Libera

This article is from 2009.

Think English choirboys and centuries of choral tradition in vast cathedrals spring to mind. Libera is somewhat different. The South London boys, aged seven to 16, who make up the internationally chart-topping group, would rather think of themselves as an alternative kind of boyband than stereotypical cathedral choristers. Their sound however, is every bit as celestial. Libera have released countless bestselling albums, performed for the Pope at New York’s Yankee Stadium, were guest artists on BBC TV’s Last Choir Standing, have toured the US, Japan and South Korea and had a whole Songs of Praise in their honour, but their Fringe date marks Libera’s first visit to Scotland.

Wearing their distinctive white hooded robes, the repertoire performed by Libera is mainly for treble voices, and is the work of their director, Robert Prizeman; either his own compositions or arrangements of classical and contemporary scores. Echoes of Gregorian chant can be heard one minute, new age or classic hymn tunes in shimmering harmonies the next, but all designed to show off the boys’ voices to their very, very best angelic effect.

St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral, 226 0000, 11 Aug, 7.30pm, £15 (£12.50)

This article is from 2009.

More: Music, Classical, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh Festivals, Fringe, Libera, Robert Prizeman

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