A night of celestial music with libera
MANILA, Philippines - Manila is gearing up for yet another highly anticipated concert, this time from a much-acclaimed musical group, not only by classical music enthusiasts but music lovers of all ages. Welcome the global musical phenomenon Libera and get to hear why the world has fallen in love with this cherubic all-boy choir from Southern London.
Definitely the must-see concert of 2009, “Libera in Concert” will be staged on Oct. 25, 8 p.m. at the Philippine International Convention Center. The Manila concert follows the successful worldwide release of the choir’s two hit recordings, the DVD Angel Voices - Libera in Concert from their memorable live performance in St. Pieterskerk, Netherlands, and “Eternal - the Best of Libera” which is a two-CD package containing the choir’s most requested hits. Both are released by EMI Records.
The all-boys’ choir had a successful 2008 US Tour in which they showcased astonishing performances, notably in their stint at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington DC and in the Concert of Hope offered by Pope Benedict XVI in New York. The choir likewise staged highly acclaimed concerts in Japan and Korea and has performed with international artists like Bjork, Elton John and Lucianno Pavarotti.
The distinct sound of Libera emanates from the artistic blending of voices from its members whose ages range from seven to 14 years old. Their rich vocal texture produces angelic harmonies, from classical pieces of Beethoven, Debussy, Pachelbel and other masters to Gregorian chants and Latin rite liturgies. Libera has also covered contemporary new age music of Enya and Brian Wilson.
Among the group’s most popular songs are Always With You, Far Away, Going Home, How can I Keep from Singing and Sing Forever. This early, Libera’s Filipino fans are excited to hear their rendition of Ave Maria, Sanctus and Adoramus, as well as the YouTube favorite Orinoco Flow, an Enya original.
Libera’s birth as a touring concert group was credited to British musical genius Robert Prizeman, whose original single Libera became the signature song of the choir during their television appearances. As musical director, Prizeman helms unique arrangements and conjures up fresh versions of well-loved covers for the choir, contributing his own narrative lyrics while borrowing from well-loved poems and English hymns.
“Libera in Concert” will be held in celebration of the RP-UK Friendship Week and will be for the benefit of the BAA’s Foundation for Disadvantaged Children. It is brought to the Philippines by BAA, in cooperation with The British Embassy Manila, The British Council and British Chamber of Commerce Philippines.
Tickets — priced at P3,850, P3,000, P2500, P2,000, P1,500, P800 and P500 — are available at Ticket World. For inquiries, call 891-9999 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph. VIP tickets are available at the BAA Secretariat. Call 568-0638 for details. Libera is another Concertus Production.
