Getting To Know Newbies #2

This is the second part of "Getting To Know Newbies" series. It's to help fans who can't place a name to the face of Libera newbies. Go check out the first part if you missed it. This time we have two lovely boys, Anthony and Marc. Are you ready? Let's check them out.

 

(Source: 1, 2, 3-4, 5)

• Anthony Kerr-Munley - It's quite a challenge to find proper shot of this one. As I combed through all archives, I was like "Boy, you need to be more active in front of camera! And photobomb everywhere, please!" Lol. Just kidding, Anthony. ;) Well. Anthony appeared for the first time performing with Libera in Northern Ireland Tour 2012. He has become a regular member of the choir since then.

 

(Source: 1, 2-5, 6)

• Marc Alvares - Marc first performed as a Libera boy at St.George concert in November 2012. Then he joined Libera going on tour in Taiwan and South Korea. That is his very first international tour. He was the youngest member on the tour. And he just turned 9 years old at the time.

Originally I planned to write 4 boys in this post, but I can't seem to find any picture of Alex Montoro and Camden Stewart. Oh well. And what's the point of posting their profiles without picture, anyway? We want to get familiar with these boys, right?! If you happen to have picture of the new boys (especially Alex and Camden), can you share them with me, please? I'd happily accept them. Just let me know, OK? :)

I hope to write some more in the future. Because it did help me to recognize who is who as I wrote these posts. How about you, guys? I hope it worked well for you, too. Alright, I guess it's my cue to end this post. So...see you in the next post, guys. Cheers!

[UPDATE]

(Source: 1, 2, 3, 4-5)

• Camden Stewart - I knew that this boy was either Alex or Camden. But, I wasn't sure who he was to be exact until someone here revealed it to me. Thanks for that, whoever you are! :) So...everyone, meet Camden! He just joined Libera last November along with Marc and Alex. Camden also made a brief appearance in their Christmas Greeting 2012 video. The concert in Guildford is his second performance with Libera. 

Getting To Know Newbies #1

I don't know about you guys but I honestly can't keep up with the recent newbies in Libera. While I was still learning to get to know them, then another group of newbies came into sight, then another one, and then I lost track. So, I decided to write this post up to help myself (and perhaps you) to get back on the track. But no need to rush. We will take it slow. Learn them one by one. That is why I made this into two parts. Hope it will help. 

The ones I consider as newbies here are the 'new' boys who weren't on Spring Tour 2012 and came after that. I will not include ten newbies from Guildford Concert since there's no picture of them yet. We have 8 newbies (9 actually, but Misha Lievin's gone after his debut concert) on the list from Summer Tour 2012 to Spring Tour 2013. Shall we begin?

(Source: 1, 2, 3-6)

• Berty Smart - He is Alfie Smart's younger brother. He first appeared in Libera's St.George concert 2011. Since then he performs regularly in every concert, only missed Spring Tour 2012 in Asia. Probably he was too young for going on tour at the time.

(Source: 1, 2, 3, 4)

• Anthony Blake - I don't know why I always mistook him for Berty and vice versa. Maybe it's their hairstyle? Anthony's debut concert is Arundel concert in 2012. I heard from others that he always smiles while singing on the stage. Love smiley boys! ;)

(Source: 1, 2-3, 4, 5)

• Sam Wiggin - Like Anthony, Sam also made his first appearance at Arundel concert in May 2012. He got his very first solo at the recent concert in Guildford. And he did a pretty good job on Ave Verum. Way to go, Sam!

(Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

• Alessandro Mackinnon-Botti - Among four of them, Alessandro is quite new. He just joined Libera last Autumn. Northern Ireland Tour in 2012 is Alessandro's first tour and also his first concert with Libera. Eh, he's kinda cute, btw! :)

Okay, that's all for now. We have Berty, Anthony, Sam, and Alessandro. How are you doing so far? Take your time. You can back anytime you want and learn them again. The second part will be up soon in the next few days. So, stay tuned! :)

[Update] Find the second part HERE.

More Pictures From Guildford Concert

My friend James saw Libera concert in Guildford. He sent me some pictures from the concert. Enjoy! :)

Well, hello there my favourite mini-and-not-so-mini-people!

The boys marching down to the cathedral.

Newbies! Cuuute!

Another group of newbies!

Josh the keyboardist :)

Look at those three lads on the right. Hahaha.

I want to see more of newbies. Don't you?

