2018 US Summer Tour

[Yorkie]

Just because I like to have the tour threads as a full record of what happened I'll type up the set list and boys on the tour:

1 - Mysterium (Leo Barron)
2 - Joyful Joyful
3 - In Paradisum (Rocco& Oliver W-R)
4 - The Prayer (Daniel White)
5 - Stay With Me (Oliver Mycka & Samuel-Francis)
6 - Ave Maria (Merlin)
7 - How Great Thou Art (Alex G)
8 - Smile (Victor & Alex M)
9 - Voca Me (Victor & Alex M)
10 - Orinoco Flow
11 - I Am The Day (Alex G, Peter, Oliver M)
12 - From A Distance (Merlin)
13 - Wayfaring Stranger (Alex G)
14 - Amazing Grace (Peter final verse)
15 - Sanctus
16 - Salva Me (Oliver W-R)
17 - Eternal Light (Ben Bywater)
18 - Nearer My God To Thee (Merlin, Ben B, Alex M, Alex G, Rocco, Leo
19 - Libera (Alex G & rocco)
20 - America the Beautiful


Marc Alvares
Leo Barron
Nathaniel Bates Fisher
Emanuele Borrelli
Merlin Brouwer
Ben Bywater
Dominik Clarke
Cassius Collard
Samuel-Francis Collins
Joseph Cranitch
Tahdg Fitzgerald
Johnny Gardner
Alex Gula
Adam Izghouti
Peter Kielty
Alexandre Menuet
Alex Montoro
Mathias Montoro
Oliver Mycka
Neo Parson
Koji Shinokubo
Taichi Shinokubo
Camden Stewart
Laurence Taylor
Rocco Tesei
Romeo Tesei
Oliver Watt-Rodriguez
Benjamin Wevill
Daniel White
Victor Wiggin
Theo Wood

[andmar]

Thank you for all the wonderful reviews.

So no Arthur Palmer which probably means he has left the group. The rest of the boys were all in Ely apart from Neo?

Correct.

Almost correct.
Gregor was in Ely but is missing now.

[Amie_Hill]

It also seems that Gabriel Collins is missing (not listed on the program).

[john45]

It was 40 degrees in San Antonio yesterday. That’s 3 degrees above normal body temperature.

The Libera boys kept their cool and performed a well received opening concert for a smaller than desirable but very appreciative audience last evening. Surpinto has already given an excellent review of the concert so I will only add a few personal observations.

Alex Gula’s voice has not “broken” in the usual sense but is deeper and has acquired an incredibly rich, warm and silky tone which I can only describe as like hot chocolate and makes his already moving performances of “How Great Thou Art” and “Wayfaring Stranger” even more so.

One of my favourite performances of the evening was “I am the Day” with Alex G accompanied by Oliver M and Peter. Chills and Goosebumps – but not because of the air-conditioning.

Another was “Nearer My God”. More brilliance from Merlin who led, and was joined by Ben B, Alex G, Alex M, Rocco, and Leo. As others have said – please record this group before it is too late.

We now have three descant specialists headed by Leo (brilliant in “Voca Me”), Oliver W-R (great salvas) and Sam (“Stay with Me” and more).

On only his second concert and first tour Dominik is already wearing an individual mike and harmonised beautifully with Leo in “Mysterium”. I think we can expect great things from Dominik.

Unlike Surpinto, I could never tire of Sanctus which was the song that introduced me to Libera in the first place. For me, a Libera concert without it would be incomplete. Having said that, the new version is in my opinion the best yet.

My usual reaction to “Amazing Grace” is to wait for this tired old tune to be done and move on to the next one, but for some reason last evening’s performance made me see it in a completely different light and I am looking forward to hearing it again.

The speeches are an important part of the concert and strengthen the connection between the performers and the audience. A kind of bonding perhaps. They were all delivered very well and received much laughter (in the right places) and applause.

