The night was balmy with a hint of heaviness due to the earlier downpour. Decked out in my best lace dress, I could barely keep still, my excitement bubbling to the surface as the hour drew near. I was going to see Libera - the premiere London Boys’ Choir that I’ve been steadfastly supporting since I discovered them in 2007 - live once more! No, not once more but twice more, in fact, because I was going to see them again the next day…But I’m getting ahead of myself..;p

April 6th marked the first of Libera’s two-night performance at the Esplanade Theatre in the heart of Singapore’s bustling Marina Bay district. Armed with my trusty ticket and concert programme, I braved the crowds in Esplanade Mall and marched excitedly towards my destination: The Esplanade Concert Hall..<3

I had seen glimpses of the Concert Hall from photos online but nothing could beat seeing the real thing! Bathed in a golden glow and outlined by crimson carpeting, scarlet seats and pretty much red hangings all around, the cavernous location brought to mind a larger, and much grander version of the red-and-gold Gryffindor Common Room..<3

People were streaming into the venue by the dozen, their happy chatter filling the atmosphere with an electric buzz. I could feel the anticipation in the air and tried to settle down in my seat, which was a short distance away from the stage.

Not long after everyone had been safely ensconced in their respective places, a melodic voice was announcing to the crowd that the concert would be commencing shortly, and that taking photos, videos or other types of recording while the concert was in session was not allowed. The lights were dimmed and a hush fell over the audience..

It began with a soaring falsetto. Then, one by one, the angelic lads clad in their trademark white robes filed into center stage, haunting trebles working their way into our hearts. The boys then took their designated spots, as they have doubtlessly rehearsed numerous times.

Shining lights flood the stage. A play of sunshiny golds and warm yellows highlight the tone and feel of the opening song, the majestic “Jubilate Deo”, led by Barney, Cassius and Matthew J. The song then smoothly flows into the strains of the group’s trademark tune, “Libera”, led by Eoghan and Luke, who wow the audience with their graceful blending of angel voices, and Ralph provides the icing on a rather sumptuous cake with his last high note. Applause fills the air after the rousing performance, after which Barney and Cassius address the audience, speaking about the ages of the boys onstage, ranging from Lucas, the youngest at 8 years old, to Stefan, who is the oldest at 14. They also amuse the crowd by enumerating some famous landmarks in the “little place called London” from which they originated, such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and even King’s Cross Station, where Harry Potter boards the train towards Hogwarts..   

After that rather adorable interval, our lads are back on form with Ralph spearheading two songs, the heavenly “Song of Life” (backed by Matthew J.), which I will probably forever associate with the cool and sophisticated Mr. Skan, followed by “O Sanctissima”, in a play of purple and lavender as the boys knelt onstage while they sang. Although the slight drop in his voice is apparent, Ralph still manages to sweep us all off our feet with his soulful rendition, which is met yet again with hearty applause. 

Excitement and nostalgia hit me when the familiar, beloved chords of “Sanctus” as well as glorious lights seep into the hall, spreading throughout and warming me to my toes. I am immediately transported into a calm and serene sky where I float amongst the clouds. The audience listens in rapt attention, awestruck by the sound. Ringing applause signals the end of the song.

This time, young Michael U-R and Cassius are the ones to greet us, proudly introducing the Singapore audience to the beloved Libera mascot, a tiny stuffed moose, who is called, funnily enough, “Moose”! This mammal is said to be the oldest member because, apparently, he “has been there since the beginning of time”, Cassius informs us happily. The audience titters in approval and it’s not long before the next song is presented.

The achingly haunting strains of “I Vow To Thee” fill the air and I am thunderstruck by the lovely voice of Matthew J. as he sings his heart out to us, showing the control that Libera soloists are famous for. This young man is definitely one to watch out for!

(On a side note, even though these lads might be trained professionals in their own right, one has to remember that they are still young boys, so it’s no wonder that we saw some of the little ones yawning as they stood, attempting to hide their fatigue, much to our amused chagrin. Some of them were even heard coughing a bit, still trying to hide the fact that they were a bit ill. But, as they say and as the boys most definitely know, the show must go on. Poor little darlings!)

