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19th December 2016

The Story of Southwark

On a cold cold, dark dark night in a dark dark wood – well – quite near a few trees, one Friday evening in December we arrived at St Georges Cathedral in Southwark for our Libera Christmas Concert. Β I had rushed straight from school, wolfed a quick sandwich and changed into my Sunday uniform in the back of the car. Β I was so excited and had butterflies in my tummy. And interestingly at the rehearsal the week before, there actually was a butterfly where we were singing. I think it was testing us to see if we would get distracted in case, for instance, a giant pigeon or golden eagle broke into the cathedral in the real concert. Anyhow this butterfly seemed to think it was summer time. But everywhere else it was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

When we arrived at the Cathedral there were already some nice audience people there.Β I stopped for a quick chat and thanked them for coming such a long way to see us. The lighting had been rigged up and looked absolutely beautiful and coooooool. Β The main East window had been lit in a pale blue light. There were cameras dotted around and all the sound equipment had been set up. Β It made me think how much goes on behind the scenes.

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We went through to the rooms at the back and changed straight into our robes and we soon went down into the Cathedral for a soundcheck with the orchestra including Eimear on all her different flutes and pipes – and Joshua on the piano who used to stand out on the stage and sing Libera solos when I was still trying to learn to walk properly. Β The Cathedral had been closed to the public and it was a bit scary to stand on the stage and see the size of the place and the number of seats we would be singing to.

We ran through a few songs but there wasn’t much time. For soundchecks we all have to sing solo some scales or warm-up tunes to test the sound levels. Sometimes people show off and go extremely very high, or sing some clever minor scale backwards when we are on tour to keep us amused – but there wasn’t much time for that tonight.

We stayed hooked up to our mics as there wasn’t time to take them off before the real concert and we went back upstairs. Β As always when we eat or drink in our robes we put our Libera coats on backwards to protect our white robes from mess and slime. We could put them on the regular ordinary way, but with them back-to-front the hoods at the front give extra protection like horses have nose bags and they collect various chunks of food and slop. Sometimes the microphones collect some too, and once last year a piece of sweetcorn jammed one of them up. It went back to be mended and the microphone repairing place said they hadn’t had sweet corn in a microphone before.

We feasted on jam sandwiches, meatballs, sausages and salt and vinegar crisps, washed down with lemon squash – perfect for the vocal chords – but of course not the devil chocolate which might make gunge in the throat – because gunge is not good. Β After our delicious grub and much chatting we had our period of silence. Β This is when we sit down in our teams and usually read or play silent games like chess, draughts or cards. Β Not a word is spoken – I am not sure if this is for our benefit or Robert’s and the chaperones. Β It is now that the butterflies return but not including the one that was at the practice because sadly it was probably no longer alive – sad face.

About five minutes before the concert started we got into our starting positions and went to the Cathedral. Β Many of us were very nervous at this point but it is a strange mix of fear and excitement. Β We had our final microphone check and it was all systems go!

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Going out onto the stage was exhilarating. Β We can see the front few rows and the friendly and expectant faces of the audience. Β The entrance music started and we were off – there is no feeling like it. Β We can let our voices soar and sing to our hearts content. Β We have practiced and practiced and during a performance we can really enjoy the music. Β I simply love it.

During the interval we went upstairs again and had a drink and quarter of an hour of quiet time. We got told that things are going….OK… which is CODE to mean that something is not quite so OK as it might be!

S-o-m-eΒ boys – not me of course – keep having sneak glances at the big screens either side of the stage which show us in close up. We quite often have these in big places, but mostly we can’t see them so they do not distract us. But here we can see them a lot – we are about twice the size on screen than we really are – specially mini-Cassius who is normally only about 10 centimetres. Must only watch the conducting…. and the miniboys should try to look happy and more happy!

