Libera-background information

Libera is a non-profit all-boy vocal group directed by Robert Prizeman. Their name comes from their signature song "Libera," which is based on the Libera Me portion of the Requiem Mass. "Libera" is the Latin word for "free". Most of the boys in Libera come from the parish choir of St. Philip's, Norbury, in South London. The albums, tours and TV appearances the boys do as Libera are in addition to their regular singing as part of the full choir of men and boys at parish choral services. According to a Songs of Praise TV special that aired January 25, 2009, the choir has approximately forty boys between the ages of seven and sixteen. This includes 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 boys 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 boys join between the ages of seven and ten, however older boys may join if they have the appropriate singing abilities.