So many newer soloists now: Daniel “The Prayer”, Oliver M “Stay with Me”, Victor “Smile”, Ben B “Eternal Light”, Peter “Amazing Grace”; plus long time stalwarts Merlin, Alex G and Rocco – surely this is a new “Golden Age”. But let’s not forget the non-soloists without whom there would be no unique Libera sound. They all put in the same hours, the same hard work and the same dedication.

Thanks to all.

See you in Plano.

[Padmachou]

Thank you all to share your experience I agree to say that if they are, indeed, even better than they were at Ely... it must be something ! Good tour and remember to drink a lot of water

So what would you assume about Gregor, Gabe, Arthur... ? Will we see them again ? I hope we will see Gabe, his brother is still part of the group, we should at least see him at "home" performances don't you think ? Maybe even doing low parts.

About Mysterium, maybe they did not feel like doing the entiere song at Ely, because they weren't ready... and now they are ?
What are the odds that Nearer My God To Thee makes it to Beyond ?

[andmar]

Thank you John and Surpinto for your reviews.
They are much appreciated by us, who could not attend.

Wayfaring Stranger – Alex sounded markedly different this time. The sort of raspy quality he has to his voice which gave it some nice character has sort of morphed into something else. I would say that if his voice isn’t at or near breaking then at the very least it has matured; and this has given him a more operatic tone. A more smooth tone somehow. It works.

Alex Gula’s voice has not “broken” in the usual sense but is deeper and has acquired an incredibly rich, warm and silky tone which I can only describe as like hot chocolate and makes his already moving performances of “How Great Thou Art” and “Wayfaring Stranger” even more so.

One of my favourite performances of the evening was “I am the Day” with Alex G accompanied by Oliver M and Peter. Chills and Goosebumps – but not because of the air-conditioning.

I liked Alex's singing in previous concerts very much, and especially in Ely, where “I am the Day” was one of my highlights. Now, how much I hope his voice will remain with him at least till the end of this year, as this is the earliest date I will hopefully have the chance to hear him again.

Another was “Nearer My God”. More brilliance from Merlin who led, and was joined by Ben B, Alex G, Alex M, Rocco, and Leo. As others have said – please record this group before it is too late.

“Nearer My God To Thee”. This song must be recorded with these particular soloists.

Definitely I agree and I sign that petition with all my hands and feet (I'm not sure if it can be said so in English, but we here in Poland say so, if we want to emphasize that we fully agree with a statement). I hope the song will be included on the "Beyond" CD. And maybe even a live recording could be made and published - just like "Danny Boy" from Guildford 2015 was published some time ago. “Nearer My God” performed by the 6 boys is just extraordinary. It would be a great pity not to have it recorded and published.

Sanctus – I have been complaining about “Sanctus” being on nearly every album and performed at every concert forever . I like the song, but have had enough of it. But this performance may have been the best I have ever heard this piece performed. Yes, it is a change from the CD versions, but I do not mean that; I mean the performance itself. It just sounded extremely polished and I could hear all of the harmonies perfectly. “Sanctus” has been renewed and revived for me.

Unlike Surpinto, I could never tire of Sanctus which was the song that introduced me to Libera in the first place. For me, a Libera concert without it would be incomplete. Having said that, the new version is in my opinion the best yet.

Sanctus belongs to each Libera concert. This is obvious for me too. . I'm glad we will have a renewed and revived version of it on "Beyond".

So many newer soloists now: Daniel “The Prayer”, Oliver M “Stay with Me”, Victor “Smile”, Ben B “Eternal Light”, Peter “Amazing Grace”; plus long time stalwarts Merlin, Alex G and Rocco – surely this is a new “Golden Age”. But let’s not forget the non-soloists without whom there would be no unique Libera sound. They put in the same hours, hard work and dedication.

It was already obvious in Ely, that the younger boys are worthy successors and are capable of maintaining the highest standards and together with older ones produce the unique sound of Libera. This allows us not to worry about Libera's future. It is of course sad not to see some older ones on stage any more, but this is how it is: boys come, stay for a while and go. I hope the time they spent in Libera will remain in their best memories.

