Last updated July 28th, 2026
Welcome to all new readers. |
If you are unfamiliar with Libera, you may wish to go to Part One (link below) of this Timeline for an overview and history of the group, including the story of its beginnings.
Please note: new material is added at the end of each post, rather than at the beginning,
Once again I state that I'm a writer, not a techie, so please forgive the occasional odd configuration, type change, or spacing resulting from imported material. I welcome corrections, suggestions and comments at: aahill@sonic.net
Disclaimer: This ongoing essay-with-videos is strictly an informal history, and, while I've attempted to make it as accurate as possible, some of my sources (or my interpretation of them) may be flawed or inaccurate. If you notice errors that I have made, or facts that were taken from inaccurate sources, please let me know at my email address (above) so that I may make appropriate changes.
This piece of writing has not been authorized by, nor is it connected with, the Libera/St. Philip's organization.
Also, since the size of the Timeline makes it impossible to police all video links, some may have ceased to function or be unavailable. In this case, go to your search engine and enter "YouTube" and the name or subject referenced in the link. There will usually be a duplicate video available.
For a very brief history of Libera with photos: https://intro-to-libera.blogspot.com
For Part One (introduction to Libera and to the Timeline, extensive overview, & coverage for 1981-2007), please go to: http://liberatimeline.blogspot.com/
For The Tables of Contents for all Parts & Appendix A (there is also a Table of Contents at the beginning of each part): https://liberatimelinetocappenda.blogspot.com/
Festival, Japan, 2024
For Part Two (2008-2009): http://liberatimeline2.blogspot.com/
For Part Three (2010): http://liberatimeline3.blogspot.com/
For Part Four (2011): http://liberatimeline4.blogspot.com/
For Part Five (2012): http://liberatimeline5.blogspot.com/
For Part Six (January-May 2013): http://libera-timeline-6.blogspot.com/
For Part 6A (May-December 2013): http://libera-historicaltimeline6a.blogspot.com/
For Part Seven (January-July 2014): http://libera-historicaltimelinepart7.blogspot.com/
For Part 7A (August-November 2014): http://libera-historical-timelinepart7a.blogspot.com/
For Part 7B (December 2014): http://libera-historical-timeline-part7b.blogspot.com/
For Part 8 (January-March 2015): https://lib-erahistorical-timeline-part-eight.blogspot.com/
For Part 8A (January-March, 2015): http://liberahistorical-timeline-part-8-a.blogspot.com/
For Part 8B (August-December, 2015): http://liberahistoricaltimelinepart8b.blogspot.com/
For Part 9 (January-July, 2016): http://liberahistoricaltimeline-part-9.blogspot.com/
For Part 10 (January 1st, 2017-August 11th, 2017): https://li-berahistoricalt-imelinepart1a.blogspot.com/
For Part 10A (August 12th to December 31st, 2017): https://lib-era-historic-altimelinepart10a.blogspot.com/
For Part 11 (January 1st– October 20th: https://lib-er-ahistorical-timelinepart11.blogspot.com/
For Part11A ( October 21st to December 31st, 2018): https://li-berahistoricaltime-line11a.blogspot.com/
For Part 12 (January 1st to August 17th, 2019): https://liberahistoricaltimelinepart12.blogspot.com/
For Part 13 (January 1st to December 31st, 2020): https://liberatimelinepart13.blogspot.com/
For Part 14 (January 1st – July 5th, 2021: https://liberahisttimelinepart14.blogspot.com/2021
For Part 14a (July 5th - December 31st, 2021: https://histtimeline14alibera.blogspot.com
For Part 15 (January 1st - February 20th, 2022): https://15libhisttimeline.blogspot.com
For Part 15A ( February 20th - Present, 2022): https://libhisttimelinepart15a.blogspot.com
For Part 16 (January 1st – December 31st, 2023): https://libhisttimeline16.blogspot.com
For Part 17 (January 1st – Present, 2024) https://libhisttimeline17.blogspot.com
For Part 18 (January 1st, 2025 -July 15th, 2025
A note on source material: For many years, the premiere website/database for information on Libera members, recordings, videos, appearances, tours, etc. was the French site Libera Passion at https://libera-passion.exprimetoi.net/ .
This is still the case, up to sometime in 2023 when the site administrator apparently had a sudden switch in priorities. The slack in keeping track of new members was taken up in 2024 by Padmachou, a contributor to the lively and knowledgable Libera Dreams Discussion Forum at: https://libera-dreams.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=4107
The Forum's main index can be found at: https://libera-dreams.co.uk/index.php?sid=8ecb452d5bf3c3a9ca94e3e83b4121ed
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PART 19
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2. Transfer from Twitter (X) to Bluesky
3. Photo Galleries from Ireland, Indonesia, and Malta
4. Announcement and Release of Postcards from the World and Japan CD
5. Release of "Fields of Athenry" video
6. Release ov "Virolai" video
7. Release of "Indonesia Pusaka" Video
9. Libera appears on Britain's Got Talent
10. Reviews and cCommentary on Japan Tour
11. Announcement of Upcoming Summer Cathedral Tour in England.
*******************
On January 5th, a tweet from Libera:
Great Mass in C Minor, K. 427/417a: I. Kyrie/6:58)
Libera have posted that they are leaving X (formerly known as Twitter). They have created a Bluesky account as a replacement.
