Libera: Back in the Philippines for Concert Tour, 2/19-23

Photo Op: (Center) Dr. Roberto De Ocampo, chair of the British Alumni Association of the Philippines, is surrounded by some of the 27-touring cast of the world-renowned Libera, an all-boy (six to 17 years of age) English choir, who are set to star in a concert, their sixth time in the Philippines since 2009, at Meralco Theatre in Pasig City tonight, February 19, 2019, and at Pacific Grand Ballroom, Waterfront Hotel, in Cebu City on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. (Photo: Oliver Oliveros)

Manila, Philippines--In an extended commemoration of the Philippine-British Friendship Week, Concertus Manila, the British Alumni Association of the Philippines, led by its Chair Roberto De Ocampo, and the Arts Council Cebu are bringing back the world-renowned vocal group, Libera, which are made up of British youngsters, six to 17 years of age, to star in a concert titled "Philippine Friendship Tour" at Meralco Theatre in Pasig City tonight, 8 p.m. (Get tickets at https://goo.gl/rU3Sui) and at Pacific Grand Ballroom, Waterfront Hotel, in Cebu City this Saturday, Feb. 23, 8 p.m. (Get tickets at https://goo.gl/1o2fsg).

The British Alumni Association of the Philippines, a group of individuals who studied in the United Kingdom (UK) and have returned to the Philippines to serve their home country, London School of Economics alum Dr. De Ocampo included, have been instrumental to showcasing the enthralling celestial-like voices of Libera, organized by British composer Robert Prizeman, since its first concert in the Philippines in 2009.

At a press conference, Dr. De Ocampo recalled: "Back in 2009, we were looking for an appropriate symbol of friendship between the Philippines and the UK. We ended up with the fantastic choir called Libera, who ably represents the youth of the UK. They first came to the Philippines for a fundraising concert to benefit the underprivileged children in the Philippines."

"It's their sixth time to visit the Philippines. There's a significant demand for the group and a substantial fan base in Asia [which expands to South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and China]," he added. "It's worthwhile to listen to the choir once again while they're here in the Philippines."

The distinct sound of Libera, a cross between classical and pop music, has endeared itself to global audiences in the last two decades. The group's albums, particularly "Libera" (1999), "Angel Voices" (2006), "Peace" (2010), and "The Christmas Album (2011)," topped both mainstream and classical music charts in many countries such the United States, Japan, and the Philippines.

The touring cast, who come from different schools in South London, are made up of Marc Alvares, Ethan Barron, Leo Barron, Nathaniel Bates Fisher, Merlin Brouwer, Benedict Bywater, Dominik Clarke, Cassius Collard, Samuel-Francis Collins, Joseph Cranitch, Tadhg Fitzgerald, John Gardner, Alexander Gula, Peter Kielty, Alexandre Menuet, Mathias Montoro, Oliver Mycka, Neo Parson, Koji Shinokubo, Jack Spicha, Calam Tamana, Laurence Taylor, Rocco Tesei, Romeo Tesei, Benjamin Wevill, Daniel White, and Victor Wiggin.

Before the local media, young Libera vocalist Daniel White described their concert as "a good mix." He said, "Expect a bit of festivity, some new songs you haven't heard before, and songs that we have been singing right from the beginning. It's a different type of concert. There will be lots of new and old."

Why does he love performing with the group, White said, "It's a wonderful thing to do, and it's a great opportunity to travel around the world, to sing to different audiences, and to see how the audiences like what we're doing. It's just really amazing!"