Singapore Concert

Okay. This is my first review I'm writing now. This whole concert is actually a reward for getting A's in my exams last January and February in college. My dad paid so much for this trip and concert, so I was grateful. I gotta tell you it was superb and fantastic that I don't want it to end. Yeah, I was all hyper all the way up. First timers are always like that. So here's how it happens:
We reach Esplanade Theatres at 7 pm. When we got to the entrance, I met up with Lauren, without Lexi and her husband this time (USA), Hannah (Philippines), Enyu and her sister Haru (S. Korea), Martin (Germany), Patrick (France) and Yuki and her mom (Japan) for the first time. Yuki and mummy haven't reach yet but I did meet them later. Lauren started to hug me as she saw me. I was standing behind her. I also introduced her to my parents. While she's chatting with my parents, I got introduced by Hannah, Enyu and Haru. We also got to meet a new fan from New Zealand named Glenys. She was a really nice lady. She said I had a very nice name :). Thank you. Another new fan I met along too was Phoebe, a fan also from the Philippines and Adele from China. Phoebe has been to 2 concerts in Cebu. So this is her 3rd concert. Amazing that she can come to Singapore. I saw Mr Philipp, Ben's dad, on our way in. But I didn't talk to him. 
When we got in, we had to put our cameras inside the locker to ensure we don't record or take any photos during the show. I put mine together with Lauren's and Hannah's. It's good too so that I'll know when to look for my camera. 
Our seat is at Balcony A, Circle 1. Seating beside me is Momo, a fan from Japan. How nice to seat next to a Japanese fan. Although she speaks Japanese in her conversation, she also can understand a little bit English. 
The program starts with Cassius' voice instructing people to switch off all our mobile phones and there's no filming or photography allowed. Obviously we all know that.


1. Jubilate - The light was dark at first. Then later Eoghan, Ralph, Kavana, Matthew J, Matthew R-A and Dylan came out and then Cassius and Barney came out together and sang the first lines. Gotta love the colour of the lights. Amazing as ever.


2. Libera - After Jubilate, the song morphed in with this song. Eoghan and Luke were the soloists. Ralph also sang in this song but only the harmonizing parts. His voice is still so high. Wow!


1# Speech - The light suddenly turned bright as the first speech comes. Cassius and Barney said their hellos in their cute British accents, welcoming and introducing Libera to the audience. Of course, all the audience laugh at all the cute things they say. Even for first timers. 


3. Song of Life - As usual from the Miracle of Life CD, Ralph was the solo for this song too. Dylan and Matthew J also sang along with him. I was amazed that he still can sing solos with a high voice. Sing them while you can, Ralph :). I love the screen of the beautiful scenery behind them. 


4. Sanctissima - The boys in front were all bending down while Ralph did the solo. I like the purple lights. It kinds of matches with the atmosphere. 


5. Sanctus - Beautiful song, even though I can't understand Latin. Luke sang the high parts at the end. 


2# Speech - Cassius again this time with Michael introducing their mascot, Moose to the audience. I love their cute talking about Moose going to all their rehearsals and has been with Libera a very long time before they were even born. I laugh at every sentence. 


6. I Vow To Thee My Country - Matthew J soloed this song, accompanied by Dylan and Thomas. 


7. Eternal Light - Guess who did this solo? Stefan, of course, along with Ralph. No changes. Even in Songs of Praise of this song, they did the same. And boy, Stefan still sing very well too. I was amazed by his voice.


8. Salva - When the stage turns dark, Matthew R-A went to the back. I was like "Woah! How did he moved there in just a sec?" Ha ha!! Yeah, he was singing the high parts. 


3# Speech - Next is Jude introducing the musicians behind them. The string quartet, Steven on the clarinet, recorder and keyboard, Simon Lewis on the percussions and of course not forgetting Libera's director, Robert Prizeman on piano and keyboard. And conductor ;).

9. Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep - Solo by Ralph and Stefan. Again they were together and were great. My, those two really make a great duo. 


10. Exsultate - My favorite song was next :D. They really got a cool beat to it when it comes to this song. I love it. 


Interval - also can mean "toilet break" for me. I couldn't hold it any longer during the first part of the show. 
During the interval, I went down to look for Yuki. She hug me as she saw me. And of course, she gave me the CD from Japan I ordered. I paid her the exact amount of money. She also gave me the Japan poster along with it. Wow! I wasn't expecting to get that poster. She said my Japanese was good when I said "Thank you" in Japanese. Thanks, Yuki. I'll take that as a compliment^^.Me and Hannah were busy chatting about the CD until I realised I forgot to notice the time. Oh no! I quickly rushed back to my seat, in case the doors will be locked. I wished they would have told how many minutes we have. Good thing I made it in time, panting and sweating. Whew! 


