Libera in Singapore - Spring Tour 2012

Many fans traveled from various corners of the globe to watch Libera premiere in their first Singapore concerts on the 6^th & 7^th of April 2012.  Thanks to a very kind and generous French super-fan, I was able to attend the concerts on both nights.  This was my 2^nd Libera concert (first one was the Manila concert in October 2011), but they blew me away with how amazing they all sounded.  I am so proud of all the newbies, they performed like pros, and nobody seemed nervous at all! 

Esplanade Theatre as viewed from the Singapore Flyer

For non-groupies who have somehow stumbled across this blog, Libera is a world-renowned non-profit boys choir from London, whose voices have been described as both celestial and angelic.  They have performed to sold-out audiences in the US, UK, Philippines, Japan, and South Korea.  The 24 boys on this tour were aged 8 to 14 years, and Singapore marked their first stop on their 2012 Spring Tour.  For more info visit  www.libera.org.uk .

The following are just my amateur thoughts on the individual songs, so don’t take my word for it. I will say one thing, you haven’t wholly experienced Libera if you haven’t seen or heard them live in concert!

·         Jubilate – The stage was pitch dark as Matthew R-A, Matthew J, Dylan, Cassius, Eoghan and Ralph started out with the opening harmonies for this haunting song. Then Cassius and Barney  moved to the front and center to share the lead in the chorus.

They then segued into

These glossy programs are so pretty! Best I've  seen yet.
Only bought 2 cause they were a bit pricey. Worth every dollar though!

·         Libera – This is the first song they sang as Libera, and is a wonderful introduction to who they are musically. Eoghan and Luke moved front and center to share the lead. I had goosebumps halfway through the song, it was so powerful !  Ralph sang the last few “Aeterna” lines, and my oh my, his voice was CRAAAZY high!  We all heard his low speaking voice, but those descants prove he’s still the head boy. Could have gone home happy right then. :D

1^st Speech:  Cue Cassius and Barney for the first introductory speech of the night.  They gave us a little Libera history lesson and background.  Barney said they live near places like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and King’s Cross Station- where Harry Potter goes to take the train. That line gave the audience a good chuckle.

·         Song of Life – Ralph proved this song was written for him.  He sang a little lower than the original version in some parts of the chorus, but sang it so beautifully.  I’m starting to love his lower register too. Stefan backed him up in the bridge part with some of the most beautiful “aaahhh’s” I’ve heard.  Those two sound great individually, but sound absolutely heavenly when singing together.

·         Sanctissima – Ralph soloed on this and did a great job. The stage was set to sort of a Gregorian chant mood, dark and mysterious.  Goosebumps again on the chorus!  Everyone blended so well together.  Fist pump! :D

·         Sanctus – Cue green lights. Yes we’ve heard this a million times, but this version was so good! Everyone sang their hearts out and sang it to perfection. Stefan did the beginning Sanctuses and Luke ended on a beautiful high note.

2^nd Speech:  Michael U-R and Cassius proceeded to tell us about preparing for a tour, how the older boys help out the newbies, and how many older boys couldn’t make it because they were revising for exams. Mikey then introduced us to Moose, the oldest member of the choir. He supposedly is at every rehearsal and concert.

·         I Vow to Thee My Country – The first surprise of the night as Matthew J. stepped forward and sang solo, backed by Thomas and Dylan.  He has such a clear, distinct treble voice which I look forward to hearing much more of. He’s also a joy to watch ‘cause he smiles all the way through the concert.

·         Eternal Light – Stefan soloed, backed by Ralph.  Nothing beats the Manila 2011 version for me, but Stef did a wonderful job. This song was written for his beautiful, rich voice.  The Stefan-Ralph combo worked excellently on this song.  I hope they sing together long after they leave Libera.

·         Salva Me – Matthew R-A sang the high Salva’s.  Great as always, Matt!

3^rd speech:  Jude the comedian introduced us to the band: Steven G. on the clarinet and recorder, Simon on percussion, a string quartet, and Rob Prizeman - whom he jokingly told to make up his mind about shuffling between the piano and organ. Yep, Jude showed everyone he’s the boss. :D

·         Do Not Stand – At this point the stage went dark and about half the boys left the stage.  Everyone but Ralph was hooded. He came up to the center and sang a beautiful solo on the first verse.  Big Ben and Tom Cully would be proud!  Then Stef removed his hood and joined in with Ralph, what a magical moment!  The blending of their voices is just indescribable.  I hope everyone gets a chance to hear that live.