Conversation
It's assumed that the move was caused by inappropriate materials generated on Twitter/X. Libera's current social media sites are listed on the page linked below.
https://libera-records.com/discography/libe-0017/
Release date : 25 March 2026
This album is built around the idea of “postcards”, musical memories gathered along the way and brought back home. It combines music that has been especially loved by Japanese audiences over the years with more recent encore pieces performed around the world, as well as two traditional Japanese songs newly prepared for the upcoming 2026 Japan tour.
CD 1 – Japan Best Selection
A carefully selected best-of, focusing on pieces that Japanese listeners have particularly embraced since 2017. For concertgoers, it brings back memories of past Japan tours; for newcomers, it offers a very welcoming entry point into Libera’s music.
- Angel (Youtube)
- Far Away (Youtube)
- Kizuna - Forever (Youtube)
- Once (Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence) (Youtube)
- Love Shine a Light (Youtube)
- Sanctus (Youtube)
- Panis Angelicus (Youtube)
- In Paradisum (Ben Robbins) (Youtube)
- Ave Verum (Youtube)
- Smile (Youtube)
- Ave Maria (R. Prizeman) (Youtube)
- Voca Me (Youtube)
- Prayer (Youtube)
- Jupiter – Light for the Future (Youtube)
- For the Future (Youtube)
This disc brings together encore songs shared with audiences during recent overseas concerts, alongside two iconic Japanese melodies newly arranged for Libera. Each piece reflects a place, a culture, and a moment of connection.
- Sakura Sakura (Japan) (bilibili) (at 5:20)
- Fields of Athenry (Ireland)
- Virolai (Catalonia, Spain)
- Ninni La Tibkix Izjed (Malta) (youtube)
- Indonesia Pusaka (Indonesia)
- Furusato (Japan)
First pressings will include a serial code for a special present (details to be announced later), and several Japanese retailers will offer exclusive bonuses.—Patrick
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| Joseph Hill Wilfrid Gummer, and Edward Sargeant. |
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| With Resonanz Children's Choir |
Ben Hill, Corey Agyei, and conductor Liam Connery.
https://libera.org.uk/gallery/asia-tour-2025/#jp-carousel-22785
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| Soloists, from left: Jerome Collins, Pietro Vergani, Joseph Hill |
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| Oscar Dixon-Wayne, Nathan Slater, Oscar James |
Postcards
Album Details – Postcards
International release date: 20 March 2026
Catalogue no: IHD98
Format: Digital download and streaming
Label: Libera Music / Invisible Hands Music
Number of tracks: 6
Digital EP
International release date: 20 March 2026
Catalogue no: IHD98
Format: Digital download and streaming
Label: Libera Music / Invisible Hands Music
Number of tracks: 6
Digital EP
How To Buy
Digital Download/Streaming
Click this link to stream or download this EP.
30- to 45-second clips of all six songs and lyrics have been added to Libera's website. All songs were re-recorded in the studio.
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| Jerome Collins |
A note from Luckdragon on Libera Dreams:
I created a new non-seasonal playlist of unique Libera songs (ordered by publication date but you can shuffle), excluding compilation album repeats (similar to our recent poll list, but updated to 219 tracks). Remember that YT Music has a unique Song/Video toggle where if a video uses the CD soundtrack, you can watch it in the playlist.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/croakcosmicfrog
On March 23rd, Libera posted another short greeting to the people of Japan:
Joseph Hill, William Dunbar, and Corey Agyei
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWwnyyiw9I4 (Japan promo/3-26/ Joseph Hill, William Dunbar, Corey Agyei/:23)
On March 24th, an update from Libera:
SUMMER 2026 PLANS
We are pleased to announce our outline plans for this summer’s UK Cathedral tour.
We are planning three concerts towards the end of July. We have already confirmed performances at Lincoln Cathedral on 18 July and Winchester Cathedral on 24 July. Negotiations for a third concert in the south-west of England on 23 July are well advanced, and we expect to be able to announce further details very soon.
The box office for the Winchester concert will be managed by the cathedral and will open shortly. The other two concerts will be available via our own TicketSource system. We will announce box office opening dates as soon as they are confirmed.
In other news our record label, Invisible Hands Music, is planning to release a vinyl edition of our latest album Wonder, which we expect to launch at our summer concerts.
JAPAN TOUR 2026 (more photos to come)
Short videos of the boys' arrival in Japan and of their initial sound check can be found at:
Concert Program:
On March 30th, the ever-reliable Patrick Fandelok produced a masterful summary of the first concert in Tokyo's Line Cube Shibuya:
A striking opening to the 2nd half. First stepped on stage (percussionist) Ruairi Glasheen, Nathan Slater and Joseph Hill. Ruairi began solo, then all three locked into the same rhythm, while Ruairi kept adding richer, more elaborate traditional movements, making the sequence both precise and visually dynamic.