11. Orinoco - Another fav song of mine. Orinoco Flow. They still sound awesome. Even though I was still catching my breath, I still enjoy the song. Well done, boys. Keep it up. Love it when they go real loud for the chorus. I began to sing along too. 


12. Gloria - Solo by Matthew R-A. 


4# Speech - Cassius and Barney again. We met Cassius like about three times. They talk about their white robes and trying not to spill their orange juice on them during the interval. Lol! You're so right, Barney. As they were talking, Barney pulls the hood over Cassius until he can't see a thing. Poor little darling. Again, the audience respond with a laugh. I laugh too. But I laugh even harder when Barney finishes his speech, moving back to his position and leaving Cassius with the hood covered his face. I wonder how he got back to his position when the stage pitched black again.


13. The Fountain - Just like the Peace album, Ralph did the solo. He sounds as amazing as ever, even if his singing voice is different from the album. 


14. Dies Ires - This is a new song to me cause I never heard it before. But I love the beat. Very nice. Ciaran did this solo along with Matthew R-A backing. 


15. Grateful Heart - This was sung by Liam O Kane before. Now is done by Stefan. Well done, Stef!! Excellent solo as always. Love the ending where Stefan goes very high.


16. Stay With Me - Cassius with Dylan and Barney backing him up. I wonder who did the high part in this song. Anybody knows who were there?


5# Speech - Ben Fairman talks about why he was called Nano Ben and explained about the older boys staying back to take their exams and how they help the little ones. I was like "Awww!" when I heard that the older ones have to stay for exams. I wish them luck for their exams. Fighting!


17. Ave Verum - Also another fav song of mine. I love it when they do the V-line at the end. 


18. Far Away - Solo by Issac, along with Ciaran harmonizing on a few parts. I just realised that Issac almost forgetting his second line but I'm glad he's managed to catch up. That's okay, Issac. You did your best ;).


19. Glory To Thee - Solo is by Eoghan with Stefan harmonizing. I gotta admit that kid's good too.


6# Speech (final) - Little Michael saying thank you for coming and introducing the last song. Love his "Bye-bye". So cute >


20. How Shall I Sing That Majesty - In the Peace album, Stefan did the solo by himself but this time he has Eoghan with him. Just like in SOP. I was clapping really loud after this song.


Encore - Exsultate


Standing ovation is like "Wow!" I saw Yuki and Lauren standing up, taking photos as usual like what they did in Canada and USA last year.


