicians came out, a string quartet from Ireland, then Steven G, Ian Tilley and Simon on percussion. Then Robert Prizeman came out. It got quiet. The lights dimmed, and Cassius made the welcome announcement and prohibitions on recording devices of any kind. Then the shadows began to move as the boys made their way out on that cold marble that was the stage for the show. The music started, lights came up and there they were. JOSH was in white robes! I had died and gone to heaven. Will he have a solo? Only time would tell.

During their first 2 or 3 songs I was trying to identify the boys, but it distracted me from the show. Others who know the lads on sight have already identified them on other blogs. I am only going to give you my feelings on the songs. Sorry if you were hoping for more. I was totally overwhelmed by the experience of my first live concert. As I mentioned, the first couple of songs I was trying to identify who was who, so I don’t have much recollection of them. They were Dies Irae & Gloria. But on Eternal Light, the sound was heavenly. I was swept away in the joy of their voices and the song. The next song, Voca Me, I tried to go back to identifying the lads singing lead and seconds and so forth….so again, no recollection. Sanctus was next. I stopped trying to identify again and gave myself to the performance. I found myself smiling like a Cheshire cat, and my eyes, for some reason, were leaking. Such a wimp.

Next came I Vow to Thee My Country. I love the way the boys perform this song, and before I knew it, it was over. I was totally absorbed in the performance. Next was Salva, again totally absorbed in the sound. Over. Next was Be Still My Soul. I found myself floating on their voices as if I were a boat at sea on the waves. Loved it. How Shall I Sing was next. I was lost in the song. Over! Interval. I wiped my eyes dry and sucked it up.

During the interval, I asked Patrick’s 12-year-old nephew what he thought of the show so far. He smiled, gave a thumbs up and nodded his head. I asked Furby (Quentin), who was the other concert ‘newbie’, what he thought. He had the same glazed look on his face that I felt I had on mine. We both had enjoyed part one. Andy Winter came out and spoke to a couple of the die hard fans. He turned to me and said, “You must be Mack.” I said “Yes, I am LiberaGrandpa” as I shook his hand. He said “I know that.” WHAT!!!!!!!!!! He knew who I was!!!!!!!!! I was in shock. I told him I had enjoyed his globe trekking tweets on twitter, he chuckled, said "they were fun", and then moved on. A gracious man.

I spoke to a few more people. I asked Yuki and her mom how they liked the first half. Yuki just smiled, and her mom nodded her head. I then asked Yuki the name of a couple of albums that she recommended I buy to add to my Libera collection. I own 5, including SOL – A Collection. It arrived the Friday before I left. I went to the front to see if I could pick up a new one, but alas, they had only brought 2 different albums, SOL, of course, and their Christmas album from last year, as it is getting to be that time of year again. So no new album. But before I buy them through their website, I will wait for the London show. But that’s another story. It hasn’t happened yet……..lol. Stay tuned……J

The second half began. First up was Mysterium. Jude had the solo. Bless his heart, he was trying so hard to get this right, I think he got lost a little. RP stepped into his line of sight and got him back where he needed to be. That flowed right into Orinoco Flow (pun intended), one of my favorite songs including the moves. It is just a show stopper. Well done, lads. Next up, Far Away, another of my favs. It was over before I knew it. I was in awe of the emotion coming out of such a little boy. Powerfully moving. Eyes leaking again, but I was smiling like a banshee too…..:) Next was The Fountain. I got lost in the song, again, over before I knew it. Grateful Heart was next. I remember bits and pieces of the song. I was getting so into their performance I was missing pieces of time. Needless to say, I loved it.

