Libera

Libera (music)

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This page is about the vocal group. For the Latin hymn, see Libera Me.

Libera "Angel Voices" album cover (2006)

Libera is a non-profit all-boy English vocal group directed by Robert Prizeman. Most members come from theparish choir of St. Philip's, Norbury, in South London. The albums, tours and TV appearances they do as Libera are in addition to their regular singing as part of the full choir of men and boys at parish choral services. They come from a variety of backgrounds in the London area, attending many different schools, including local state schools, church schools and performing arts schools. Libera recruits boys from any religious denomination and even those with no religious affiliations. Most join between the ages of seven and ten, however older boys may join if they have the appropriate singing abilities.[1][2]

According to a Songs of Praise TV special that aired January 25, 2009, the group has approximately 40 members between the ages of seven and 16, including new boys who are not yet ready to fully participate in albums or tours. Nineteen boys participated in their 2008 US tour. Twenty-four boys sang for the album New Dawn.

The group's name comes from its signature song. "Libera," which is based on the Libera Me portion of theRequiem Mass. "Libera" is the Latin word for "free".