A different kind of boy band

MANILA, Philippines - On Sept. 26 at 6:48 a.m. London time (1:48 p.m. Manila time), as tropical storm “Ondoy” was drenching Manila with the heaviest downpour the metropolis has ever seen, this message was posted on the Facebook page of Libera:

“We are shocked and saddened by the dreadful news of the storm that has hit the Philippines, particularly Manila. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those people affected and particularly to our new friends who have been helping with the rescue effort.”

Before even setting foot on Philippine soil, the boys of Libera have made many friends in the country, as preparations are in high gear for their first concerts in the country, on Oct. 25 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), and on Oct. 28 at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu.

Who or what exactly is/are Libera? The most immediate and perhaps the easiest response is that they’re the British equivalent of the famed Vienna Boys’ Choir, but that would not be right – or fair, to either group.

While Libera, like the Vienna Boys, is a group of boys who sing – wonderfully, no mistake about that – they will be quick to point out that they are not choirboys – although they do look so cute, almost cherubic – but see themselves as “an alternative kind of boy band.” But whichever way you want to look at them, Libera is a joy to listen to, and indeed, if you close your eyes and allow yourself to be enveloped by the whole atmosphere of their music, you will find yourself transported to some place really nice.  

Their Philippine concerts follow the successful worldwide release of the band’s two hit recordings, the DVD Angel Voices – Libera in Concert from the memorable live performance in St. Pieterskerk in The Netherlands, and Eternal – The Best of Libera which is a 2-CD package containing the group’s most requested hits. Both are released by EMI Records.        

The group had a successful 2008 US tour where they showcased astonishing performances notably in their stint at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington DC and in the Concert of Hope at Yankee Stadium offered by Pope Benedict XVI in New York. The group likewise staged highly acclaimed concerts in Japan and Korea and has performed with international artists like Bjork, Elton John and the late Luciano Pavarotti. They also had a special performance with tenor Jose Carreras at the Royal Albert Hall in December 2006.

The distinct sound of Libera emanates from the artistic blending of voices from its members whose ages range from seven to 16 years. Their rich vocal texture produces angelic harmonies, from classical pieces of Beethoven, Debussy, Pachelbel and other masters to Gregorian chants and Latin rite liturgies. But Libera has also covered contemporary new age music, such as those of Enya and Brian Wilson.

Chiefly responsible for Libera’s unique sound is Robert Prizeman, composer/arranger and music director, who will accompany the 22 boys on their Philippine tour. For the protection of the boys and in accordance with child labor laws, names and other personal details of the boys are not revealed. They are from different backgrounds and attend different schools in South London.

Originally, they were part of the traditional male parish choir of St. Philip’s Church in Norbury, London. They released a CD in 1988, Sing Forever, and in 1990 the group had a change of name to Angel Voices. In 1998, they adopted the name Libera. 

The concerts in Manila and Cebu will celebrate RP-UK Friendship Week and will benefit the British Alumni Association’s (BAA) Foundation for Disadvantaged Children and Children’s Hour. 

Former Finance Secretary Roberto de Ocampo, BAA chair and the tireless mover behind the concerts, first heard of Libera when he was gifted with their CD by the dean of Oxford University following a conference in December 2007 to set up the Emerging Markets Forum as an offshoot of the World Economic Forum. The concerts will be held in cooperation with The British Embassy Manila, The British Council and British Chamber of Commerce Philippines.

Tickets to the Manila concert are available at Ticket World, tel 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph. For the Cebu performance, call Cebu Arts Council at 233-0452 or 0917-3287917. For more information, call the BAA at                           568-0638.