[andmar]

It also seems that Gabriel Collins is missing (not listed on the program).

Oh, you are right. I overlooked it, that Gabe is missing too
Sad, not to see him and Gregor and also Alessandro and Isaac performing any more. But well, new "Libera generation" is coming.

Compared to Ely, four youngest boys are missing too: Ethan, Jack, Nick and Calam.

[Surpinto]

John is perfectly right. They have certainly entered an interesting period with many talented soloists as well as quite a few singers who are up and coming. As was already mentioned, Dominick, who was extremely friendly and gracious in the signing line, was wearing an individual microphone and it's only his second concert. This is quite telling. Even the choice of boys who did speeches which included some fairly new members like Johnny (very poised) seems indicative of the highly talented group this current assortment is. "Golden age" as John described it might just be a very apt description.

They have perfected the Ely repertoire and have a solid command of the songs and stage movements. Ely was an amazing concert and, while the Tobin Center, as well as probably all of the venues this tour, cannot even hope to replicate the unique and incredible atmosphere in Ely, the singing was at least at that same high level (or higher on some songs).

Thank you all to share your experience I agree to say that if they are, indeed, even better than they were at Ely... it must be something ! Good tour and remember to drink a lot of water

So what would you assume about Gregor, Gabe, Arthur... ? Will we see them again ? I hope we will see Gabe, his brother is still part of the group, we should at least see him at "home" performances don't you think ? Maybe even doing low parts.

About Mysterium, maybe they did not feel like doing the entiere song at Ely, because they weren't ready... and now they are ?
What are the odds that Nearer My God To Thee makes it to Beyond ?

Can't speak to members attendance; only speculate. Arthur has missed two concerts, the others only one. So the likelihood that Arthur is out is high. As to the others, it is not unheard of for a particular member to miss a given tour due to perhaps a family vacation or other commitments. So I would not assume anything just yet.

I'm not certain why a full Mysterium was included here and not in Ely. I doubt it's because of preparation. My guess would be that it had to do with time. The Ely concert had them traveling home late at night for some hours back to London which keeps their parents waiting too. Shortening the concert world have been a goal. Whereas here they are on tour and have more flexibility. At the same time my argument doesn't fly because it only saves a few insignificant minutes . So who knows what the truth might be.

I'm pessimistic about Nearer being recorded for two reasons. The first is that it is not even on the program. While I am not sure why that is, it seems to demonstrate a sort of lack of commitment to the song....maybe. The other reason is that no fully acapella song has ever been recorded by them on an album (please correct me if I am wrong). The only exception was the "Danny Boy" live video, but that's a video not an album track. I have more hope for a live recording in that vein than it being on the CD. But I pray for one or the other or both!

[filiarheni]

Ely was an amazing concert and, while the Tobin Center, as well as probably all of the venues this tour, cannot even hope to replicate the unique and incredible atmosphere in Ely, the singing was at least at that same high level (or higher on some songs).

I am very happy to hear that, for Ely Cathedral which I love and value so much and because it shows that they develop, that they obviously become more self-confident and better. In paradisum had been the first time for Rocco in Ely and it was a brand-new song, so no wonder that he was better now as he certainly was more secure with it. And now I'm getting so excited to hear him with that whole song on the new album!

I'm not certain why a full Mysterium was included here and not in Ely. I doubt it's because of preparation. My guess would be that it had to do with time. The Ely concert had them traveling home late at night for some hours back to London which keeps their parents waiting too. Shortening the concert world have been a goal. Whereas here they are on tour and have more flexibility. At the same time my argument doesn't fly because it only saves a few insignificant minutes . So who knows what the truth might be.

If there is no purely technical reason for the shortening, I can imagine that they got back to the long version, because the shortening didn't work with the audience. There were reactions here and on twitter and who knows what oral feedback they received. It seemed to me that the fans are very sensitive exactly with Mysterium. I hope it was this. It would show once more that Libera is also sensitive with the audience. I could even imagine that the short version was intended as a test right from the beginning, while the full song was rehearsed as well to be able to change it back.

