Filming What a Wonderful World
Libera has been all over the place……to America, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Singapore, all over the world – in fact, to the other side of the world. But now, the trip to top all trips…..Leeds in the North of England !
‘W-H-A-T I-S G-O-I-N-G O-N’ we all wondered?
We had an exciting purpose of going there. It was to record the song ‘Wonderful World’ at a 1800’s MILL, which meant of course we would have to leave our nice white robes at home and get ourselves covered in something they call….. DIRT – but in film type make up form. My reaction to this was ‘Dirt, what a peculiar prospect! Jolly ho, let’s not waste another moment, cover me immediately in mud, dirt, soot etc. It is my natural habitat.’
Of course the journey between London and Leeds was quite long, so the usual scenarios happened. ‘Where’s my tablet?’ ‘Did you seriously eat all of it, and keep none for me?’ ‘Barbara, can I have my DS back please?’ ‘Kuba can you stop talking about Pokemon?’ But then Mr Peabody and Sherman came to the rescue on the coach DVD, and all was peace and calmness.
Anyway the next day was a ‘Wonderful’-Day! We were off to Armley Mill to record ‘Wonderful World’, and as I said earlier, we had to get rid of our robes and get covered in the aforementioned dirt. We got dressed in old-fashioned ragged dirty clothes, which enabled us to look the part. On a more serious note we were re-enacting one of the most horrific jobs in the history of the Industrial Revolution. So our clothes and dirt were not for a kind of nice friendly Oliver Twist scene, with happy boys dancing and singing about pickapocketortwo, but more real – we had to have bare feet for a start – and we were to be working in the mill where children would have to crawl under dangerous machines risking their lives. We all had different parts to play: nippers, weighers, machine cleaners (one of the most dangerous jobs of all), floor cleaners, hand spinners and bobbin basket carriers.
The children would have been working very hard for very long hours each day and due to the awful working conditions they would not have seen much of the outside world. Their world in itself may not have seemed altogether too wonderful either. Some may indeed have been optimistic about themselves but not all.
We all learnt a lot about the history and the cruelty to children working in the mills. Not that we could hear much – the machine made the most ghastly noise. They told us that most of the children became deaf. It was all so sad, and we felt a bit guilty really as we were kind of play-acting what was real life to them, almost as if their ghosts were around us.
Anyhow, back to the 21st Century, evening came and we went back to the place where we were staying to spend our final night and had a massive Italian meal – in other words, pizzas – on the way.
The next morning we got up at our own times and went down for breakfast. We had the whole rest of the day in Leeds, so we went to see the charming sights of Leeds. It was a nice, sunny day so we started the day by heading to the accommodation’s grounds where we played a bit of football which is very popular in Libera. Then to the Media Museum which is rather nicely related, as it is all about film and television. Later on we went back to our rooms to pack our stuff into our suitcases. We got to the coach and made our way to our next destination. The Park. We played our world famous chase game called ‘Disease”. After about an hour we decided to move out to a zoo. There were orangutans, crocodiles and even blue whales (okay that last one was a bit of a fib!) Anyhow, it was time to head back to London, and we were all sad to be leaving but happy to be reuniting with our families. This was a tour that was not going to be forgotten quickly. Now we are all looking forward to see what the film will look like!
« Wonderful Washington – Part 3
Jancy
1st January 2015 at 5:34 pmHappy new year Libera! Ti’s a great way to start the year, reminding us how wonderful the world is. I wonder who did write the blog. :):) God bless you always. 🙂 TC
Paul Viloria
1st January 2015 at 5:35 pmWhen I heard the preview, I was already getting Goosebumps just listening to it. Ao excited for the new album. One of my resolutions is to own every album you guys have so that when I go to college, I can listen to you guys while I study. From now on, I will check here every other day.
Fortis Boy Choir
1st January 2015 at 6:21 pmLibera always makes such beautiful music! Have a happy and wonderful 2015!
Leslie Sundborg
1st January 2015 at 6:57 pmTo whomever wrote this informative blog; you are a skilled writer indeed. Well done! As far as the filming being described is concerned, I believe that the boys had a wonderful learning experience. This topic may be studied in their history lessons, but Libera was able to see firsthand what the children working under these conditions had to endure. I have always maintained that the boys learn much more than singing – they also learn lessons that enrich their lives in many other ways that will be of value to them, both now, and in the future.