Hal Avery and Morgan Wiltshire were also involved, standing among the musicians and taking part in percussion, though it was hard to see clearly. A musician on traditional Japanese flute joined, his phrases echoing "Beata Lux" and leading into a very smooth transition.
Federico Vergani and Emmanuel Mensah-Wood entered alone from the sides, answering each other with high notes across the stage. The three soloists, mainly Julian Heitmann, with Pietro Vergani and Theo Wilson in support, walked in front stage, from the taikos position. Finally, the full group entered from both sides.
Emmanuel Mensah-Wood gets fitted with an earpiece.
(The taikos intro, both sound and visual, the flute, the transition, the wonderfully performed "Beata Lux," all builded a powerful and visually rich opening for the second half.
Hopefully "Beata Lux" will remain in the live repertoire for a while, even if the taiko element may be unique to Japan.—Patrick
It sounds like an incredible concert with new pieces, revived pieces and many new soloists, some of whom are quite young and new. William Dunbar doing the "Vespera" descant is very impressive for someone who’s been performing with Libera less than a year. Nice to see some of the established boys taking on new roles too.
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| William Dunbar and Ben Hill |
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| Oscar James |
Is that Oscar Janes and Leon Clarke’s first extended solos? They’ve done harmonies and had a brief bit in "For the Future," but I think that’s it? Very surprised at Federico Vergani doing the high solos on two pieces, as he’s a second and has mainly just done part solos to date I think? But then Pietro Vergani is also a second and has done some solos that go pretty high like "In Paradisum," so clearly it runs in the family. Good job Federico!
Federico Vergani
Good to see Emmanuel Mensah-Woode getting a high solo too – I thought it was probably only a matter of time before he did as most high firsts do. Jerome Collins and Julian Heitmann appear to be going from strength to strength as, of course, does Ben Hill. Sad that Thomas Mushrafi and Joseph Hill are no longer singing solo, but as ever with Libera it sounds as though their successors are up to the task.
On April 1st, a post from Muramatsu-san, composer of numerous Libera Songs:
On April 2nd, a note from Libera Records Japan:
POSTCARDS JAPAN Edition ～Furusato～
Classic Chart No. 1! We won 8th place overall!
Released on March 25th POSTCARDS JAPAN Edition ～Furusato～, it ranked 8th overall in the Oricon Daily Album Rankings on March 30th, and also ranked 1st in the Jazz Classical Rankings!
The members and staff are filled with great joy at this exciting news that has arrived since Libera arrived in Japan.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who continues to show warm support.
Thank you so much.
On April 5th, notes by Patrick:
A few small changes spotted between Osaka (yesterday) and Kobe (today).
Beata Lux: the high call/response is usually Federico Vergani (from the left) and Emmanuel Mensah-Woode (right). In Osaka, Wilfred Gummer stepped in for Emmanuel. Just a minor issue as Emmanuel was back in Kobe. Wilfred was excellent!
Leon Clarke and Wilfred Gummer
Sanctus: in Tokyo, the long sustained high note seemed to be sung solo by Julian Heitmann (right). In Osaka and Kobe, it’s now shared between Julian and Federico Vergani.
Sacris Solemnis: in Tokyo, the two final "gaudia" were sung by Emmanuel Mensah-Woode, then Leon Clarke. In Osaka, the first (highest) gaudia was sung by Joseph Hill, quite surprising, but very well done despite his speaking voice being lower than a few months ago. In Kobe, Emmanuel took it back.
It may just be me, but the voice group intro (high 1st, 1st, 2nd, etc., boys raising hands) felt noticeably slower. Still quick, but less rushed. Made it much easier to follow where each group stands on stage. Hope this was intentional and continues.
NOTE: During this tour, many of the group's activities, rehearsal, travel, etc. were posted as videos on their Instagram site, and can be viewed at: https://www.instagram.com/officiallibera/
Laurence Azikiwe, Caleb Slater, and Gabriele Marini take in the sights.
In Osaka, the group participated in a mass at Tamatsukori Catholic Church.
On April 5th, a surprise video surfaced of Libera performing on Britain's Got Talent." The boys performed Brian Wilson's "God Only Knows," with Julian Heitmann, Jerome Collins, and Morgan Wiltshire taking solo parts.
On April 14:
Translated Japanese review from https://news.yahoo.co.jp/expert/article ... bd7263f9f5:
Britain’s “angel-voiced” boys bring their pure, healing harmonies to Japan: Libera in concert
By Takashi Saito
Libera, the British boy-soprano ensemble celebrated around the world for their “angelic voices,” returned to Japan for another concert tour.
Founded in 1998 by composer Robert Prizeman, Libera is made up of audition-selected boys aged 7 to 18 from South London. The group’s current core membership numbers around 40, and for this tour 30 boys were chosen to travel to Japan.
Over the years, Libera has sung the main theme for Hannibal and appeared on albums by artists including Björk and Elton John. In Japan, their voices have also been heard in a wide range of films, dramas, and commercials, including the drama Downtown Rocket and the film Nobody to Watch Over Me.