Afterwards, the ever-shining Stefan (backed by Ralph) steps up gamely and demonstrates the fruits of being in not just one but two acclaimed boys’ choirs, as he leads the boys in “Eternal Light”, his identifying solo. Matthew R-A is next on the lead with his lilting treble heard in “Salva Me”. For this interval, Jude introduces us to the backing band comprising of Steven on recorder, keyboards and clarinet, Simon on percussion, the string quartet and, last but definitely not least, Mr. Robert Prizeman alternating between “the little piano and big piano”. “He should really make up his mind,” Jude quips, much to our delight.      

“Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep” is next on the programme, delivered flawlessly by Ralph, with Stefan doing backing vocals. Then we hear Stefan’s version of “Exultate”, quite an upbeat and toe-tapping track that made me nod my head to the music the whole time. The display of quick steps and fluid movements is once again put to good use, bringing smiles to our faces. Cheers and applause filled the hall as we paused to take a 15-minute intermission and the hall lights slowly came back to life.

After freshening up a bit, we’re back in our seats and roaring to go. As the stage is suddenly bathed in blue, our ears are met pleasantly by the hypnotic hums and beats of “Orinoco Flow”, immediately bringing to mind a vision of the vast and mighty ocean, rolling waves and endless summer beaches. The song is also made more memorable by the boys’ quick movements, turning towards the side or towards the front, a fluid step forward or an abrupt step back. 

Angelic voices raised in splendour greet us with the next song, “Gloria”, and you can practically imagine this is what the heavenly hosts of Angels singing at the Pearly Gates sound like. The applause seems endless by now..^_^

Once more, Barney and Cassius take the stage as they inform us of the significance of the sterling white robes that is customary for the Libera boys to wear during performances. They have the audience roaring with laughter because of Cassius’ antics with the “massive hood” attached to his white robe.

Yet again, Ralph manages to wow and render us speechless with his smooth vocal solo in “The Fountain”.  The next song was a new one, not unheard of but not one that they had done in a concert before. Shades of red flooded the stage and I was absolutely blown away by little Ciaran, who melted hearts with his amazing solo in “Dies Irae”, one of my favourites for the night! Another new song followed, which was “Grateful Heart”, sung effortlessly by Stefan during another favourite moment of mine, proving that he still possesses one of the most hauntingly powerful voices in Libera..<3

Belting out is definitely Matthew R-A’s specialty, as he takes top center stage again for his solo in “Stay With Me”, backed by Dylan, Cassius and Barney. In another short spoken interval, Nano Ben ups the cuteness ante with his darling little voice, explaining how some of the older boys who were on tour with them before had to stay home and revise for exams. (That pretty much explains why there are some glaringly absent personalities). What follows is a wonderful rendition of “Ave Verum” complete with “V” formation, headed by Matthew J., Barney, Henry and Ciaran.

In what is probably my absolute favourite moment of the night, I was bowled over by tiny Isaac, who delivers his first solo with “Far Away”, his clear, confident voice ringing like a bell throughout the hall. Not meaning to be overly dramatic, but it literally brought tears to my eyes and I was grinning fondly at him throughout his performance..=’D 

Not to be outdone, of course, the enchanting Eoghan also held surprises for us with his solos for the night, his crystal notes rising above all others, first in “Glory to Thee”, a poetic track with the boys doing a round-robin of the verses, and then with Stefan in “How Shall I Sing That Majesty”, his golden warble very evident even amidst many voices. I have no doubt this budding heartthrob is going to hit it big with the fans, in particular those of the female persuasion..;D  

All too soon, we had come to the end of the concert, but that didn’t stop the audience from cheering, clapping nonstop and awarding the lads with a very well-deserved standing ovation. Grinning happily, albeit a bit tiredly, the boys oblige and deliver a verse from “Exultate” as an encore. The boys take their bows and slowly exit the stage, smiling and waving at their adoring audience. 

It was truly a performance worth remembering! Thank you, Libera, for making my vacation in Singapore all the more memorable by gracing it with your presence and your voices! No doubt you have captured the hearts of even more fans than before because of it!<3