·         Exultate – Stefan on the solo. Missed Mini-Ben on this, but Stefan did great!  The energy was infectious, as the mini-boys were bouncing around to the song.  Great song to end the first part of the concert.

·         Interval – Visited the front row to chat with Lauren, Yuki, Patrick, Martin, and Yuni.   Mr.  Roberto de Ocampo (Philippines) graciously indulged us in some interesting chatter.

·         Orinoco Flow – For anyone who has watched their 2008 Last Choir Standing performance of this, it was quite similar in terms of choreo. They stood in clusters at first and moved forward to form two lines in quick, snappy movements.  They were such a joy to watch and listen to. One of my favorite performances of the night, really.

·         Gloria – The boys did not disappoint! Everyone sang loud and proud.  Wanted to hear the full sound again with lower voices, but this was jus great! It’s easy to get pitchy when everyone is singing a different line. So proud of all the newbies and mini-boys on this one.

4^th Speech:  Cassius and Barney did the whole hood-over-the-face routine, to the great delight of the audience.  This will never, ever get old for me!

·         Fountain – Ralph. Perfection. Goosebumps. ‘nuf said!

Programme booklet with set list

·         Dies Irae – Ciaran and Matthew R-A stood side by side, and I was half expecting Matt to start. Instead I was pleasantly surprised by Ciaran’s beautiful, wispy vocal.  He has such a nice voice, kind of similar to James Mordaunt’s.  Another promising soloist!  Dies Irae was so powerful to hear live.  Up to now it’s still looping in my mind like an internal ipod.  :D

·         Grateful Heart – I had never heard this before, but Liam O’Kane originally soloed on this on one of the AV albums.  Stefan stood at the center and half the boys were kneeling around him.  He delivered my favorite solo of the night. Poignant, deep, heartfelt, pure.  He sang like an angel! So proud of you, Stefan!  I think he was proud of himself too, because he had the biggest smile on his face at the end of it.  

·         Stay with Me – Cassius, Barney and Dylan did great on this!  Cassius’s voice was quite loud. Matthew R-A did the descants, and was perfect this time. Good job, lads!

5^th Speech:  Nano-Ben told us why he’s called Nano-Ben. He really has the cutest speaking voice!  Would love to hear a solo from him.

·         Ave Verum – Was also wondering who would take the center in their trademark V formation, and how they would sound without the deep voices at the end.  Barney, MJ, Ciaran, Henry and Matt R-A took the lead with the song, then the lights dimmed and they moved into V formation with Ralph at the center.  He was beaming, and so was I.  So proud of all the boys, they sounded sooo good on this even sans the deep voices.  Bravo!!

·         Far Away – So we all heard Isaac on the live TV interview. Confident little chap, I should say!  All throughout the concert, you could hear his voice above the others. It’s so loud and projects so well.  His Far Away solo was just lovely, so striking and clear.  For those who know me, Tom Cully is my favorite all-time Libera soloist, so this song has a very special place in my heart.  Isaac somehow reminds me of him, personality-wise.  He’s definitely going places, and that big ol’ voice is sure to make him lead soloist one day. Yayyy, Isaac!

·         Glory to Thee – Eoghan stood at up front with Thomas, Isaac, Dylan and Adrian right behind him.  He has the most beautiful voice,  and this time it was even better than when I last heard him in Manila.  He was half-smirking, half-smiling all throughout. I’m sure he broke a few young girls’ hearts that night. Hehe.

·         How Shall I Sing That Majesty – Fresh from being treated last week to their SOP performance of HSISTM, I was looking forward to this song. Stefan sang solo on the first verse, and he “owned “ it.  Yes , I miss his crazy high notes, but his lower register is just as enchanting. Hanging on to his every word!  Eoghan sang the second verse, and was perfect! Then the two of them blended, in what seemed like a passing of the torch from one lead soloist to the next (lead?) soloist.  It was beautiful to watch. Then, when the whole crowd joined in, I almost teared up.   What a perfect way to end the concert.

People were on their feet in a standing ovation, and started clapping more loudly, as if to say “encore, encore!” And they sure got what they wanted.

·         Encore:  Exultate – just the chorus this time, the boys all smiling in relief.  Second standing ovation after that. 

Singapore loved you, boys!  Every solo and performance was outstanding. Bravo, bravo!  I felt so blessed to have heard you live for a second and third time. Thank YOU for singing so beautifully!

Meet & Greet   photos and videos to follow.