Their Japan tour commemorative best-of album, POSTCARDS JAPAN Edition ~ Furusato ~, reached No. 8 on Oricon’s Daily Album Chart dated March 30, and went on to claim No. 1 on the Weekly Classical Chart dated April 13.
The stage, already set with an orchestra, fell into darkness as Libera’s members entered in pure white robes. Their age range was immediately apparent: some tall and nearly grown, others still very small boys. The evening began with the translucent, interwoven harmonies of “Angelis.”
A signature Libera work from their 1999 debut album LIBERA, “Angelis” captures the ensemble’s essence: music of innocence, light, and spiritual purity. The effect in the hall was deeply moving, as though the audience were watching angels drift through the air.
Still singing, the boys shifted formation and moved directly into the hymn-like “Veni Sancte.” Written by former member turned composer Raoul Newman, the piece bathed the venue in soft, soaring upper voices. Within moments, the audience seemed drawn into a world of calm and cleansing beauty.
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| Archie Robson |
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| Arthur Lipscombe |
Ten-year-old Archie Robson and eleven-year-old Arthur Lipscombe then stepped forward to greet the crowd in Japanese: “Hello, and welcome to our concert.” In their brief remarks, they noted, “It has only been 18 months since our last visit to Japan, but we keep growing, and our voices are changing all the time.”
One highlight came with “Angel” which opened with a clear solo from 14-year-old Pietro Vergani standing in the spotlight at center stage. The song was composed by Takatsugu Muramatsu, a frequent Libera collaborator, and was used for several years as the featured song in Universal Studios Japan’s Christmas show.
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| Pietro Vergani |
Founder Robert Prizeman’s “Vespera” followed, its solemn falsetto holding the audience in rapt silence. Then came the Latin “Sanctus,” also by Prizeman, built on Pachelbel’s Canon and shaped in the style of a Mass setting. Bathed in orange light suggestive of evening twilight, the singers stood shoulder to shoulder across the stage, and their sacred, luminous tone filled the hall.
Libera’s international makeup was reflected in an MC segment in which boys greeted the audience in their own languages: Pietro Vergani from Italy said “Ciao,” Max Bolton from Colombia said “Hola,” and Ariyan Abbott from India offered “Namaste.” In response, the group performed the Japanese song “Sakura Sakura.”
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| Max Bolton |
Beginning with a hum, the boys gathered at center stage before gradually opening outward like cherry blossoms coming into bloom. Their singing delicately captured the refined emotional world of the song, and their repeated movement inward and outward created an atmosphere of springtime mystery. Jin, whose mother is from Yokohama, added another distinctly Japanese touch by playing the shakuhachi.
In “Love Shine a Light,” Libera’s flowing, gospel-like choral writing was delivered with flawless balance from top to bottom. Then in “Voca Me,” 12-year-old Federico Vergani’s astonishingly high, whistle-like tone emerged above wave after wave of swelling harmony. By this point, the audience seemed completely immersed in the group’s heavenly sound, as though quietly washed clean by it.
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| Federico Vergani |
The second half opened with Joseph Hill and Nathan Slater joining a percussionist on drums for “Beata Lux.” Its gently hypnotic mood, threaded with Libera’s trademark high lines, created a restrained but steadily intensifying energy.
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| Nathan Slater, Joseph Hill and Ruari Glasheen |
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| Ben Hill |
During an MC segment, the boys offered the audience a glimpse into Libera’s inner workings. “In Libera’s songs, our voices are divided into many parts,” they explained, naming lines such as high first, first, second, third, fourth, and tenor, before demonstrating the harmony. Even in a short example, it became clear that the sound many casually describe as “angelic” is in fact built with extraordinary precision — less like a simple choir, and more like an orchestra of voices.
That sense of craftsmanship continued in “Eternal Light,” composed by Akira Senju, whose gleaming melody stood out beautifully. In “Salva Me,” the theme song from the 2001 drama One Day, Like a Storm, the boys accompanied their singing with a small upward gesture of the hands, while rich choral textures and lingering resonance intertwined.
Archie Robson, Gabriele Marini, Thomas Mushrafi, Arthur Lipscombe, Wilfred Gummer, Caleb Slater
As the concert moved toward its close, Libera turned to a sequence of well-known standards. Introducing it as “a song with an important message of peace,” they performed Bette Midler’s “From a Distance.” Theo Wilson, age 12, began in a hushed voice, and as the deeper harmonies joined him, the refrain “God is watching us” rang out like a prayer.
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| Theo Wilson |
From there, the familiar melody of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” emerged in Libera’s own reimagined version, “Once,” complete with original lyrics and arrangement. As the phrase “Once upon a…” returned again and again, the melody rose and receded against a wash of harmonies, creating an almost dreamlike sensation.
Out of that lingering atmosphere came “Smile,” introduced by the pure voices of 11-year-olds Ben Hill and Corey Agyei standing at center stage. The classic song, beloved through generations from Chaplin onward, became in Libera’s hands something serene and expansive, leaving the audience suspended in a gentle reverie.
