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One of the world's most successful and innovative vocal groups, Libera releases: Angel Voices / The Concert

Posted: December 17, 2007

"They come from the mean streets of south London but sing like little angels."
(The Evening Standard – London)

One of the world's most successful and innovative vocal groups, classical "boy band"/ chorus Libera is preparing to cross the pond and bring their atmospheric and celestial sound to America's concert halls. 

Angel Voices – The Concert, available on both CD and DVD in the U.S. on October 2, 2007, showcases the pure and inspirational quality of a truly unique vocal ensemble.   The DVD version was filmed live at the Pieterskerk (St. Peter's Church) in Leiden, Holland, earlier this year and will be broadcast nationally on Public Television stations throughout the U.S. this November.  The CD version will be live material from the concert.    The double release sets the stage for Libera's U.S. tour in Spring 2008 (cities/dates t.b.a.). Profiled in Time Magazine For Kids and already wildly popular in their home country, Libera is poised to take North America by storm. 

Angel Voices – The Concert features a wide range of repertoire, from the wistfully sweet solos Do Not Stand at My Grave and Lacrymosa to beautifully re-worked hymn-tunes such as I Vow To Thee and When a Knight, to the mystical I Am The Day. Adoramus, Sanctus and Salva Me are dynamic and multi-colored tracks that exploit all the choir's many virtues, combining intimate solo introspection with dazzling, exuberant choral climaxes. Also included are the deeply moving Going Home (Dvorak's Largo from the "New World" Symphony) and the group's ethereal interpretation of Silent Night. A special highlight will be the pure solo vocals of Tom Cully on Always With You and Liam Connery's solo vocals on the spine-tingling Libera (tentative track list follows).  In addition to the performances, the DVD version of Angel Voices – The Concert features interviews with members of the choir.

In many ways, the boys who make up Libera are like any other middle-school students with contemporary pop culture interests and after-school activities.  The twenty four members, between the ages of seven and sixteen, hail from various schools and social backgrounds and assemble each week at a church in south London to rehearse and perform.  In addition to devoting time to soccer, skateboarding, punk and R&B music, Libera regularly find themselves travelling the world, performing in major concert halls and also being heard on high profile film soundtracks such as Baz Luhrmann's Romeo & Juliet as well as the thrillers Twelve Monkeys and Hannibal.  With material that ranges from classical and cathedral pieces to pop and commercial sounds, the ensemble has perfected a multi-genre appeal and has provided vocal back-up to artists such as Elton John, Pavarotti and Bjork. 

Angel Voices: The Concert DVD features stunning live versions of material that has been featured on all three of Libera's bestselling studio albums from EMI Classics.  These past recordings include Angel Voices, released in October 2006, preceded by Visions in January 2006 and their label debut Free in late 2004.  Robert Prizeman, the group's Music Director, formed Libera in 1999 and composes or arranges all of the music, recruits new members, leads their rehearsals and oversees their international concert engagements.  Of the ensemble, Robert has said, "They are virtually impossible to pigeon-hole as their sound covers a variety of styles. It is here their strength lies and I very much hope that this will enable their music to cross borders and cultures around the globe."

For a group of self-proclaimed "normal boys," their music has reached hundreds of thousands of people around the world, appearing on classical and mainstream charts alongside artists such as Andrea Bocelli and garnering award nominations such as a Classical Brit in the UK.