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7th May 2022

Celebrating the life of Robert Prizeman

Last weekend, we celebrated the life of our founder Robert Prizeman. It was the greatest honour to have singers and families from Libera’s past and present with us to celebrate the life, music and legacy of this remarkable man.

Thank you to all our wider group of friends for their support over the past few months. Libera continues to go from strength to strength and we will be singing lots of the same music at our Concert at Ely Cathedral on 21st May, including ‘Once an Angel’, which was one of Robert’s last compositions. We hope many of you might be thereu to celebrate with us.


32 Comments on “Celebrating the life of Robert Prizeman

Helina
7th May 2022 at 12:29 pm

Firstly i would like to point out how discovering Libera in the year 2010 was life changing. The first song I ever heard was ”Salva me”. I was so amazed by the unique sound of Libera and I looked through all the songs and albums and soon later, I saw who was behind it all. Mr. Prizeman, I would like to thank you for the amazing masterpiece classics that you made that got me through most difficult days. I will always keep you and the boys in my prayers. God always bless you all.

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Bob
11th May 2022 at 3:07 am

Thanks for your gracious comments; my experience is similar. My comments are in a separate post further down.

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Jaime Fernando Torres Díaz
7th May 2022 at 4:57 pm

Un hermoso recuerdo en honor del Sr. Robert Prizeman quien merecidamente hoy descansa en paz en el Jardín Celestial al amparo de la bondad y misericordia del Señor, nuestro Padre Común. Su figura, su labor y sus creaciones siempre están en la memoria colectiva de Libera, porque grande fue su obra en vida y a su legado adherimos con especial cariño, disfrutando a diario del canto coral, de la música bajo su dirección y de sus bellas composiciones. Que nuestra oración al Padre llegue al Cielo con mucho amor y cariño, como bello recuerdo en su memoria.

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Dave
7th May 2022 at 6:46 pm

I had the honor during the last U.S. visit to personally thank Mr. Prizeman for the profound influence he had on this Autistic person. Having “discovered” Angel Voices in the 1990’s, I have followed the group through all iterations (name changes).

Autistic people have “obsessive interests” and Libera became one of mine. I sought out every album and video released. But this obsession had a purpose. Part of my Autism is my very EXTREME sensitivity to sound. So much so, I wear sound canceling headphones when I leave my residence.

Upon discovering Angel Voices, I found the music was extremely calming and brought my distressed emotions under control in very stressful situations. As a result, the sound canceling headphones I wear in public are playing nothing but Libera music. The profound impact the music has had on my life cannot be overstated.

During Libera’s last U.S. tour I sought out Mr. Prizeman and tearfully shook his hand. He was very kind and listened very closely what I had to say. (Even during Libera concerts I need my sound protection during applause.) He was deeply touched ( and maybe a bit surprised) how his music could be such a strong impact on the Autistic community.

My comment to Mr. Prizeman at the concert:

“Thank You Mr. Prizeman for making such beautiful music whose sounds bring calm to an often distressed mind. You and the boy’s should know that in Autism, music is often a path to calmness. The impact of Libera on me has been life changing. Thank You Mr. Prizeman, and Thank You to Libera. And please let the boys know they are making an impact in ways far more than they know.”

By the way, Mr. Prizeman was curious why I had headphones at the concert. I related to him the applause at every song was so enthusiastic, I needed to block the applause noise so I too could show my appreciation in my own way (silent applause used by the deaf Community). He graciously smiled, understanding the context of the compliment.

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KEVIN
9th May 2022 at 3:38 am

What a beautiful story! 🥲!!

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Neil
9th May 2022 at 12:11 pm

A wonderful story and I absolutely agree. I also have ASD and have sensitivity to sound, although I can tolerate the applause for short periods. For me, Libera music is all about the sound. There is something really special about how the Libera sound is put together, in a way that no other choir can match.
Robert didn’t just choose a treble or soprano to sing different parts. He found the right treble or soprano for each part. More like an orchestra than a choir. His imagination, keen ear and ability to put this all together in the right way, in his arrangements, is what makes the Libera sound feel so right. That’s right. When you listen to Libera, you don’t just hear it, you feel it. It’s like having a huge dose of calmness injected directly into your body.
Robert wasn’t just a leader, he was also a great teacher. As a result, I believe that the Libera sound will continue to flourish and grow with those that have learned from him over the years. That wasn’t a baton he used to conduct with, that was a magic wand which he used to great effect. Now it has been passed on to the next Harry Potter of music where it will continue to be used well.
I never had the pleasure of meeting him but I am grateful for the gift he gave to the world.
Thank you Robert. You will be greatly missed but your creations will live on forever.