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| Corey Agyei |
Near the end, the boys remarked, “The concert is almost over, but we still have one of our favorite songs left,” before launching into “Sing for Our World.” The Indonesian contemporary number is unusual in Libera’s repertoire for its upbeat tempo, and they sang it with a light, lively touch. Even the chorus had a fresh, buoyant energy.
The audience, wrapped in a glow of happiness, responded with applause that would not end. After bowing twice, the boys began a soft choral “Ahhhh,” then, in Japanese, sang: “Usagi oishi, kano yama...” It was “Furusato,” effectively an encore. With its tender choral writing, the song awakened a deep sense of nostalgia in the hall.
Last year alone, Libera toured Ireland, Catalonia, the Philippines, Malta, and other destinations around the world. One imagines this is how these British boys win over audiences wherever they go. For their Japanese fans as well, this was surely a night of healing, wonder, and renewed enchantment.
After the performance, a signing event was held in the lobby for buyers of CDs or programs, drawing about 400 participants. The members were arranged across three tables, and fans lined up continuously for some 25 minutes. Around 80 percent of those attending were women, but the age range was broad — from children close to the boys’ own age, to office workers in suits, to elderly women.
As CDs, pamphlets, and venue-exclusive postcards were handed over one after another, the boys smiled and signed. Offstage, one could also see the innocent faces behind the remarkable voices heard in concert.
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| Caleb Slater and Leon Clarke, ready to sign. |
After the signing, three members — Joseph Hill (13), Ariyan Abbot(10), and Oscar James (12) — spoke briefly about their time in Japan.
Joseph Hill
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| Oscar James |
Asked how they felt on stage, Joseph said he had been nervous, as always, especially because he was singing a different part than usual. Oscar agreed that nerves come no matter how many times one performs. Ariyan said that with such a large audience in front of him, he had been determined not to make mistakes, but felt he had sung well.
On Japanese audiences, Joseph said they always seemed polite, attentive, and generous with their applause. Oscar observed that Japanese audiences seemed to hold their applause in until the end, then release it all at once. Ariyan said it felt as though they were always encouraging the group onward.
Ariyan Abbot
When asked whether singing in Japanese was difficult, all three said it became manageable through repetition. Joseph said the words sink in with practice; Oscar said learning another language and thinking about the lyrics was enjoyable, adding that Japanese felt beautiful once he understood the meaning. Ariyan said that once the words settled inside him, singing them became easy.
Outside music, Ariyan said he enjoys math and is probably quite good at it. Joseph laughed that he dislikes math, preferring PE and spending time with friends. Oscar J. said he loves sports, especially soccer, but also enjoys squash, rugby, tennis, badminton, and more at school.
Libera posted on Instagram:
On April 27th, the Japanese NONSTOP! TV show officially published the Libera Japan Tour reportage on its YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl9Hdl9F19c
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| Ben Hill Solos on "Far Away." On May 7th, Libera posted an official video of "Sakura" being performed in concert in Tokyo.  |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mx6CZvSltQ (Sakura/Tokyo, Japan/solos by Jin Ha and Ben Hill/2026/4:14)
On May 5th, Libera boys performed aboard the Viking Sky cruise ship
There were 20 boys on board:
Emmanuel Mensah-Woode
Ben Hill
Jerome Collins
Federico Vergani
Pietro Vergani
Cory Agyei
Edward Sargeant
Joseph Hill
Theo Wilson
Nathan Slater
Thomas Mushrafi
Samuel Whaley
Wilfred Gummr
Leon Clarke
Julian Heitmann
Lewis Pearson
Archie Robson
Gabriele Marini
Arthur Lipscombe
Caleb Slater
Joseph Hill
Theo Wilson
Nathan Slater
Thomas Mushrafi
Samuel Whaley
Wilfred Gummr
Leon Clarke
Julian Heitmann
Lewis Pearson
Archie Robson
Gabriele Marini
Arthur Lipscombe
Caleb Slater
Seven songs in total, all taken from the recent Japan tour set list.
Sanctus
Far Away (Ben Hill)
From A Distance (Theo Wilson)
Eternal Light (Jerome Collins)
One Small Voice (Julian Heitmann)
Smile (Ben Hill & Cory Agyei)
Sing
On May 23rd, Libera released a YouTube concert video of "Furusato," as performed in Tokyo.
“Furusato” is one of Japan’s most beloved songs, expressing a deep sense of nostalgia and connection to home. It is widely known and cherished across generations, and it was a privilege to perform this Japanese folk song for audiences during our visit."
Lewis Pearson solos in "Furusato."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eY4PNWlNLS4&t=2s (Furusato/solos by Lewis Pearson and Ben Hill/Tokyo, Japan/2026/3:46)
A May announcement by Official Libera:
Our record label, Invisible Hands Music, is planning to release a vinyl edition of our latest album Wonder, which we expect to launch at our summer concerts.
On June 18th, Libera posted a 58-second video promotion for their cathedral appearances in July. Featured spokesboys were Caleb Slater, Ariyan Abbott, Arthur Lipscombe, and Oscar James.
