A global sensation across the last two decades, the 30-voice choral group Libera returns with Forever followed by a world tour - to renew the worldwide popularity of this unique vocal ensemble and its reimagining of the game-changing sound of English boychoirs. Libera's magical rendition of The Beach Boys' early rock classic "God Only Knows" is one of the highlights of Forever, in an arrangement by Sam Coates, Libera's new Musical Director. "When I heard them sing, I said, 'It does remind me a lot of The Beach Boys," Brian Wilson said about Libera's arrangement of the sweet harmonies in the song he wrote for the group's iconic 1966 Pet Sounds album, adding, "but actual boys - it took me to tears." Forever also features new songs written by former members of Libera - an ensemble with many grateful alumni since it features the ethereal, time-sensitive beauty of young boys' voices - as well as the last works of the group's founder and guiding light, the late Robert Prizeman. Classical fans will appreciate Libera's versions of "Be Still My Soul" (from the hymnlike melody at the heart of Sibelius's Finlandia) and a choral "Ave Verum" using the haunting melody popularly known as "the Albinoni Adagio." |
