British boys’ choir Libera has chosen Ely Cathedral for its first major UK concert of 2022, when it will give one of the first live performances of music from its latest album, ‘IF’, which is already an international hit.
This concert is likely to be a real celebration, bringing together ‘IF’ and Libera’s return to Ely after the pandemic meant they had to postpone for two years, as well as providing an opportunity to remember the group’s founder, composer Robert Prizeman, who died last year. It will also be one of the very few chances that British audiences will have to hear the choir live before its annual Christmas concert in London.
Since its release in October 2021, ‘IF’, has met with worldwide acclaim, with well over half a million views on YouTube and as many again on Spotify. It includes tracks such as ‘Once an Angel’, Schubert’s ‘Ave Maria’, ‘Deep Peace’ (a Gaelic blessing) and ‘IF’, the song for which the album is named. Many of these will feature in the Ely concert.
In addition to the music, during the show some of the boys will introduce themselves and the songs. They will also say a bit about the group, which numbers about 40 boys aged between seven and sixteen years old, and how they combine membership of a super-star singing group with being ordinary schoolboys in south London. As Libera, they are frequently called upon to appear on TV and radio both in the UK and overseas, as well as appearing live in some of the world’s most prestigious venues. They have been heard millions of times on YouTube and Spotify.
Libera first came to prominence when it appeared on the TV programme ‘Sunday Live’ and the BBC’s ‘Songs of Praise‘ back in the 1980s, although it was then known as “The Boys of the St Philip’s Choir” or “Angel Voices”, only taking on the name Libera in 1999. The choir now has a worldwide following thanks to the unique combination of the ethereal sound of the boys’ voices, their remarkable robes and the exquisite staging. It is returning to Ely Cathedral for its 2022 UK concert following the success of its performances there in 2017 and 2018.
Libera’s concerts sell out quickly, so anyone wanting to share the experience is encouraged not to delay. Tickets are now on sale from Ely Cathedral Box Office and cost £35 or £25, with special concessions for seniors and students, telephone 01353 660349 or email box.office@elycathedral.org, or online from https://www.elycathedral.org/events/libera.
Sam Coates, Musical Director and conductor, says: “We were originally scheduled to perform this concert during the first lockdown. When this was impossible, we presented an online concert instead. But even the best online performance isn’t the same as performing against the background of the magnificent architecture and glorious acoustic at Ely Cathedral. As well as pieces from IF, we will also sing some of the classic Libera tracks as well as a couple of brand new arrangements. We very much look forward to the warm welcome we’ve been lucky enough to experience before.”
Press release from Libera
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