It’s the holiday season and you know what that means— you’ll be hearing all kinds of Christmas carols and jingles, from shopping malls to living rooms, all through to Newyears. It’s a tradition that has spanned centuries, and admittedly, it can get a little annoying, however there are exception–––like the enchanting voices of “Libera.” This all-boy vocal group from England, went viral and captured the hearts of many with their beautiful cover of “Carol of the Bells.”
If you haven’t heard them yet, you’re missing out. These young boys have voices that blend perfectly together in such a pure, angelic way that it’s hard to believe. Its futher elevated by the serene setting they choose for their performance. Even if you’re not a “Christmas person,” this performance is undenaibly and truly impressive.
12-year-old Luca Brugnoli sings Ave Maria in Semi Finals of BBC Young Chorister of the Year
One of the singers who really stands out in the choir, is Luca Brugnoli. He’s got a bright future ahead of him. With the voice of an angel, this kid doesn’t just sing choir songs, but he’s also out here making his own music. If you ever listen to his original songs—you won’t be able to get enough.
You might be surpris to learn that although the song ‘Carol of the Bells’ feels like a Christmas classic, it actually has roots in Eastern Europe. The song we know today comes from a Ukrainian folk song called “Shchedryk,” which means “Bell Carol.” This song was arranged by a composer named Mykola Leontovych between 1901 and 1919. And it was traditionally sung to celebrate the New Year in Ukraine, which is a much more celebrated holiday there than Christmas.
Over the years, “Shchedryk” became popular in the West and turned into the version we know and love today. It’s so popular now that you can hear it every Christmas season, and it even appeared in the Christmas classic ‘Home Alone.’
13 yr old Luca Brugnoli sings Parla Piu Piano ( The Godfather Theme)
Libera isn’t just a group that hit it big with “Carol of the Bells.” They’re also known for their other videos, many of which have millions of views. Their performance of “Carol of the Bells” alone has been watched over 27 million times on YouTube since 2019. It’s clear that Libera has a huge fan base, and they’re loved all around the world.
Libera – When I Am Laid In Earth (Dido’s Lament): Henry Purcell
But what makes Libera even more impressive is that they don’t just perform Christmas songs—they have music for every time of year. They’ve also worked with other talented groups, like The Resonanz Children’s Choir from Jakarta, Indonesia. In December 2023, they teamed up to perform a song called “Nusantara” / “Sing For Our World,” which sends a powerful message about unity. It’s refreshing to see young boys making efforts to spread the message of peace and togetherness.
If you liked this piece and want to hear more from this young boy band and keep up with their music, be sure to follow them on youtube. With their talent, energy, and passion, Libera is a group to watch for the future!