Libera evolved from the long choral tradition of the Anglican parish of St. Philip's. In the mid-80s, the choir began to record non-traditional music, releasing a full album in 1988. In 1995, choral director Robert Prizeman first attached the name "Libera" to the choir after what was to become their signature song, the Libera Me portion of the Requiem Mass. Prizeman has been instrumental in Libera's ever growing popularity through his original arrangements of traditional music as well as his many original compositions--often written with specific soloists in mind.
Libera is releasing their first ever holiday set, "The Christmas Album", on November 1st of this year, though the boys have appeared in a support role on the Christmas albums of Aled Jones (and on "The First Noel" from Neil Diamond's second Christmas album in 1994, when they were known as "Angel Voices"). As a preview of "The Christmas Album", EMI Classics is offering a free download of "Joy To The World". Sign up for your free download here.