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Kevin M.
9th May 2022 at 10:31 pm

Well said! Bravo!

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Kevin
10th May 2022 at 3:05 am

I especially like the Harry Potter wand analogy! 😇

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Tim Scheidler
9th May 2022 at 2:28 pm

What a beautiful testimony!! And Mr. Prizeman was so humble that it genuinely surprised him!! Not surprising.

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Thomas
7th May 2022 at 8:45 pm

Over the years, Libera has brought comfort to the sorrowed, calm to the perplexed and joy to everyone who listened to your music. Music that was sung from your hearts.

Thank you Libera, staff and members, past and present.
Thank you Mr Prizeman.

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Judith Randall
7th May 2022 at 9:04 pm

Robert Prizeman’s music through Libera has meant a great deal to me over the years. I was fortunate to be able to attend a few of the concerts. The music of Libera is literally life changing and particularly helpful in dark times. Although I never met Robert Prizeman I feel sure he will be greatly missed. Many thanks for the truly wonderful music.

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Michael Böhles
25th May 2023 at 7:00 pm

… Yes! … “it is very ‘truly wonderful music’!” …
MB.

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Doug Mutton
8th May 2022 at 12:30 am

Like many, I, too, have been touched by Mr Prizeman and Libera.
Having long had an affection for music, a Scouting friend of mine introduced me to Libera in 2015.
The first video I remember seeing was, “Going Home” with Josh, Ben and Tom soloing.
In late 2018, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be great to be able to attend a live concert? And hear the boys live?”.
Our God is an amazing God!
Next thing I knew, my mom and I were sitting in st.Paul’s cathedral in st.Paul, Minnesota, enjoying our first ever, and last, Libera concert together.
Three months later, mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer – in October 2019.
At some point after that, I bought a Libera DVD and, on one evening, mom and I watched that DVD. Towards the end, I thought she had drifted off to sleep when, suddenly, she blurted out, “PLAY IT AGAIN!”.
Startled, I asked her, “You want to hear it again?”. “Yes!”, she said.
So, we watched Libera’s concert at the Basilica in Washington DC twice that night.
She loved you!
In those last months of mom’s life, and after, you – Mr Prizeman and the boys – helped ease the pain and bring comfort to both mom and myself with your beautiful and inspiring music.
I can NEVER thank you enough.
I can NEVER stop thinking about how God placed you in our life at the right time.
I can NEVER stop thinking how ironic it was the first song I remember listening to was, “Going Home”.
I can NEVER forget the beauty, the peace, the inspiration, the angelic voices of the boys and Mr Prizeman’s love and passion for his music and all he did and accomplished.
Recently, a relative posted a message on her FB. She was anticipating a challenging few weeks ahead and looking for music suggestions. Without hesitation, I recommended Libera and more specifically Libera’s, “Deep Peace” in which I have found totally peaceful and relaxing.
When I learned the Lord took Mr Prizeman home, as He had done for my mom the year before, like many, I, too, was devastated.
And, in the same way Libera was there for mom and I, I wanted to be there for all of you.
But, I wasn’t sure how, or what I could do.
Having been a long time Scout chaplain, the best I know is to keep you in my prayers and offer a blessing.
So, in this difficult time, may God bless all of you and grant all of you a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding.
May He bless your music, your ministry and your lives as you share Mr Prizeman’s music with the world – a world sorely in need of hope, light, peace and love.
May Mr Prizeman’s spirit and memory be felt in and through your music and may God’s light shine in and through you to all.
All of you are truly blessed.
Thank you for blessing all of us with your music for so many years.
You, and Mr Prizeman, have truly made a difference in many, many, lives.
Peace and blessings,
Doug

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KEVIN
9th May 2022 at 3:46 am

🥲!!
I too thought of my dad with this song when he was passing away!

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Kev
9th May 2022 at 3:49 am

My dad is home! Dad, say hi to Rob!