I'm pessimistic about Nearer being recorded for two reasons. The first is that it is not even on the program. While I am not sure why that is, it seems to demonstrate a sort of lack of commitment to the song....maybe. The other reason is that no fully acapella song has ever been recorded by them on an album (please correct me if I am wrong). The only exception was the "Danny Boy" live video, but that's a video not an album track.

Gladly there is correction possible with The Lamb and Mother of God. So this opens the door for hope. Btw, Mother of God will also be on "Beyond", so if this one is maintained a cappella, then it wouldn't be so alone, if Nearer My God To Thee were on the same album ... ... ...

I was wondering, too, why it is still not listed in the programme. Hard to say. Maybe they just want to remain independent and able to not perform it at short notice, as an a cappella song is very demanding, you can't support secretly with other voices or cover something with instruments. All voices soloing - that is very "honest".
Or perhaps they consider a sextet as so indivdual and different from the full choir pieces that they want to have it be "parallel" to the official set list?

Ah well - they always have us speculating!

[Lucas]

Hello!

I, like many previous posters, was at the San Antonio concert and want to share just a few thoughts. I won't go on too long because it seems like the details have been pretty well outlined alreadu. I'd like to just share my response to the joyful and fulfilling evening it was. When I saw my first concert in Garden Grove 2017, I spent most of my time being memorized by how these little singers really were as magnificent as I had been hearing. This year, I was able to take in a lot more because I spent less time being like: " " Also, having now taught a year and a half of children's choir myself, there was so much to appreciate because I could anchor the experience in my teaching. Anywho:

- The Tobin Center is an absolutely grand venue that, in my opinion, allowed for a great balance of sound (between singer-singer and singer-instrumentalist alike) and a surprisingly engaging spectacle of light. Great, great venue.

- Daniel's solo in "The Prayer" absolutely reached my soul. It actually brought tears to my eyes, no exaggeration. It was magnificent. I can only imagine the nerves of steel that boy must have. And so young! This was one of my top highlights personally.

- I'm going to guess that Alex G. and Merlin are big time leaders in this group. Not simply evidenced by their soloing (which was grand, of course) but by their musical habits. I tried to pay close attention to where singers were looking, and those two stood out as frequently checking in visually with RP, and their eyes would also flutter around the group, as if checking for particular auditory information. I'm sure many of them do it, and I'm sure many of them have very positive musical habits, too. Alex G and Merlin really stood out to me in this way.

- The younger singers (Cassius, Daniel, etc.) were simply delightful. And from a teaching perspective, I found it equally precious, relatable, and humorous that they did not have the most stellar control over the bodies during stretches of the concert (fidgeting, fixing hair, BIG yawns, etc.). My singers and I regularly work on correcting these types of habits in rehearsals, so I did feel a certain sense of appreciation for the fact that even the stars of Libera might have to develop certain control, too. I sometimes forget that all of them were, at one time, beginners also! (This whole point is intended to be very positive, not picking on the youngsters!)

- This was my first time hearing the "new" version of "Sanctus." I simply loved it. Having heard that song hundreds of times, I thought the modifications were delightful and interesting, especially when they took on part of the Canon's melody that I'd never heard lyrics on before. It's hard to explain, but it was very fun indeed. My only other comment is that, in my opinion, the ending of this new "Sanctus" arrived very, very suddenly. I did not think it was over when it in fact was.

- "Nearer My God To Thee" demonstrated - in MANY ways - the extraordinarily high competency and independence of the six singers who performed it. It's hard to say much more than: It was amazing. The musical IQ of these singers is simply off the chart. I look forward to a formal release of this song.

Beyond my ramblings, I imagine that the show went exactly as one might hope it could: It was impressive, it was graceful, it was musically successful, it was funny at the right times, and it was an event I'm very glad I got to be a see. The boys were extremely graceful in the signing event after the performance, too. I shared some positive exchanges with Camden, Taichi, Cassius, Samuel, and a few others.

