Libera (music)

Libera
Libera on stage with their typical white robes during a concert in Exeter, July 2015
Background information
Also known as	Angel Voices
Origin	London, England
Genres	Classical crossover
Years active	1995–present
Labels	Warner Classics, EMI Classics
Associated acts	Aled Jones
Website	libera.org.uk

Libera is an all-boy English vocal group directed by Robert Prizeman. Most members come from the parish choir of St. Philip's, Norbury, in South London. According to a 2009 Songs of Praise TV special, the group usually consists of approximately 40 members between the ages of seven and sixteen, including new members who are not yet ready to fully participate in albums or tours. The group recruits from a variety of backgrounds in the London area, and does not require its members to belong to any specific denomination.

In addition to recording albums, touring and making regular TV appearances as Libera, the group sings on a weekly basis as part of the full choir of men and boys at parish choral services. Libera is run as a not-for-profit registered UK charity, "providing the opportunity for suitable boys to train as vocalists from any background". Members do not get paid for their work within Libera, but their expenses are covered when touring.

The group's name comes from its signature song. "Libera," which is based on the Libera Me portion of the Requiem Mass. "Libera" is the Latin singular imperative of "liberare," meaning "to free."

The Anglican (High Church) parish of St. Philip's, Norbury has a long choral tradition. Their first non-traditional commercial work was in 1984, when the boys of the St. Philip's Choir backed Sal Solo on his song "San Damiano." In 1987, the boys of St. Philip's Choir released the single "Sing Forever." In 1988, the choir released the single "Adoramus." In 1988, the choir released their first full commercial album, Sing For Ever under the name St. Philip's Choir. The title track for this album was chosen by the BBC as the first Children in Need telethon anthem.

The second album, New Day, released in 1990, was the first album to use the name Angel Voices. During the 1990s, the names "St. Philip's Boy Choir" and "Angel Voices" were both used to refer to the choir. The third album, Angel Voices, was released in 1992. It was re-released in 1993, with the choir referred to as the St. Philip's Boy's Choir. Angel Voices 2 was released in 1996 and Angel Voices 3 was released in 1997. Both were released under the name of St. Philip's Boy's Choir, by the record label MCI.