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thelma l. guzman
9th May 2022 at 5:35 am

a lot of times libera has visited the philippines and we had the honor of meeting the choirboys, in M & G and concerts but not even once did we get to see mr. prizeman. he was a very simple person, giving the attention to the boys instead. so news of his demise shocked us fans as his name has always been associated with libera – as mentor/conductor.

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Bob
11th May 2022 at 3:05 am

I also discovered Libera in 2010 and the first song I heard (on YouTube) was “Orinoco Flow.” I was hooked!

I found out Libera was to be in concert at the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis in August 2010 a scant 5 days before the concert. There were tickets available and I purchased my first. I live about 2.5 hours west of St. Louis and so it was an easy drive. I’ve had the privilege to be present at 14 performances here in the U.S., including the 2011 and 2019 performances in St. Louis and the taping of the DVD in Washington, D.C. I decided that if Libera is to be here in the U.S., I will be there in the audience. I’ve been privileged to do just that.

All their concerts have been absolutely amazing, but my favorites were the 2011 St. Louis concert where I was privileged to hear Ralph Scan do lead on “Song of Life” and the 2014 filmed concert in the Basilica at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. The two best songs from that DVD, in my opinion, are “Joyful, Joyful” and “America the Beautiful.” I’ve always maintained that it takes a group of British Choir Boys to sing “America!”

Some of my favorite Libera songs are Song of Life; Joyful, Joyful; America the Beautiful;
Carol of the Bells; In Dulci Jubilo; Santa Will Find You–among others. So much of Libera’s music brings tears of joy to my eyes and a tremendous swell of emotion in my heart–it’s just magnificent.

So much of this is attributed to Mr. Prizeman, his musical genius, and all his hard work with the many boys who have comprised Libera over the years. How do we say thank you for all this? And for all the joy Mr. Prizeman and Libera have brought us?

I keep the entire Libera family in my prayers regularly and for God’s comfort for everyone as we mourn the loss of Mr. Prizeman. But I also look forward to seeing and hearing him (helping?) direct the heavenly choir someday when (I hope!) I make it to the heavenly realms.

Looking forward to the day Libera is able to travel back to the U.S. for another concert. God’s blessings to all!

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Terry Tschopp
11th May 2022 at 3:54 pm

Dear Libera:
As many of you know in Libera, The music, Robert Etal has done more for me than any of you will ever know.
Indeed, Robert and I were never what one would call “Bosom Buddies” BUT, I still loved the guy and will miss him deeply.
Now that I cannot travel, I can only hope that Libera will someday come back to America and visit cities on the EAST side of the Mississippi.
God Bless,
Terry

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Eduard Keijlard
14th May 2022 at 12:57 pm

After the passing of my wife 3 years ago I sought comfort in music and I found an old recording on youtube of Libera. It was going home with Josh, Ben and Tom as soloists. Hearing this and seeing the passion for life and music on those young faces I new my sweet Ineke was not gone. She was home now and shes waiting there. These boys saved me from severe depression. I had to know more about this group and became an absolute fan of Libera, the best boyschoir on the planet. I learned everthing about Libera, the boys, the people behind it and especially about Robert Prizeman. I’m so greatfull for the gift he has given the world.
My greatest wish was to thank him in person one day. Sadly he passed away. A great loss, not only for Libera and everyone connected to him but also for the millions of fans around the world.
But you know. As Josh, Ben and Tom and of course the whole group told me, Robert is home now. As an archangel watching over and protecting his angels.

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Colin
21st May 2022 at 10:36 am

A very fitting tribute to a great man, an absolute musical legend. In the week where we also mourn the loss of the great Greek classical crossover composer Vangelis, we remember Robert as the man who gave us the whole Libera experience, which, like other autistic people have mentioned, is a great comfort to us all….

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Alamargot Bernard
8th June 2022 at 4:03 pm

Je viens de voir cette article, qui m’a fait plaisir de voir que l’on rendait hommage à Robert Prizeman, j’ai aussi découvert Libera en 2010, j’ai environ 25 concerts au compteur, le deux premiers à Tokyo au Bunkamura, puis ST Georges, Jersey, Guilford, Armah, Allemagne et bien d’autres, j’ai beaucoup voyagé grâce à Libera, je ne vivais que de préparation de concert à un autre, puis le cov19 est apparu, alors tout c’est écroulé, avec toutes les autres évènements, un jour je vois qu’il est arrivé un malheur, RP est décédé, j’en croyais pas mes yeux, était-ce possible, hélas oui, le nombre de concerts à fortement baissés, après tout ça, et peut être que je pourrais y retourner, maintenant de ma province en France c’est plus compliqué, vola RIP Robert.