We next had a song where Josh played the piano. I don’t know if he sang with it also. I couldn’t see him as he was behind the other boys during the song. Superb. At the point of the “V” was the only other boy from the Leiden group still singing in white robes, Tiarnan (Josh, of course, being the other one). Sanctissima was next. I remember swaying up and down, left to right with this one. Totally into it. Stay With Me was next. I remember the song starting, and the next thing I knew, Glory to Thee, was ending. Which was the next song? Was it an alien abduction or what? I don’t know what happened. Then they thanked everyone for coming. WHAT! Where did the time go? They made the announcement that the next song was the last song which was Exultate. It was stunning. Everyone was on their feet applauding like mad. We settled down, and they did their theme song of Libera for the encore…….Another standing ovation. We continued to applaud as they waved and filed off the stage. So concludes my First Live Libera concert. I would do it again in a heartbeat. But I had to wait until the next day in Belfast. 

St. Peter's Church Service in Belfast

Libera took part in the 11:00 am church service at St. Peter's Cathedral in Belfast on November 4, 2012. The video of the full service is on the church's web site here. I don't know how long the video will be up, so watch it while you can.

You can hear (but not see) Libera singing along with the organ, congregation and the church's boys choir, Schola Cantorum, throughout the service. It's really nice! I think I counted 31 Schola Cantorum boys. Add Libera's 31 boys, and that's a big choir! They sound awesome! :D

At 0:46:10 the choirs go down to the front and sing 2 songs. It's amazingly beautiful!

Fan Video of Northern Ireland Concerts 2012

Quentin from France got to go to Libera's Armagh and Belfast concerts in Northern Ireland. He did a really nice video of his trip. Watch for the cute picture of Cassius jumping up and waving! And Ben at the end just keeps waving to everyone! :D Thank you, Quentin!

Song of Life in Universal Studios Japan Commercial

Congratulations to Libera! "Song of Life" is the music for a new commercial for Universal Studios Japan! They are advertising their special Universal Wonder Christmas celebration which will take place from November 16, 2012 to January 7, 2013. :D

Belfast Concert 2012

                           UPDATED Nov 2 & 3, 2012

Today was the second and final concert of Libera's Northern Ireland Tour. This one was at St. Peter's Cathedral in Belfast. The fans are saying that Libera was even better tonight than in Armagh. It must have been really amazing! Wish I could have been there!

St. Peter's this morning - photo by Yuki

During Jude's speech, he was supposed to introduce all the musicians. But he forgot Robert Prizeman! He said "Oops! I forgot you, didn't I?" lol. At least he DID remember eventually. Then everyone clapped very loudly for RP! :D

Daniel's speech told about how some of them have had their voices change, so they have to learn new, lower harmony parts. He said he is 16 years old and has been in the choir for 10 years! Wow!

Beautiful colors on the ceiling - photo by Yuki

Stage set up - photo by Lucy

31 Libera boys during standing ovation - photo by Lucy

Waving during standing ovation - photo by Lucy

Lucy's autographed program - photo by Lucy

Lucy wrote a really nice review of the Belfast concert that you can read here. She lives in London and will be going to the London concert at St. George's also. :D

Armagh Concert

                                     UPDATED

Today was Libera's first concert in Northern Ireland! This one was at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh! Libera arrived on Tuesday. Luke tweeted that they had seen many potato farms and had eaten many potatoes. lol. Really hope the boys do a blog about this tour!

This concert is getting really good reviews! Shall we review it? :D

Church exterior - photo by Viabuona

Beautiful lights in St. Patrick's Cathedral - stage set up and string quartet

warming up. Photo by Fan de LoK

Front of cathedral - photo by Viabuona

Concert ticket - it says "The shimmering sounds of Libera in the

wonderful setting of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh." :D

There are 31 choristers! Wow! And 2 are newbies! :D

1.   Henry Barrington
2.   Anthony Blake
3.   Tiarnan Branson
4.   Ciaran Bradbury-Hickey
5.   Jude Collins
6.   Luke Collins
7.   Kavana Crossley
8.   Thomas Delgado-Little
9.   Dylan Duffy
10. Benjamin Fairman
11. Daniel Fontannaz
12. Matthew Jansen
13. Anthony Kerr-Munley *newbie
14. Stefan Leadbeater
15. Isaac London
16. Alessandro MacKinnon-Botti *newbie
17. Joshua Madine
18. Matthew Madine
19. Eoghan McCarthy
20. Oscar McFall
21. Michael Menezes
22. Sammy Moriarty
23. Kuba Niedermaier-Reed
24. Cassius O'Connell-White
25. Matthew Rangel-Alvares
26. Carlos Rodriguez
27. Ralph Skan
28. Bertie Smart
29. Michael Ustynovych-Repa
30. Sam Wiggin
31. Lucas Wood