Jordan Canto
1st January 2015 at 8:00 pmHi Libera, a very Happy and Healthy New Year to all. Thankyou for the good music you shared with us through these years. Libera have been to almost all places but you have never been to India, i guess. There are people waiting for you here. Hope to see you live in India in 2015. 🙂
Jim
1st January 2015 at 8:01 pmVery nice post, sounds like a fun experience. Enjoyed the preview, looking forward to the album.
Eric Hamilton Smith
1st January 2015 at 10:12 pmFirst of all, a very Happy New Year to you all. The music that you have shared with us over the years has been such a blessing, and we are forever grateful. I’m looking forward to finally seeing and hearing you live when you come to Boston, it’s been a dream for years and it’s finally coming true. I’ve been so very thrilled at the choices in songs that you have made in your USA stops, and Wonderful World has been a lifelong favorite of mine. But what I am seeing in the preview is taking this song to a whole new level for us, and even the few snippets of preview video are incredible. And I know that when I hear America The Beautiful sung by you boys I will be in tears. but happy tears, this is the song that many of us Yanks always felt should have been our National Anthem, and it will be an honor to hear you sing it. Again, many thanks for the joy and happiness that you have given us, can’t wait for Boston.
Adrian
2nd January 2015 at 3:20 amHappy new year Libera here is to another 25 years of Libera Fans UK .com
Cory J Eckstrom
2nd January 2015 at 3:28 amA brief comment from a devoted fan: thank you for your time and efforts to bring peace and joy to a world that suffers quite a bit. You are treasured more than realize. Thank you for all the “company” you have provided for me in times of loneliness.
Skip Thomas
2nd January 2015 at 5:25 amWonderful way for the boys to learn the history of their country. I’m looking forward to your next release. Cheers from Thailand!
Dave Roberts
2nd January 2015 at 12:10 pmNicely done!
I got the same goosebumps I usually get when I hear Louis sing it. I’m sure he’d be pleased.
I’m very much looking forward to the new album and Washington DVD. It will be a happy 2015 indeed for Libera fans!
Rushana Brandanger
2nd January 2015 at 11:55 pmHi,I just heared you first time today and I deeply amazed,I think,you are number 1 boys choir in the world!!!!can’t find a word to describe… Good luck!!!
Henry
3rd January 2015 at 3:54 amHappy new years to all! As always, your music is not only beautiful, but also carries thoughtful messages. I’m very excited about the new album and even more so about your coming US tour! Your music has a very positive impact on my life, and I can’t wait to feel your music in person! See you all soon in San Antonio! – Your fan from Dallas, Texas
Ron Cornet
3rd January 2015 at 8:55 amHey Guys,
Can’t wait to buy the album! And of course: can’t wait till you finally come to the Netherlands. We have a lot of things here you will like. Including pizza’s… 😉
Gerard Anthony Espiritu
3rd January 2015 at 8:59 amWhat an enchanting rendition! Their experience written in this blog made the song even more touching. Happy New Year guys!
Frank Vest
5th January 2015 at 6:02 amWhat a wonderful preview of a great song! May God bless each and every one that is part of or involved with Libera.
David
8th January 2015 at 5:05 amHappy New Year to all you guys in Libera – and everyone associated with you! So glad to have met all of you in Washington in Aug 2014 – can’t wait to get your Washington DVD! Cheers and Wonderful Wishes for your upcoming USA Tours!
Donald Robinson
9th January 2015 at 5:27 pmI’m so impressed with your music, and your entire group. Please add my e-mail address to receive your blog. Hoping to see you in Boston, April 1.
farhood
11th January 2015 at 8:22 pmOh! The new album will be released on spring time. It`s too much! I can`t wait for that.
Keith Eigendorp
19th January 2015 at 9:31 pmHi I been a Big fan of you scenes I have heard you on song of Praise I don’t hear much of there any more so I hope that you will come back to the show again and also when are you coming over to Australia
Olga
23rd January 2015 at 7:01 amDear Boys!
