I just now realized that while I
read all of the comments about the concert, I didn't actually contribute to them.
Thanks to Maarten for his excellent review and to Yorkie for answering my challenge and posting his thoughts.
I also enjoyed reading the insights of others who were there as well.
Transportation woes aside, I had an excellent time attending my first European Libera concert. While Cathedral concerts
are not my favorite type of venue, this was a pretty good one, on a par with the Guelph concert from last year's Canadian tour.
I also enjoyed the opportunity to attend St. Philip and meet Fr. Younis Francis. I felt very welcomed at St. Philip.
My personal concert highlights were seeing some of the different choristers who stepped up to the front in expanded roles. I was blown away with
Isaac's rendering of
Far Away and was really impressed with Matthew Rangel-Alvares singing lyrics! Hopefully they build on their
successes in the summer tour. It was also great to see Ralph step beyond the microphones and sing directly to the crowd. This is something
I can only remember Stefan doing in the past, it takes extra courage to perform that way, and Ralph did very well. I was also extremely pleased that Ralph was still able to nail the high Libera note (anyone who has seen that song performed in the last year or so knows what I mean).
While I certainly missed some of the old guard who had been there to sing for me in every concert I had attended previous,
Libera seems to be in fine form and well positioned for their upcoming performances....wherever they may be.
On a personal note, thanks to the kindnesses extended to me by Fan de Lok, John45, Viabuona and Yorkie. It made my time as a stranger in
a strange land less so. It was great to meet Dani, Maarten and Murksis. After years of reading your thoughts, it was certainly a highlight to
meet you all in person. Timjanni was a great dinner companion and I learned a lot about his efforts to make a German concert tour feasible.
I hope it works out.
In about a month or so, I would expect a summer schedule to be announced. I can't wait!!!