Michael UR, Ben, Alessandro, Tom, Jude, Cassius, and Anthony B.

The whole group on stage.

Jude, Cassius, newbie, Marc, newbie, Matthew J, newbie, Eoghan, newbie, and Kavana.

Libera, Josh, Mr.Prizeman, and the string quartet.

Waving goodbye.

He also uploaded a video on Youtube. Check it out. Thank you, James! :)

Guildford Concert

On their way to the Cathedral. And look at those tiny boys, aww! (Courtesy of Patrick)

Tonight's concert in Guildford was one to die for. It was very special. There were FORTY-ONE boys singing. Imagine how powerful they were. Some older boys who missed the Asia tour were back, adding more power to low voice group. The funny thing is Liam who has been MIA for more than a year was also back to the stage tonight. Yay! As usual, I'm very happy to welcome the new boys in Libera. Can't wait to hear more from you, mini boys. Anyway, do you guys notice how many siblings are in Libera now? :)

There's a new addition to the set list, a song called I'm Dreaming Of Home. I thought it was a new song specially composed for Libera. But, apparently it's already exist in this world; it's a soundtrack of the film "Joyeux Noel". A beautiful song, though. I put the link below to give you the idea of how the song sounds like.

Guildford Cathedral (Courtesy of Yuki [L], Yumiko [R]) 

Members

Marc Alvares, Shay Balsekar*, Henry Barrington, Anthony Blake, Ciaran Bradbury-Hickey, Gabriel Collins*, Jude Collins, Luke Collins, Liam Connery, Kavana Crossley, Thomas Delgado-Little, Dylan Duffy, Benjamin Fairman, Daniel Fontannaz, Alexander Gula*, Matthew Jansen, Anthony Kerr-Munley, Timothy Lee*, Isaac London, Alessandro MacKinnon-Botti, Matthew Madine, Eoghan McCarthy, Oscar McFall, James Menezes*, Michael Menezes, Alexander Montoro, Kuba Niedermaier-Reed, Cassius O'Connel-White, Matthew Rangel-Alvares, Carlos Rodriguez, Philip Russ*, Eoin Sherry*, Ralph Skan, Bertie Smart, Camden Stewart, Rocco Tesei*, Jamie Trinder*, Mark Ustynovych-Repa*, Michael Ustynovych-Repa, Sam Wiggin, Lucas Wood. (*newbies)

Musician and Staff

Musical Director: Robert Prizeman; Keyboards: Steven Geraghty, Joshua Madine; Clarinet and Recorder: Steven Geraghty; Percussion: Simon Roth; Strings: The Kinetic Strings; Lighting: Luke Avery; Sound mixing and production: Sam Coates; Stage management: Simon Lewis; Chaperones: Barbara Geraghty, Eleanor Lewis; Concert management: Steven Philipp, David Stephens, Andrew Winter.

Set list

Dies Irae - Ciaran BH, helped by Matthew J

Gloria

Song of Life - Isaac L

Voca Me - Thomas DL

Sanctus

I Vow To Thee My Country - Matthew J, Dylan D, Thomas DL

Salva - Michael UR

Eternal Light - Lucas W

I'm Dreaming of Home - Thomas DL (Listen to it, HERE)

How Shall I Sing - Matthew J, Jude C, Lucas W

- Interval -

Myterium - Lucas W, supported by Dylan

Orinoco Flow

Far Away - Isaac L

Fountain - Matthew J, Thomas DL

Grateful Heart - Thomas DL, Michael UR

Ave Verum - Sam W

How Can I Keep

Stay With Me - Cassius OW

Glory to Thee - Eoghan M

Exsultate - Thomas DL

Encore: Libera

 

Josh Madine on keyboard.(Courtesy of Peer)

I love that the not-so-newbies started to take over the lead on some songs. I'll definitely miss the voices of Ralph, Stefan, and others. But, the newbies also offer many promising talents. Take Lucas Wood for example. I heard he did a brilliant job on his first solo and could sing really high too.

Although they brought 41 boys tonight, actually Libera didn't always sing with full choir. The ten newbies only sang on Gloria and Eternal Light in the first half, and then joined again with the rest on the last 3 songs and encore in the second half. Still, it's such a wonderful experience for fans to witness 41 Libera boys on the stage. I think every Libera fan now started to dream of having one. I hope they'll do it again some time in the future.