A bit of my final reflection: One of my own taglines for my own students is: Let your art make you an agent of positive change. This is what I consider to be one of the finest aspects of Libera. Their ability, effort, and time makes for an occasion that can absolutely speak to the soul in an enriching, positive way. I do believe that my life has been made better by Libera, and I'm sure many of you can relate. As a relatively new fan, this has been the paradigm shift in me from Garden Grove to now. Formally, I saw Libera simply as a chorus of angelic singers (They are, of course, very good singers!). But now, I seem them more as a chorus of agents of positive change. For me, it has been a positive change that is nothing short of indelible. ♫

I cannot wait to see them again, and I look forward to supporting these singers for a long time to come!

[andmar]

Lucas,
thank you for sharing with us your very personal thoughts and impressions about the concert in San Antonio. I read it in the early morning and it made my day . I am a relatively new fan too and I can relate to so many points you make. And yes, I spent most of the time during my first concert (Ely 2017) being like " " as well .

- I'm going to guess that Alex G. and Merlin are big time leaders in this group. Not simply evidenced by their soloing (which was grand, of course) but by their musical habits. I tried to pay close attention to where singers were looking, and those two stood out as frequently checking in visually with RP, and their eyes would also flutter around the group, as if checking for particular auditory information. I'm sure many of them do it, and I'm sure many of them have very positive musical habits, too. Alex G and Merlin really stood out to me in this way.

You also make very interesting remarks from the music teacher's perspective. I find this point very interesting. I was lucky to attend the sound check before the concert in Ely earlier this year and the musical habits of the singers you refer to were even more visible then. It is amazing, that young children can be so professional and devoted to what they do.

- "Nearer My God To Thee" demonstrated - in MANY ways - the extraordinarily high competency and independence of the six singers who performed it. It's hard to say much more than: It was amazing. The musical IQ of these singers is simply off the chart. I look forward to a formal release of this song.

I would like to emphasise it again and again. This rendition of the hymn is so amazing that it must be recorded. So, Libera, please release this song officially.

A bit of my final reflection: One of my own taglines for my own students is: Let your art make you an agent of positive change. This is what I consider to be one of the finest aspects of Libera. Their ability, effort, and time makes for an occasion that can absolutely speak to the soul in an enriching, positive way. I do believe that my life has been made better by Libera, and I'm sure many of you can relate. As a relatively new fan, this has been the paradigm shift in me from Garden Grove to now. Formally, I saw Libera simply as a chorus of angelic singers (They are, of course, very good singers!). But now, I seem them more as a chorus of agents of positive change. For me, it has been a positive change that is nothing short of indelible. ♫

I cannot wait to see them again, and I look forward to supporting these singers for a long time to come!

Your final paragraph summarizes my whole reception of Libera as well, which I was often unable to put in words (not even in my native language, let alone in English). Yes, they really are, as you call them "agents of positive change". It is what they indeed are. They did make my life better and richer too. I can relate well to each word you write.

Thanks again, Lucas. I hope it was not your last concert on this tour, so enjoy the incredible choir again soon. I must wait till the end of this year to (hopefully) see them again.

[Surpinto]

Great review Lucas! The best part of reading reviews, even more so than the factual or musical analysis which are of course important, are the individual impressions that people have of the music. It is clear from your review and previous writings that their music, and their concerts in particular, affect you quite deeply in a variety of ways. We can all relate to that, but your particular annotations, as a music teacher, are of greatest interest. You also mention musical intelligence which many of them have in very large measure as they harmonize so well with one another on some fairly complex harmonies.

I am so glad that you enjoyed your second concert and I am sure that you must be glowing afterwards. The effect will last for some time; believe me on that! I was particularly happy to have finally read your review given how much you were looking forward to this. I'm smiling just knowing the deep satisfaction your derived from your trip and from the show.