Super excited that Josh is still singing and playing the piano at 18 years old! We're missing Jakob de Menezes-Wood and Adrian Sheard, but happy to have Stefan, Oscar, Sammy, Carlos and Ralph back who did not tour in the Summer!

There was no large piano. Robert Prizeman stood to the left to conduct. There were 2 keyboards which were played by Steven Geraghty, Josh Madine and Ian Tilley! Woo! There was a string quartet. Simon Roth is back at percussion. Jonathan Barrington is doing Stage Management! :D

Front of concert program - photo by Fan de LoK

Song List - photo by Fan de LoK

Choristers and staff list - photo by Fan de LoK

Signed concert program - photo by Yuki

1. Dies Irae - Fabulous song to open the concert. The solo was by Ciaran with Matthew R-A.

2. Gloria - Matthew R-A sang the high part.

Speech - Cassius and Ben said the youngest there tonight is 9 years old!

3. Eternal Light - Many people loved this song! Solo by Jude with Thomas!

4. Voca Me - Love this song! The solo was sung by Ciaran, high part by Thomas.

5. Sanctus - The final Sanctus was sung by Matthew Jansen.

Speech - Cassius and Michael U-R with Moose!

6. I Vow To Thee My Country - Matthew J accompanied in parts by Dylan and Thomas.

7. Salva - Matthew R-A is still hitting those high notes! :D

8. Be Still My Soul - So excited that this song is on the set list! The lower harmonies are so great. They sang the beginning part a cappella. Solo by Matthew J and Thomas with Dylan and Sam.

Speech - Jude introducing the musicians.

9. How Shall I Sing That Majesty - If you're not going to end the concert with this song, then go to intermission with it. Am I right?! :D Eoghan sang the solo!

- Interval -

10. Mysterium - Very nice solo by Jude!

11. Orinoco Flow - Great song! Glad they kept it!

Speech - Michael U-R.

12. Far Away - Solo by the strong voice of Isaac. :D

13. The Fountain - Solo by Matthew J and Thomas.

14. Grateful Heart - Solo by Thomas and Michael U-R.

15. Ave Verum - Love this one! Josh played the piano for this song. Solo by Dylan, Mathew J, Ciaran and Henry. When they formed the "V", Tiarnan was at the front with Sammy then Daniel on the left, Ralph then Stefan on the right.

Speech - Daniel on how some of them have had voice changes and so they have to learn new, lower harmony parts.

16. Sanctissima - Solo by Eoghan with Thomas

17. Stay With Me - Solo by Cassius with Matthew R-A on high parts.

18. Glory To Thee - Solo by Eoghan.

Speech - Ben thanks everyone for coming.

19. Exultate - Solo by Thomas

Encore: part of Libera - They used this as an encore in the US 2010 tour. Love it!

And now what we've been waiting for! Some pictures from the concert. These are from Yuki who is always so good to share with us! :D

Michael U-R, Ben, newbie Anthony K or Alessandro?, Thomas, Jude

Dylan, Cassius, Anthony B, Stefan, Matthew J, Eoghan, Ralph, Kavana

Anthony B, Stefan, Matthew J, Eoghan, Ralph, Kavana, Daniel, Henry, Josh

Henry, Josh, Matthew R-A, Tiarnan, Matthew M, Sammy, Oscar

Oscar, Carlos, newbie Anthony K or Alessandro?, Luke, Sam, Kuba, Ciaran

Bertie, Isaac, Lucas, Michael M

So happy that the concert went so well! :D