Thank you so much for your coming Moscow. Me and my friends have been waiting for this great event for very long time. We were happy to hear your angel voices at the stage of Svetlanov Hall of our city. That was unforgettable!!! But the time flew so fast. So many compositions we would like to hear. We would like to see you many times in different places of our country. We will miss you!!! We wish you good luck and happiness and hope to see you again! With warmest regards from Russia, Olga Genus and friends.
Ed Calvin
24th January 2015 at 9:09 pmDear Libera,
Today is my 86th birthday and I see you have a “Wonderful World” coming soon in a new release.
I met and chatted with “pops” Armstrong years ago in my travels . He would have loved your new release..God Bless you all. Uncle Ed
Ken Suetterlin
29th January 2015 at 10:50 amDear Libera,
You have provided me with some of the best music I have in my collection, alongside Kings College, Thomanerchor, Tolzer BD, and Vienna. I have used your DVD’s and CD’s in the choral classes for which I was accompanist and teaching assistant for 11 years. Hearing/seeing your work has, I suspect, a good deal to do with keeping the numbers of our boy singers from grade 5(10 yrs old) thru grade 12 (17-18) Your work is special!……and all your young assistants make production even better. I do so appreciate what you do for boy singers on both sides of the Atlantic! You and your boys truly ARE a PRIZE! Blessings for 2015
Sincerely, Ken Suetterlin
Organist, Elim Lutheran Church
Retired Principal accompanist, Marshalltown Schools, and Retired United Methodist Pastor
Al Covell
30th January 2015 at 9:20 pmLibera, you have captivated me for years. My collection of your CD’s is with me always on my Ipod so you are never far away. My best to all of you for 2015.
Terry Tschopp
3rd February 2015 at 7:02 pmDear libera:
Thanks for this. I remember the first time I heard it last year in Arundel and was very taken by your rendition of it. Keep up the good work of bringing Peace and Hope to the world through your gift of music.
God Bless,
Terry
dustin
3rd February 2015 at 10:23 pmThank You . your very funny
backward,s
Dirk Van den Broeck
3rd February 2015 at 10:38 pmDear Libera, I saw this evening the preview of your new video, and it’s as always… beautifull. I look out to your new album… and excuse me about my english… it’s not so good. Success to all of you and greetings out of Belgium! Dirk
Irma A. Piñgol
6th February 2015 at 3:28 amWe love you forever, me and my kids
Marko
23rd February 2015 at 8:30 pmI keep on loving your music and can’t wait to hear the new album and see the DVD.
Martin
28th February 2015 at 3:22 amHallo aus Deutschland.
Ich hoffe Ihr kommt auch mal zu besuch nach Frankfurt/M. Vielen Dank für Eure tolle Musik !
Sorry das ich kein Englisch kann 🙁 . Vielleicht kann es ja jemand übersetzen.?!. Ihr seid Klasse !
Greets
Martin
noreen portia louise
22nd March 2015 at 7:03 amHello there LIBERA!!! I hope you can come here in the Philipines again.. I hope so , and I really miss you guys especially the Old Libera members :'( … You’re songs makes me inspire a lot especially when we have a practice for our upcoming contest every year in december . I hope this year I wll see you in person .
~Love lots . xoxo 🙂
RAY WATSON
9th April 2015 at 1:08 pmWRITTEN ON THE WALLS OF THE GREAT ALBERT HALL IN LONDON IS THE FOLLOWING: “THINE, O LORD, IS THE GREATNESS, AMID THE POWER, AND THE GLORY, AND THE VICTORY, AND THE MAJESTY, FOR ALL THAT IS IN THE HEAVEN AND IN THE EARTH IS THINE. THE WISE AND THEIR WORKS ARE IN THE HAND OF GOD. GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH AND ON EARTH PEACE” I THINK JOSUHA MADINE COULD WRITE A REAL SHOW STOPPER TUNE TO THESE IMMORTAL WORDS OF TRUTH IF YOU SUBMIT IT TO HIM ! AND LIBERA WOULD OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE SONG AND MAKE SOME INCOME FROM IT !
What a Wonderful World (Live – December 2016) – Libera
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