Now is on to the M&G session. And I got to say this that the line is very very long. We did manage to get their autographs but in a rushing way. Oh dear.
Before I get into the line, I went to Lauren's locker to get my camera out. I was standing next to Phoebe. Of course, Yuki and the rest were at the back but they were gone for awhile to take photos. During our wait, we took a group photo. And while waiting, me and Phoebe introduced ourselves and we had a good chat. She told me about everything from her Cebu concert experience. The line moves faster as we chat. When we chat, the lines move fast. That's how it works for me and my friend while driving home from college with her. I squeal with excitement as our turn almost came. Only one problem, my camera seems to be not working while trying to get a photo of Stefan. Damn! Stupid camera. I said sorry to Stefan and he said "It's okay". My hands were full at that time. I shouldn't have given my bag with my dad. But luckily, I got my phone with me for back up. It's good to have phones with you ;). 
I told Stefan that Rachel from the Philippines wants to say hi to him. He said okay and he smiled. Aww, what a cute kid. I managed to take a photo of him with my phone. I tried to take a video of him but there wasn't any time as the line is going faster. 
Even for Kavana, I tried to do a video recording to say hi to my classmate from high school, Agnes, who's living in Canada now. But he apologizes. Like I said, we were so rushing. But he said, "But thanks anyways". His voice is quite deep. You know what? It's a good thing he apologize. Why? Because I didn't press the record button!! Bwa-hahahahaha :DDD!! Thank God for that. I'm glad Kavana knew what I was talking about (except for the name part). I also apologize when I tried to get my programme signed and blaming myself for hands being full. Kavana also said, "It's okay". Aww. They're so polite. Kavana, in case you don't know who Agnes is, she is a big fan of yours :).
I didn't manage to say hi to the newbies. But that's okay. I'm sure they'll be in Libera for a long time. 
I was still in hyper mood during the signing. Almost boosting to max level.
Luke asked me what is my favourite song and I said "Orinoco Flow". 
When I came to Ralph, I said something like "You're so good with your solos." And he said thank you. I kind of forgot what I said to him. Sorry. Short term memory lost or too hyper to remember :P. I also shook hands with him.
I also got a photo of Eoghan with my phone. Not sure if I shook hands with him. 
Next was Dylan. I said my hellos and we shook hand together. 
When I came to Cassius, I said hello in a high and squealing voice and he respond in the same tone as well with a smile. Ha ha! Sorry, I didn't managed to ask him to do the cat sound or Donald Duck imitation. 
I came to Ciaran next. I ask him "What is your name?" (just for fun) And he pronounce his name "Keer-un". I responded, "Oh! Ciaran". 
I did say hello to Issac but I'm not sure if we did any conversations. 
When I pass by Michael U-R, Nano Ben and Thomas, I said to Ben, "I like your speech." After I shook hands with him, he asked me, "Did you like my speech?" I said, "Yes, very funny". 
That's all about my experience from the signing. Sad to say this, I didn't have time to talk to all the boys like I said, we were all rushing as time is almost up. I managed to took 5 individual boys from my phone. The pics were a bit dark and blurry but at least it's better than nothing. I'll try to get more photos of each members from others. For now, enjoy these photos ^^. But remember to credit my name if you're posting my pictures to any of your sites. 





Stefan Leadbeater


Luke Collins


Ralph Skan


Eoghan McCarthy


Jude Collins




But the good news is I stayed back to take some photos before the boys go back to their hotel room. 
As usual, I was squealing and giggling while taking the photos. I was in between Hannah and Phoebe. We all waved to some of the boys. For example, when we called Stefan, he smiled and waved back. When we called Ralph, he looked at us and he happily waved at us. Michael and Nano Ben managed to look at me when I took their photo. Of course, I called them. Thanks, guys. 
I was happy to see Jonathan Barrington helping out in staging managing. He was also recording during the signing. When I called his name and waved at him, he waved back but awkwardly. I giggled in the end. I think he showed a bit smile as he record. Here are some of my photos after the signing. And again, please credit my name if you wished to borrow them. My apologies for the picture quality. My camera's been acting strange that night.

















I didn't know Henry and Matthew J were smiling at my camera. Thanks any ways, guys.





This pic is my favourite ;).









This was the best night of my life. I wished it would never end. When we all came out, I say good bye to my lovely Libera friends with a hug before going back to my parents. Sad to say that I can only attend the first night concert because I had to leave Singapore the next day. But I'm still happier even now back in Malaysia. 
Oh wait! That's not the end yet! Guess what happen after I left the venue? 
We were hungry after the whole show. We went to look for food. At last, we found a hawker store just outside the venue. And surprise, Big Ben, Steven, Jonathan and Sam C came too, along with two Singaporean boys!! Wow! Best night of my life. But too bad I didn't say hi to them because my table's so far away and I didn't want to interrupt them eating. But I did took a photo of them with my phone. 





*Please DO NOT copy this photo. Thanks*




If Libera comes to Singapore again in the future, I'll definitely go and see them again, without my parents. Any ways, they weren't interested in Libera that much as I do. Take note of this; I apologize if I didn't take much good photos and being very hyper as this is my first time to Libera concert. So I have no experience yet. Will try to improve when I see them again.
Hope my Libera adventures will start soon ;).




Programme with Japan CD and poster.


The signed programme book.




More photos from others will come soon.....

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

That was so nice to read them all.. You are a good writer and your words make me smile and happy :)
~ICS

Charmaine said...

Aww, thank you so much :).

Jerlyn said...

Love your blog! Letting me know what's happening on the stage... Coz I'm seating right at the back...(Following the school) and did not get a chance to have a signed poster... But the concert was real nice!

Charmaine said...

Hi Jerlyn. You're welcome for the review on what's happening on the stage. Your school went to the concert? How nice :). Sorry to hear that you didn't get a signed poster. I myself also didn't get my CD signed. Only my program book so far. But yeah, I agree. The concert was superb.

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