"Celestial sounds for a new time" is how the British group Libera describes their music. In far-flung places like Japan, Russia, and the Philippines, young fans are queuing up for autographs. Clad in white flowing robes, the enthusiastic singers consider themselves more of an alternative boy band than a group of choirboys. Libera's music is an imaginative fusion of classical choral harmonies and modern melodies. Pummeling outdated stereotypes, their innovative CDs are topping international mainstream and classical charts.
Only 20 miles from Boston, a lake sits quietly glistening — surrounded by sweet-smelling pine and oak trees. It can be seen dotted with visitors of every walk of life: elderly couples treading in the water, toddlers splashing in the shallow perimeters, and youthful athletes making steady strokes through the pond's diameter.
Despite this society of joyful intruders, an inescapable feeling of calm transcends the area. The pond is not only bewitching, but has the solemnity of a designated historic landmark. It was there, in 1845, that native Concord resident Henry David Thoreau began writing his famous book Walden; or Life in the Woods.