Caleb Slater
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhTA4CyKJWk (2026 Cathedral tour promotional video/:48)
On June 19th, an announcement on Libera's News section:
On June 24th, Libera posted a gallery of photos from the Japan Tour:
Japan Spring 2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEeCnYnpIs0 (20-second ad for Libera's 2026 Summer Cathedral Tour)
2026 SUMMER CATHEDRAL TOUR
(Program p
hotos by Patrick)
hotos by Patrick)
On July 20th, a review from Yorkie:
My thoughts on Lincoln by Yorkie
A surprise but welcome return to Lincoln Cathedral after two years saw one of the smallest Libera groups to take to the stage in many years – 27 boys in total, although 29 were listed in the programme. [the Gummer brothers were unable to attend the Lincoln concert]. We did get to welcome one new group member though in Benjamin Heitz who was named as the youngest on stage at 9 years old.
Angelis was retained from Japan and I really like it. I have never heard this in concert before but it feels like meeting an old friend from the very first eponymous album. A rather peaceful and gentle start to the concert (in a good way) with some nice staccato instruments and a bright clear bell note. The boys' harmonies really sparkled.
Lincoln Cathedral
First sighting of Benjamin Heitz
Angelis was retained from Japan and I really like it. I have never heard this in concert before but it feels like meeting an old friend from the very first eponymous album. A rather peaceful and gentle start to the concert (in a good way) with some nice staccato instruments and a bright clear bell note. The boys' harmonies really sparkled.
No time for applause because it merged immediately into Veni Sancte Spiritu. More uptempo than Angelis, this has proved to be a very successful new composition from the Dream album. The harmonies were perfect, adding layers within layers to the song although the intricate stage movements were reduced on this occasion which is a shame because that is highly entertaining.
Visible in this photo: Federico Vergani, Pietro Vergani, Lewis Pearson, Emmanuel Mensah-Woode, ?, ?, Caleb Slater, Nathan Slater.
The first speech of the night was from Arthur Lipscombe, Max Bolton and Lewis Pearson, who told us that Morgan Wiltshire, Thomas Mushrafi, and Nathan Slater have been in the group for seven years (stressed to make it clear that this was an unimaginably long time), and that the youngest were nine years old. They mentioned Ben (Heitz) who has only been singing with them for seven months with tonight being his first concert (for which he received applause).
Max Bolton
They mentioned that they go to different schools and rehearse 3 or 4 times a week, as well as doing sports and other activities, but finally it was the summer holidays (to which I 'think' Max Bolton gave a happy ‘yes’ and fist pump - will need to check at Exeter). They also mentioned that they are recording during their tour but having some fun as well. They introduced Dreaming of Home as the next song and it being from a film about the Christmas truce in 2014 WWI (Joyeux Noel) where some of the people wouldn’t have been much older than the boys onstage.
I’m Dreaming of Home was first performed at a Guildford concert back in 2013 (IIRC). The lyrics are perfect for Libera and this was picked up in the proceeding speech where they said it was a reminder of our humanity and common ground across. Hard not to agree.
I’m Dreaming of Home was first performed at a Guildford concert back in 2013 (IIRC). The lyrics are perfect for Libera and this was picked up in the proceeding speech where they said it was a reminder of our humanity and common ground across. Hard not to agree.
The first person to sing the high descant was the supreme Tom Delgado-Little, then the very gifted Camden Stewart recorded it and today we got to hear Federico Vergani. He had big shoes to fill but he made no mistakes. Rarely have in all the years have I seen somebody go from just being a capable group member to having so many solos and high descants in the space of a year (maybe I’m just not giving for all his performances previously) but Federico had a really big workload on Saturday and he delivered everything perfectly and without missing a beat. Federico is right at the top his game and his voice is great.
Federico Vergani
Vespera next and a real favourite of mine from the Steven Geraghty video. Ben Hill had the main vocal with William Dunbar at the back centre adding the descant. Ben’s voice is very stable and rich on the high notes (at which he is excellent) and William didn’t miss a beat with his part; from his first concerts last year he is shaping up to be another fine soloist based on his performance here.
Ben Hill
William Dunbar
Agnus Dei (Nimrod) is a new composition which they actually debuted at sung Eucharist in Norbury. The music is based on Elgar’s Enigma IX variation with the words from the Latin Mass and arranged by Sam Coates. Julian Heitmann took this solo and his voice is really on the money now. Not that he wasn’t good before but he is just getting better and better. The music is perhaps one of the most loved pieces of British classical music and Sam’s setting of the words matched it perfectly, or maybe that was Julian’s absolutely fantastic voice!
Julian Heitmann
Speech two by Oscar James and Gabriele Marini allowed the boys to step forward and say hello in the different languages of their family background. I think we had (from memory; I’ll correct if I get this wrong when I see the next concert) – Federico Vergani, Pietro Vergani, and Gabriele Marini from Italy, Max Bolton from Columbia, Julian Heitmann from Germany, Lewis Pearson from Slovakia, Leon Clarke from Poland, Ariyan Abbot from India and Oscar James himself from Croatia. They talked about some of the songs they sang in foreign languages at recent concerts. They then told us that the next song was recorded over 20 years ago (Free album 2004) but this was the first ever performance onstage.