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Marcel
13th June 2022 at 7:39 pm

Hi Libera, sometimes people say to me that I talk too much. This time I have to look for words to write down. Everything nice and good about Libera already is said, and I feel sooo much the same! Wow, you’ re sooo good!!! This music isn’ t just music, it’ s much more than my heart can tell with words. I now know you for more than half a year, in this time I learnt a lot about Libera and Angel Voices as your name was before. I bought everything I can about Libera, unfortunately no dvd’ s available. And I think I’ m missing two of your album cd’ s, the first Libera and Christmas in Ireland. When I hear Sanctus, sometimes I still have to cry. And you have so many fans, I wrote you a handwritten letter and send it to you by email, I never never thought I got back an answer, but you send back a heart warming anwer! I feel so lucky I met your music, I know it’ s going to support me in bad times. But now in good times, you also lift me. I still wonder how it is possible that you can make this music, how is it possible that I can feel my heart like this. Every piece of Libera is like a Magic spell, time and time again. You have me, for now and untill I die, Libera is going with me in my path of life, day in, day out!! I don’ t understand with my head, but I feel you so not normal, with my heart and everything else I have, every cell, bone, nerve and what more speaks Libera. There is absolutely no way chart music, can make me feel like you can. That kind of music makes me dance, with body. Libera music let me dance with so much more. Sorry that I wrote that much again, haha, you can shorten it ofcourse if you find it too much. I really hope you are continue to make new albums even if Robert is no more. He was a real wizzard. I hope he’ s happy now and I hope he knows how much I respect him in making this music, immense. Much greetings from The Netherlands again, from Marcel. Thank you, thank you, thank you, times 100 zillion.

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Richard L.
18th June 2022 at 8:03 am

I, along with many others have been deeply impacted by the music of Robert Prizeman and Libera, in its many iterations. ‘Meeting’ this music has been one of the great joys of my life, and if a day goes by I don’t listen to at least one or two pieces, I feel empty and longing. I never tire of listening, over and over. And Libera has such an amazing body of work, I’ll never run out of opportunities to sooth my soul with the Libera sound. And I’m certainly looking forward to Libera continuing to create extraordinary music, even as Robert has passed his baton to other equally qualified and capable musicians and composers. As the song “Once an Angel” so accurate describes, Robert’s influence shall never pass away. Once an Angel, Still an Angel.

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Ian Gouge
27th June 2022 at 8:50 pm

Amazing Music, amazing voices – what an amazing man!!
As a child I sang in a similar choir called the ‘London Boy Singers’. We made a record called ‘Christmas Music for Boys Voices’ (Decca) at the famous Abbey Road studios and as a choir we sang at Kings College Cambridge, the Aldeburgh festival and individually at Covent Garden. We were good, but I believe nothing we did can compare with the high quality and unique performances of Libera. What an amazing choir and what a beautiful musical legacy Robert has left behind. Similar to the comments already made, Robert’s music and his wonderful other arrangement are a beautiful testament to what can be achieved through dedication, hard work and the share love of music. Robert has provided a wonderful opportunity to a generation of lucky boys who will treasure these memories for the rest of their lives and hopefully go on to become great musicians themselves. RIP Robert and thank you sharing your wonderful musical gift for generations yet to come.

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Will Crump
21st July 2022 at 4:07 am

I first learned of Libera when they were still known as the St. Philips Boy’s Choir. My first-ever album was the “Angel Voices” CD, which included their cover of Enya’s “Orinoco Flow” and “How Can I Keep From Singing?” Upon listening to the entirety of the CD, I was delighted with every single selection. It was neat to hear the newer generation of Libera sing “San Damiano” on the “Hope” CD. Maybe one day they will revisit “Adoramus Te” from the 1st “Angel Voices” CD. I was glad to see the latest albums have mostly all-new material. My prayer is that the Libera oversight body will hire someone with a deep understanding and respect for the sound and style the late Mr. Prizeman developed and maintained over the years. I was amazed at how the overall sound of the choir remained the same as generations of boys came and went. It would be great if an “old boy” like Stephen Geraghty, who plays keyboards for the group presently or Sam Coates, who has acted as a fill-in along with Stephen could get the position permanently. I mean what better director than a former member! Right?