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The second part of the concert was shorter and we were all in good spirits. Β I think we all relaxed a bit and were able to really enjoy ourselves. Β Quite a few boys had done new solos – we’d all done new songs – and some boys had done their first ever concert. The audience seemed to love the music. Β At the end we had a standing ovation and an encore when we sang β€œExultate”. Β It had been a great concert.

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We went upstairs and chatted about the concert. Β We then put our coats on over our robes – the normal way round this time, though some people forget and still do them backwards – and went down for a signing – not a singing – we had done that, but a signing. We had some great new calendars that seemed really popular and of course the programmes and new Christmas CD. Β The atmosphere at the signings is always great. Β It is lovely for us to see all the friendly faces of the people who enjoy Libera and our singing. Β They always have the time to stop and chat and offer encouragement and support. Β People had travelled from America, Japan, Korea, Germany, Canada, across the UK and even from South East London!

It had been a great evening and we went home with our heads full of music. Β Christmas had arrived early and with it had brought a tremendous sense of happiness.

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21 Comments on “The Story of Southwark

Peer
20th December 2016 at 12:41 pm

I really liked your story of Southwark. Shows a knack for writing. And I loved your singing. The opportunity to thank everyone of you in person for the lovely evening made this concert something special for me ( I had never been to a meet and greet before)

Hope to see and hear you again next year.

P.S. To avoid butterflies in your tummy, abstain from eating caterpillars.

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Timothy Sayers
20th December 2016 at 1:56 pm

I attended your Christmas Concert, absolutely wonderful, glad I made the journey across the pond to hear you guys sing. Enjoyed ever moment. It’s fun to hear what the boys are thinking and experiencing behind the scene.

It was nice to talk with everyone at the signing tables, compliment performances and offer encouragement. I was surprised a couple of the boys remembered me from the 2016 spring tour in the RK.

I look forward to attending more concerts in the future. Happy Christmas!

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Gary Ripple
21st December 2016 at 3:37 am

As always, a wonderful and humorous recap of a great evening. I had to snicker at “the microphone repairing place said they hadn’t had sweet corn in a microphone before.” (I would think not.)

I’m always glad to hear that you’re encouraged by your many fans. You all put in a lot of time and effort, and it really (really!) is worth it. Thanks to all of the staff, volunteers, and of course, your families – who put up with you being gone half the time (what’s your name again?) and making sure you get to and from rehearsals, etc.

I pray for your continued success, group and personal.

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Eric Hamilton Smith
21st December 2016 at 7:52 am

It all sounds so wonderful, I wish that I had been there. I was fortunate enough to see you in Washington DC, and also in Boston during the United States tour. Hoping that you’ll return soon, it is an honor to be able to hear and see all of you live.

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Bernard from France
21st December 2016 at 1:18 pm

I still had nothing to say about the concert, according to the comment of Libera on his blog, the boys are not insensitive to the behavior of the spectators, the applause standing and the acclamations must make them warm to the heart, this also comforts the fans Which sometimes come from very Loing to attend a concert, at a time when the boys who were present around 2010 left I worried that the general image of Libera changes, but it is not, Robert and his Team arrived to keep the boys at the same level without really feeling their renewal, concert in concert they make us want to see the next, with sometimes a trip to the other side of the planet now St George has become for me the routine, the last on the continent in Germany, and all the others, Japan this year will unfortunately not be possible, but I already have 4 concerts in Tokyo that are unforgettable memories, if the boys I grow old faster and my only anxiety today is to not be able to travel to attend concerts, but we are not there yet, good I wish you a good Christmas to all.

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Flavia
3rd January 2017 at 9:47 am

Amo a estos niΓ±os! Dios les bendiga!!!!

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Don Carlson
5th January 2017 at 3:29 pm

Just received your newest CD this morning, with a 2017 calendar. Both arrived in great condition. I am glad to see some of the newer boys getting a chance to solo, as some of the older boys voices are changing. As a barbershop singer myself, I can appreciate the time and effort the boys put in for their performances, and for all of the “behind the scenes” staff to make the concert happen. Would you consider shipping out calendars with autographs for the boys, at a premium price? This is only a request, never a demand. It maybe a while before I can see Libera live again in the USA; saw them in Boston in April 2015. I look forward to more videos on youtube, and purchasing more of the Libera dvd’s as resources allow. Best Wishes for 2017, and a Happy New Year.