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| Oscar James |
A Song of Enchantment was sung by Jerome Collins alone at first and then on later verses with Julian Heitmann harmonising. Jerome got a lot of praise for his performances last year. Can he maintain that standard? I have to report that he can’t; he has improved!
His performance still includes all the peaceful ability to be consumed by the music that people loved last year but he is now adding texture and emotion to the lyrics, which shows his evolution and improvement as a singer and he is still only 11, with time to develop further. Julian blended beautifully and has shown his own impressive development in the last year. Two top-class soloists given a perfect masterclass performance.
Jerome Collins
Sanctus needs no introduction and we all know and love it so well that I would normally bypass it, but after Lincoln I was introduced to two fans who love Libera so much that they used it for their wedding march song and we were encouraged to sing it in the pub afterwards (not quite as successfully as the boys I might add). That’s the thing about Libera; they bring out some very nice people to support them.
Voca Me is my favourite Libera song. Federico Vergani went up on to the pulpitum to sing the high descant which produced a nice removed, almost haunting echo effect that worked brilliantly with the song. Excellent work by Federico who managed that top note (a D6?) with no problems at all.
Sacris Solemnis was started by Leon Clarke, who was then partnered by Julian Heitmann and Lewis Pearson. Leon’s opening solo sounded great on the first few lines. A song I like in concert but I didn’t catch who sang the highest parts (I’ll try and spot them at the next concert) or the last two "Gaudia"s (I think the very last may have been Leon, again I need to check).
The final speech of the first half was done by Caleb Slater and Cory Agyei who introduced the four pairs of brothers on stage (Federico and Pietro Vergani, Ben and Joseph Hill , Cory and Caius Agyei, Caleb and Nathan Slater) and talked about the ‘Libera Family’ including [conductor] Liam Connery and some of the musicians.
Wilfred (L) and Aubrey Gummer showed up to be introduced in the Winchester and Exeter concerts.
I Am The Day completed the first half with a big solo for Cory Agyei (previously he did the harmony with Ben Hill on Smile, I think). This was really, really good; well done Cory! He sang it confidently and with no problems and got the whispering part, which adds so much to the song, spot on. This is not going to be his last solo based on his performance on Saturday and I look forward to hearing him again next week.
(NOTE by padmachou: whispering parts by four boys, Ben Hill, Julian Heitmann, Pietro Vergani and Oscar James, from the corners of the four groups, They then turned to face the audience and harmonize with Cory. There is a part with Cory doing whispering though, at the end of the song, when Ben and Joseph Hill sing the "aaaaah".
Emmanuel Mensah-Woode, Caius Agyei, Cory Agyei.
After the interval we had a recreation of the drums from the Japan tour with Joseph Hill, Nathan Slater and Ruairi Glasheen playing tenor drums (not Taikos). They came on to the stage alone to start drumming with a horn and woodwind accompaniment. Morgan Wiltshire took over the percussion station from Ruari as the drumming transitioned into a rather fine Beata Lux.
Joseph Hill
By this point the rest of the boys had entered the stage and enveloped the three drummers who walked backwards through them to the rear of the stage. They intermittently used their drumsticks to beat on the rim of the drum to add a clack sound as Morgan added some percussion parts.
During Beata Lux Frederico Vergani and Emmanuel Mensah-Woode took spots on the pulpitum on either side of the organ to add their high notes, and were picked out by spotlights. Main vocals were by Julian Heitmann supported by Pietro Vergani and Theo Wilson. A very good song which I hope remains on the set list for some time.
Pietro Vergani
There was no pause for applause as we went straight into When A Knight Won His Spurs. This was a song we sang at middle school most weeks going back over 45 years. I don’t know if it is still sung in schools, but suffice it to say that for a certain age group this was is a hugely familiar song. Now, this isn’t a technical song that can blow you away with flashy harmonies so it’s all about the lead vocal. Step forward, Julian Heitmann, who had, as you can see, a busy night. And his vocal delivered. It was beautiful, clear, and suitably expressive. Ed Day-worthy if I say so myself.
Julian Heitmann
Eternal Light was another welcome return to the set list. Jerome Collins took on the first part of the solo, then was joined by Julian Heitmann. What can I say about these two that I haven’t already? I’m genuinely running out of praise and superlatives for the quality of their singing. They were both vocally immense on the night.
Leon Clarke and Gabriele Marini
Salva Me, beautiful deep red lighting, rising and falling arm movements, Ben Hill’s bell-like calls - what’s not to like here? Nothing is what I say. Love it.
I Vow to Thee My Country is another stalwart of British patriotic hymnody. Not one of my favourites, truth be told. Well that was true but Arthur Lipscombe changed my opinion. What a debut solo he had, starting this one off before being joined at the front centre by more and more boys as the song progressed. Well done, Arthur; what a great performance! He managed to hold the word ‘love’ at the end of the first verse long enough for it to hit home and he also finished the song on his own.