A deeply heart-felt “Thank you!” to Mr. Prizeman and his family. I’m sure his immediate family put untold hours into supporting Libera.

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Khanh Nguyen
30th July 2022 at 5:52 pm

Thank you Mr. Prizeman for the music, and thank you Libera for the beauty, joy and love that you install in us through your angelic voices.

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David Hanson
24th October 2022 at 1:05 am

After long discussions with libera I’m going to make a donation to the blood cancer charity in memory of Robert Prizeman on his birthday in 2023

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Astrid
12th November 2022 at 11:15 am

Was Robert Prizeman der Welt hinterlassen hat, ist einmalig. Diese Kombination, Knabenstimmen miteinander zu vereinen, habe ich nie zuvor gehört. Sie ist wirklich etwas Besonderes, was es so kein zweites Mal gibt.
Ich finde so schade, dass wir außerhalb von England kaum mehr etwas von dem Chor zu hören bekommen und vor allem finde ich schade, dass es keine weiteren DVDs von Konzerten mehr gibt. Es war toll, dieses Feeling in den eigenen vier Wänden zu erleben. Das ist absolut nicht vergleichbar mit einem Videostream, den man sich irgendwo im Internet heruntergeladen hat.
Bitte macht mal wieder eine DVD von einem Konzert. Selbst wenn diese DVD 50,- Euro kosten würde … ich würde sie kaufen. Das ist diese Musik allemal wert.
Gibt es jemanden unter Euch, der neue Lieder für den Chor schreibt und produziert … im Stil von Robert Prizeman? Natürlich kann man niemals die Arbeit eines Menschen kopieren, aber man könnte es zumindest versuchen.
Ich wünsche Euch allen viel Glück und weiterhin viel Erfolg mit Eurer Musik.

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Michael Böhles
25th May 2023 at 6:56 pm

… wie immer dauert es eine Weile, bis Weiteres “das Licht der Welt erblickt”?! Die Wertschätzung dieser Musik samt Über-Ein-Stimmung des Chores ist tatsächlich etwas Besonderes!!! Zumindest hat das “Nachfolge-Regime” genügend Tipps via Quer-Verbindungen inzwischen bekommen, um weiter machen zu können… Also: Geduld! Und danke für diese “Optik”!
MB, P. Mag.Theol. (CSSp)

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Paul Sullivan
16th December 2022 at 5:55 pm

I think everything has been said. Libera’s music brings peace and calmness. From the bottom of my heart I thank Mr Prizeman for what he created; he has made life a joy for so many. I have only just heard of his passing and I know the whole world has been diminished. May he rest in peace.

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Rodd
29th January 2023 at 11:19 pm

That these comments are still going on/active a year and a half later, says something. I did not know Mr. Prizeman. In addition to a few of the above comments and a select few from the announcement page from 9-21 that are all from personal friends of his, I have seen short clips of some of the past boys speaking about him, his interactions with practicing/teaching the boys, and also one interview he did, all reflecting him as a really good guy. The biggest reflection is what he instilled into: a) the current boys, as is evident by their performance; and, b) boys past, as is evident by their performance in the older recordings/vids, and which they all will always carry with them, and including for the subsequent director, who I am guessing still is, and who I did meet once and briefly spoke with, and who, hopefully, will stay on to instill into future members, whether as director, or some other advisory position.

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Rachelle O'Hara
11th December 2023 at 4:32 am

It’s never too late to thank Mr. Prizeman for his talent and gift of music. I discovered Libera at the lowest moment in my life in 2011, after I lost the younger of my twins, Pauline. I’ve lost her twin, Erin (the older one by 1 minute) 2 years before. The music of Libera has greatly helped me through my pain and grief.

Thank you so much Mr. Prizeman. Fly high and make more music with the angels in Heaven. Please say hi to my twins for me. I’m sure Heaven has a lot more beautiful music now.

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