When I checked the board, I didn't see my post! I think I was on a bad connection and was in a hurry when i posted, so it didn't finish loading up. So here it is, now! Better late than never I suppose
For all who are wondering, this concert will air on
PBS in March of 2015, according to the speech given at the concert.
Like I said about the rehearsal, this venue was very open to visitors and fans alike. There were masses going on in the beautiful crypt church both wednesday and thursday, so there were many people walking around, including the boys, who's green room was on the same hall!
On Thursday I got to the church early in the evening and was able to watch some rehearsal or filming of a few speaking parts. I was in the stairwell leading down to the lower level when the door opened and I was surrounded by white robes all of the sudden! I think I was a bit star struck haha. A very polite Sam Leggett held the door for me! As far as other former members now serving as crew, I saw Sam Coates, Steven, Simon Lewis and Jonathan Barrington.
By the time the concert was about to start, I looked around and the basilica was full! I think this surprised some of the boys when they came on stage, since some of their US concerts have been under attended.
The instrumental section was fairly large, with winds and strings as well as 2 percussionists and Josh on piano and keyboard. Josh switched back and forth between the grand piano and the keyboard and his talent on piano was great!
Joyful, Joyful. The set up was in 2 ^ formations. This is a beautiful, upbeat way to start off the concert.
How Can I Keep From Singing. Isaac sang the solo on this. He stood in front surrounded by a small arc of Sam W, Tom DL, Alex Montoro, Alessandro and Lucas. The rest of the choir surrounded in a large arc. Tom DL did the high parts.
Be Still My Soul. This was absolutely beautiful. And luckily due to filming, we were able to hear it more than once! Tom DL did the high parts.The back row was amazing and full. Josh put on his robe for this song and joined in on the back row. Speaking of the back row, there were a lot of the older members present- Tiarnan, Kavana, Daniel, Sam Leggett, Eoghan, Sam M, Henry, Anthony, Matthew RA and Josh at times!
Morning has Broken. Alessandro, Ciarnan, Sam W, and Isaac were in one group and sang a soli. Their voices go nicely together. It is interesting to see how the choir changes as far as that "core" group of boys goes- the ones who are generally up front in their peak. Beautiful! The rest of the choir was on the main level in small groups. At the end the choir joins together as one group to finish.
-Ciarnan and Ben F do a bit of talking to the audience-
America the Beautiful. The lighting for this was great, beams of red and white illuminated the stage. Alessandro, Sam W and Isaac sing together to be joined by the whole group. Lucas and Tom DL were on the high parts. These 2 make a great pair on the high notes. They're often placed on opposite sides of the group and it creates a very nice effect. Cute side note, little Gabe was looking to the audience and very concentrated on singing and didn't join the choir for the final move for the last verse, so there he was, singing intently as ever off to the side. It was cute to see some of the other boys notice and look around grinning. At the end, Steven G came out and moved Gabe to the correct spot. He got an applause.
Wayfaring Stranger. This is a beautifully haunting arrangement by Sam Coates. Sam W did the solo verses. The choreography of this added so much. Sam starts out at the very back of the stage, very far from the group. The rest of the group is standing in 2 diagonals on each side of the stage. As the song progresses Sam walks to the front and center and the 2 diagonals move so that he is the point of the V.
-Cassius does some talking about the ages of the boys. Rocco is the youngest who just turned 9. Cassius' voice is getting to be quite low and he's looking a lot older. It sounds as if his voice is gradually lowering instead of outright breaking. I think he will be joining the back row soon. Now Ben F introduces 6 boys- Alex Gula, Lucas, Tom, Sam W, Isaac and Alex Montoro and all say something in their native language. Alex Gula is Polish, Lucas says that his mother is from Mexico and he spoke in Mexican Spanish, Tom spoke Spanish, Sam W spoke French, Isaac spoke Gaelic, and Alex Montoro spoke Italian. Very cool to learn that about some of the boys.-
Wonderful World. Isaac sang the solo on this. His voice sounds like it is coming into the best part of its treble time. Very full and warm with great control.
Amazing Grace. This is timeless and always beautiful. Ciarnan did a solo on this.
The Prayer. Not to be confused with the prayer from hansel and gretel. Isaac sings the solo on this as well. The choir is kneeling for this then stands.
....Intermission....
I vow to the my country, ave maria, how great thou art and rest in peace are done by a smaller portion of the choir. Full choir returns for Sanctus.
I Vow to Thee my Country. This is another one of my favorites. The "Ah's" at the beginning are done by Ciarnan, Ben F and Isaac. The inner harmonies on this piece were shining through beautifully. The alto/tenor lines make pieces like this one very special, and it always amazes me at the skill level to be able to hold ones own in 6+ part harmony. The end solo was done by Tom DL with Ciarnan on the last harmony.
Ave Maria. This is the Schubert version sung by Tom DL. He was accompanied by a small group including Eoghan on some of the lower parts. The small group was kneeling for this.
How Great Thou Art. Sam W does the solo on this. His voice suits these mysterious settings of hymns and folksongs very well. I would love to hear him do the solo part on I am the Day...I can hope
Rest in Peace. Ciarnan and Alessandro did the intro for this and Sanctus. About 15 boys sang this. Tom did the solo. It brought tears to my eyes when they reminded us that Rest in Peace was written in memory of 9/11. This showed that the boys are aware of the emotional power and importance their music has. Many of them weren't alive yet or old enough to remember 9/11, but they still recognize its significance for their audience. Credit to Mr. Prizeman for taking the time to teach these boys music that the music they sing impacts people from around the world in significant ways. I was a child, age 9, living in Virginia and my mother was working at the Pentagon on 9/11 and found great comfort in music as the world became a stressful place. With that said, I'm sure the Washington audience appreciated this piece.
Sanctus. The whole group returned for this. They were in a large arc. Lucas did the majority of the high parts, joined by Tom at times. It looks like we have another emerging high part singer- Bertramo Smart was doing high parts on this one! He did the end solo. At the end Alessandro, who was standing next to Bertramo gave him a pat on the back and a smile as he seemed relieved to have done the solo. It was nice to see them supporting each other.
Song of Life. Another great solo by Isaac.
How Shall I Sing That Majesty. Tom did the high parts. This was a powerful piece. In Morristown I thought I heard new harmonies added, so I listened for them this time. There were new high harmonies added into the texture in places. Really nice.
Voca Me. Matthew J did a solo on this. It was a really nice way to finish out the concert. Josh sang on this song as well! Tom did amazing on the high parts.
They got a huge standing ovation at the end of the concert. Afterwards there was a signing! After the boys had some snacks of course. It is always great to see how polite and gracious the boys are, thanking fans for coming to the concert.
I met Andy Winter and we spoke about some interesting things that the group has to do in order to tour. He also mentioned that the return of Voca Me is due to having a boy who is able to do the high parts, Tom. I ran into Robert Prizeman as I was leaving and was able to speak to him for a few minutes. He was very happy and also surprised by the turn out of the concert. He is very humble. It's great to see someone like that providing great music education and life experiences to these kids.