Another speech and this time we got Cory Agyei and the Moose Whisperer himself, Edward Sargeant. If you want a bit of boyish humour in the evening then these two (should that be three?) delivered it and then some. Moose, via Edward's translating and facial impressions, enjoined us to buy some old-fashioned music thing called an ‘LP’ of their Wonder album and the boys wondered how you turned it on to hear the music.
Arthur Lipscombe
Another speech and this time we got Cory Agyei and the Moose Whisperer himself, Edward Sargeant. If you want a bit of boyish humour in the evening then these two (should that be three?) delivered it and then some. Moose, via Edward's translating and facial impressions, enjoined us to buy some old-fashioned music thing called an ‘LP’ of their Wonder album and the boys wondered how you turned it on to hear the music.
Edward Sargeant
From A Distance remains on the set list and Theo Wilson reprised his solo from last year. His voice sounded more mature but he was able to sing it still without any issues and it was as enjoyable as ever with very fitting Libera-like lyrics.
Theo Wilson
Next we had Once (Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence) and Thomas Mushrafi handed the baton on to Jerome Collins and Arthur Lipscombe. Very capable replacements and they did him justice. Jerome started on his own with Arthur then joining to harmonise. Jerome is the type of singer who can deal with a wide range of source material and doesn’t seem to have any weaknesses in his technique that I can detect.
Another new song next: Ave Maris Stella The music is by Camile Saint-Saens (from "The Swan;" Carnival of the Animals) using the traditional words from the first and third verses of the Marian Hymn. Ben Hill took on the solo for this and it has a couple of very high parts very early on which he was able to deal with without issue.
Another new song next: Ave Maris Stella The music is by Camile Saint-Saens (from "The Swan;" Carnival of the Animals) using the traditional words from the first and third verses of the Marian Hymn. Ben Hill took on the solo for this and it has a couple of very high parts very early on which he was able to deal with without issue.
We have so many established and capable soloists at the moment, with new ones coming at every series of concerts, that it is hard to give them all the solos they deserve. The song ends with a group ‘Amen’ which I always like and can never get enough of.
Ariyan Abbot
Libera on TikTok: brothers Federico (L) and pietro Vergani sing the lead duet in "Libera."
Now, to be churlish, I was hoping for a different encore than Deep Peace but my disappointment was well and truly blown away by Gabriele Marini’s excellent solo. Congratulations to him, he really delivered a knock-out finale.
Gabriele Marini
Remarks on the Winchester concert by st1701fan
I always enjoy reading the very detailed reviews here. Most seem to know every boy, every solo and can remember everything about the concert, well i can't, so I'm afraid my review is not quite so professional.
I was lucky enough to sit in the second row, so I had a very good view. I also had a very good listen to [conductor] Liam Connery's’s chair which was making a rather impressive squeaking noise. After I noticed it, the chair almost became part of the orchestra.
Then there was Wilfrid Gummer, who had to blow his hair out of his face again and again. I started to wonder if the hair would finally stay in place. It did not.
There was also a small mystery after the interval. Before the break I counted 28 boys, but afterwards there were only 27. One had disappeared. Maybe this was connected to the fact that I had seen some of them earlier in the sweets section at Sainsbury’s, stocking up on candy before the concert. Perhaps one sugar rush too many?
I was lucky enough to sit in the second row, so I had a very good view. I also had a very good listen to [conductor] Liam Connery's’s chair which was making a rather impressive squeaking noise. After I noticed it, the chair almost became part of the orchestra.
Then there was Wilfrid Gummer, who had to blow his hair out of his face again and again. I started to wonder if the hair would finally stay in place. It did not.
There was also a small mystery after the interval. Before the break I counted 28 boys, but afterwards there were only 27. One had disappeared. Maybe this was connected to the fact that I had seen some of them earlier in the sweets section at Sainsbury’s, stocking up on candy before the concert. Perhaps one sugar rush too many?
But seriously, the concert in Winchester was excellent. For me it was a big advantage that the orchestra was behind the choir which i really prefer. in Exeter the orchestra was in front and I found that a little distracting, just like Liam's chair today.
Next time when I am lucky enough to sit there again, I will bring some WD-40 with me. Just in case Liam’s chair is also invited. —ste1701fan
And from Patrick:
Winchester was my favourite of the 3 concerts. The white 2-level stage added a new dimension. Beautiful lights, fantastic singing, large and frienly audience, musicians in the back!
The Cathedral representatives sitting in front of me seemed genuinely delighted by the concert.
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| Concert updates by Patrick, with changes in the blue fields |
A few changes for the second #Libera concert at Exeter compared with Lincoln:
A small change: in the welcome speech in Lincoln, Max Bolton briefly mentioned the group's visit two years earlier. Tonight, it was Lewis Pearson twho recalled Libera's last visit to Exeter in 2015.
Wilfred & Aubrey Gummer joined the group and Tadhg Barber was absent.
From a Distance became a duet throughout, beautifully shared by Theo Wilson and Oscar James, side by side.