A bit of my final reflection: One of my own taglines for my own students is: Let your art make you an agent of positive change. This is what I consider to be one of the finest aspects of Libera. Their ability, effort, and time makes for an occasion that can absolutely speak to the soul in an enriching, positive way. I do believe that my life has been made better by Libera, and I'm sure many of you can relate. As a relatively new fan, this has been the paradigm shift in me from Garden Grove to now. Formally, I saw Libera simply as a chorus of angelic singers (They are, of course, very good singers!). But now, I seem them more as a chorus of agents of positive change. For me, it has been a positive change that is nothing short of indelible. ♫

I cannot wait to see them again, and I look forward to supporting these singers for a long time to come!

Your final paragraph summarizes my whole reception of Libera as well, which I was often unable to put in words (not even in my native language, let alone in English). Yes, they really are, as you call them "agents of positive change". It is what they indeed are. They did make my life better and richer too. I can relate well to each word you write.

"Agents of positive change", I like that a lot. Very apt and succinct.

I'm pessimistic about Nearer being recorded for two reasons. The first is that it is not even on the program. While I am not sure why that is, it seems to demonstrate a sort of lack of commitment to the song....maybe. The other reason is that no fully acapella song has ever been recorded by them on an album (please correct me if I am wrong). The only exception was the "Danny Boy" live video, but that's a video not an album track.

Gladly there is correction possible with The Lamb and Mother of God. So this opens the door for hope. Btw, Mother of God will also be on "Beyond", so if this one is maintained a cappella, then it wouldn't be so alone, if Nearer My God To Thee were on the same album ... ... ...

I think you may be right! I had to listen very carefully and with headphones to double-check you. Are you 100% sure about "Mother of God"? It sounds like there might be a light instrument or synth sound somewhere in there, but my ear lacks the training to tell. But I would be inclined to believe that you are right. Definitely "The Lamb" is without any instrumentation. The result of this discovery is a marked increase in my optimism.

I was wondering, too, why it is still not listed in the programme. Hard to say. Maybe they just want to remain independent and able to not perform it at short notice, as an a cappella song is very demanding, you can't support secretly with other voices or cover something with instruments. All voices soloing - that is very "honest".
Or perhaps they consider a sextet as so indivdual and different from the full choir pieces that they want to have it be "parallel" to the official set list?

Ah well - they always have us speculating!

That would seem to make sense because they could bail out on the song if one of the boys became sick and couldn't sing it or something. Logical. At the same time they never did that with songs that relied completely upon a single soloist (think Schubert's "Ave Maria").

Could it be as simple as they forgot to include it in Ely and then made the same error in the US? The program is pretty much identical in design and such too, so they clearly used the same template. They do indeed keep us guessing anyway!

[bachmahlerfan]

I found something involving Libera from Xavier Ramirez, who works for Higher Intentions Productions out of Austin, TX. Three members (Alex G., Leo, Daniel) are shown being interviewed I assume.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlvfHi3lsmM ... rintention
https://www.facebook.com/higherintention. I can't view the Facebook photo, because I don't have a Facebook account.

[Noob]

I found something involving Libera from Xavier Ramirez, who works for Higher Intentions Productions out of Austin, TX. Three members (Alex G., Leo, Daniel) are shown being interviewed I assume.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlvfHi3lsmM ... rintention
https://www.facebook.com/higherintention. I can't view the Facebook photo, because I don't have a Facebook account.

Let's hope this gives Libera some well-deserved publicity!!

[Surpinto]

I found something involving Libera from Xavier Ramirez, who works for Higher Intentions Productions out of Austin, TX. Three members (Alex G., Leo, Daniel) are shown being interviewed I assume.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlvfHi3lsmM ... rintention
https://www.facebook.com/higherintention. I can't view the Facebook photo, because I don't have a Facebook account.

Good find! I don't have a Facebook account either but there are ways to bypass that. Here are the two photos in question. If anyone can find out anything else it would be appreciated! I looked briefly at his website but could glean nothing more.





I also have another piece of information. Libera will be doing a service at Saint Andrew United Methodist Church Sunday at 9:30 and will be singing "Prayer".



Click here and click and go to pages 2 and 3 to access the service program.