Overall, it seems like this concert was a huge success based on the impression that audience had: well-attended, efficient staff, very nice venue, beautiful lighting, and of course perfect performing. Woo-hoo! Happy to hear that. Also proud of the boys.

So, the Spring Tour 2013 is officially over. Thanks to Patrick, Yuki, Peer, and everyone for pictures and live news. And congratulations Libera on the successful tour. Now take a good rest, boys. See you on the next tour in Summer.

[UPDATE] PS: Find more pictures HERE. 

Spring Tour Pictures And BBC Interview

Libera posted some great pictures of their recent visit in Taiwan and Korea on their Gallery. We can clearly see that the boys had tons of fun for sure. :) I love tour pictures. They are always fun! Here are some of my faves.

 

Cool lighting. Cool formation. Cool song.

A very cute close-up of Ciaran.

They look so bright in this pic. Is it just me or does the wind effect make them look so cute?

AHAHA. That is all I can say.

 Another awesome shot of Libera boys on stage. The mini boys look....soo mini!

Interesting picture of the gang of da big boys. Yes, they are the oldest now!

 

  I call it a model-like pose. ;)

 Seriously I love these boys. Very funny kids! And hey Carlos, you picked out the cutest outfit!

 

The Spring Tour 2013 is almost over. There is only one concert left, Guildford. And I believe it would be the most fantastic concert of all with 41 boys. Yes, you read it right. It's like the biggest group that they've ever brought to the stage. Ever. For all of you the concert-goers, you all are very very lucky. Yes, I'll admit, I'm SO jealous. But, here is my truly genuine "Enjoy!". Despite my jealousy, I'm very happy for you guys and very excited for what surprise they'll bring "us" this time. :)

Ok, I almost forgot to post the thing I actually wanted to share. That's what jealousy did to you. Haha. Here is a very nice interview of Michael, Ben, and Mr.Prizeman with BBC Surrey. Make sure to check it out.

(Libera) Loves

I love Libera. I love the celestial sound of their music. I love the angelic voices that (unbelievably) come from those little tiny bodies. I love hearing them producing beautiful harmonies together. I admire their confidences when they sing. I love them because they simply do what they love and love what they do for love (read: hobby). 

I love Josh Madine for many reasons that I can’t even decide where to start first. Uhm…his sweet, dreamy voice? Yes, definitely! Also the way he sings, bringing out emotion in me and tears and smiles.....:') I love the sweet and loving heart Ralph Skan got. Not to mention the tenderness in his singing voice! I love Michael Horncastle and his "Far Away" that brought me to meet and love Libera. Thank you! I love Robert Prizeman. After all, he’s the mastermind of all the magic and the wonder. (Tell me if you can't help but sing that last part.) 

I love the fact that underneath their sacred-white robes, they're just as ordinary as the kids next door. God, I thought they were angels! I love watching videos of them playing around like ordinary kids. Eeek they ARE ordinary kids, Yuni! You just told it yourself! Lol. I love Kavana's brilliant public speaking ability. And his head shaking while singing. Entertaining! Hey, did I tell you that I love Josh Madine? Watch this video and you'll find out another reason why I love him. 

I love the combination of Libera and rain. I love playing "Sancte" softly at nights and sleeping with it. Oh! "Going Home" by Michael H is also my favourite lullaby. I really love Anthony Chadney's part in "Voca Me". I adore his voice so much. I love the bouncy, jolly feeling I get while listening to "In Dulci Jubilo". I could listen to it forever and ever. And never get bored. Seriously. 

I love doing an imaginary tap dance to "Exsultate"! The beat is perfect to do so. Haha. I love picturing sunburst every time the part of “Saaaaaaaaaaaaaanctus” plays - because I'm weird like that. 

I love sharing Libera. I love the moment when I show Libera to my friends and they agree with me that this is the most beautiful sound they’ve ever heard. Scooore! I love finding people who share this mutual Libera-love with me. Let me tell you again, I love…really love people who love Libera as much as I do or even more. You rock! I love reading people's first Libera-discovery, first concert experience, or something like this one. 

I love the exiciting feeling when Libera announces their tour or new album or video or anything. I love dreaming Libera is coming to my country. As much as I enjoy listening to their digital tracks, I love seeing their live performing. They are fantastic! I love that my “Finally I met them” moment turned out so amazingly wonderful. Ugh, need to meet them again! Like, SOON! 

Last but not least, I really love writing this kind of post and sharing it with you guys, my Libera friends.

(Original idea)