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Libera
7th January 2017 at 12:39 pm

Thanks for your support Don. Thats an interesting idea about selling autographed calendars – We will look into it. No promises though…..

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Dan
11th January 2017 at 1:49 am

Definitely getting one since I had to leave right after the concert finished, and missed the rare opportunity meet you guys. It was amazing evening, thank you Libera!

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William Blackburn
9th January 2017 at 4:00 am

Dear libera i am a big fan but i have been in for over a month i had a major heart attack and had to have bypass operationi hope not and i had a couple of problems but on the mend now feeling much better i don not know if i missed anything i hope not hope to hear from u all soon mybest wishes for the new year by for now

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L Cohen
12th January 2017 at 3:30 am

Is it true that in England, it’s always bitterly cold? I always thought the Gulf Stream kept your island warm! (That’s what they taught us in American public schools, anyway!)

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Libera
13th January 2017 at 5:45 pm

England is warmer than other places at the same latitude – but it still gets cold!

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L Cohen
31st January 2017 at 4:51 am

Just saw the picture of two boys in robes dueling with wire hangers.

Replace the hangers with wands, and you look like apprentice wizards! πŸ™‚

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L Cohen
1st February 2017 at 2:12 am

I don’t suppose I could adopt one of these mini-angels? πŸ™‚

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L of America
13th February 2017 at 4:41 am

I agree…the mini-boys should look happy and more happy! πŸ™‚

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Chuck Marshall
17th March 2017 at 10:17 am

Usually we see the lads smile at the end of the concerts. Likely because the pressure is off. But seeing them smile makes for a great view. I have no idea if our saying this would at all ease their nervousness during the concert. But it does look awesome when you hear those harmonies and see those smiling faces! (just an encouraging suggestion to the choreographer team) πŸ‘β˜ΊοΈ

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L of America
23rd April 2017 at 2:37 am

WHAT “pressure?” Just because they’re talented and the whole world knows it?!? (evil grin.)

Seriously, they’ve got nothing to worry about!! Any of these kids (Isaac, Oliver, etc.) could get a part in a Walt Disney movie just by flying to Los Angeles and auditioning!!! If they happen to make a mistake on a note or something, who’s going to notice? And most folks chalk it up to them being young and inexperienced anyway.

I know you guys occasionally make a video of the kids. Why not a musical remake of Oliver! ?!? I once saw it performed at Christmastime in the Old Auditorium here on the Shore in NJ. I think the boys would get a big kick out of it! (and I can just picture Isaac playing the Artful Dodger, and Oliver (who else?) playing the title role πŸ™‚

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Clint
26th February 2017 at 9:43 pm

Good Afternoon and God Bless you all on this wonderful Sunday.
For 2017, are there any plans to release any new concerts on blu-ray or DVD or any new CDs for that matter? Also, thank you for the recent additions of the Christmas album and the calendar. I’m patient for new items to be added to store and look forward to them becoming available.

As a fan of Libera, I greatly appreciate the good works you all do in the spreading of this wonderful music. I hope and pray that it leads more people to the apostle Paul’s gospel and the salvation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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Gerr
8th May 2017 at 2:42 am

If God gave me the opportunity to leave this world consciously, I would like to listen to this beautiful choir of angels, and in this way gradually fade away and leave this world in peace …
You are the antechamber of paradise.
Congrats from MΓ©xico

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tsungen33
17th May 2017 at 5:22 am

This is the most beautiful wish I have ever heard (read)…I feel the same way…

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GERR
3rd June 2017 at 3:06 am

I believe that this music makes us raise the spirit, and we can peek a little at what awaits us, in addition to serving to achieve inner peace.
Best regards

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