Voices of Liberty at DL

[Tom Morrow]

The Voices of Liberty at Disneyland's Main Street Opera House

The Voices of Liberty will soon ring out at Disneyland Park Disney Parks Blog After nearly three decades, the talented 8-part a cappella group The Voices of Liberty continues to “wow” guests at Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort with their amazing harmonies on such American classics as “Ol’ Man River” and “Yankee Doodle.” Today, I’m pleased to tell you Disneyland park is getting its very own Voices of Liberty, bringing one of the great traditions of Walt Disney World Resort to the Disneyland Resort for the first time. Soon, guests from sea to shining sea will be able to enjoy the impeccable sounds of this beloved group. The new Voices of Liberty will hold court at the Main Street Opera House, also home to The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. For those of you who have not yet had the pleasure of hearing The Voices of Liberty sing, I hope you enjoy this video of the group at Epcot. To truly appreciate The Voices, however, you simply must experience it in person! by Shawn Slater complete article

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Submitted by Ezra

[Ezra]

About that video: It's a shame that guests had to be prompted by the choir mistress to rise for the National Anthem.

[bodhran105]

Petition idea! Get them to sing the National Anthem at the next Super Bowl!

But seriously, they are wonderful! I'm glad to be able to say I've seen them at every visit to EPCOT. Sometimes I go in just to hear them sing, no even go in to see the show. I've been told that recording of them are available but never seen them in the parks. Their version of the National Anthem is just brilliant and I love it!

(Ezra, depending on the time of day, you maybe could give them a break. I mean, they've at least walked a decent 3-4 miles by the end of the day at EPCOT. But I would be doing the same- directing them all to stand that is. But what comes to mind is foreign visitors. Do we have foreign delegates rise and hold a hand over their heart for the pledge or anthem when they are visiting? It seems that that would be respectful of them to do it without being asked. But they aren't from this nation, and brings to question that they don't really have an allegiance to the USA like citizens do. I don't know the deal with foreign diplomats, but it would at least be show of respect. I'd say I would rise for another country's anthem.

But then, I sing along with the ending song to Canada's circlevision video. Like really sing along with the singer. It's such a good song. )

[Ezra]

(Ezra, depending on the time of day, you maybe could give them a break. I mean, they've at least walked a decent 3-4 miles by the end of the day at EPCOT. But I would be doing the same- directing them all to stand that is. But what comes to mind is foreign visitors. Do we have foreign delegates rise and hold a hand over their heart for the pledge or anthem when they are visiting? It seems that that would be respectful of them to do it without being asked. But they aren't from this nation, and brings to question that they don't really have an allegiance to the USA like citizens do. I don't know the deal with foreign diplomats, but it would at least be show of respect. I'd say I would rise for another country's anthem.)

I was aparently having a snarky moment when I posted that, sorry. I just thought Why aren't they already standing? I hadn't thought of the guests in the video being international visitors. I didn't notice the yellow tee shirts and plaid shorts on some of them, so now I'm thinking... Brazillian tour group? They just wouldn't know. And even if they did, would I expect them to make a sign of allegence to a country that isn't thier own? No, I wouldn't.

As for me personally, I would probably follow the crowd; just out of respect for other customs. I woudn't feel that I have to, mind you, but I would. I remember a controversy over Nancy Reagan declining to bow or curtsey upon meeting Queen Elizabeth II. She felt that her position as First Lady put her on equal footing with Her Magesty; and also that, as Americans, we shouldn't bow to anyone since we don't believe in the Divine Right of Monarchy. (I hapen to agree with this.

But there was much debate over wether or not Reagan should be considered disrespectful or rude, regardless of her rank or nationality. For the sake of politeness, it's better to Do in Rome as Romans do, rather than make an issue over something that is ultimately just not that important. But that doesn't mean that I think others should.

I just hadn't thought this through, and I should. Walt Disney World is much more of an international tourist destination than Disneyland; but that may change. Disney's poured over a Billion dollars over the resort in the past couple of years in the hope that, finally Disneyland Resort will be a multi-day tourist destination. I think that was Disney California Adventure's original, but not very sucessful, purpose. It may be realized quite soon, and that will mean even busier parks and more international tour groups.

Also, you're right about just finding a place to sit and rest your feet and cool off in the air conditioning and, Durnit! Why do they have to sing the National Anthem just now?! LOL.

[bodhran105]

Also, you're right about just finding a place to sit and rest your feet and cool off in the air conditioning and, Durnit! Why do they have to sing the National Anthem just now?! LOL.

Ha ha! Yup. They just had! Why?!

I would also say that every time I watch them, they always ask that children and those who are shorter to please sit down in a semi circle in front and then (hopefully they would follow suit) ranging to the tallest filling in the rear. So they actually ask you to sit, and request you sit so that others just coming in will notice.

I just stick by it being a respectful thing. Whether you are from the country or not, it's still respectful.

[For the sake of politeness, it's better to Do in Rome as Romans do...]

Exactly!

Either way you slice it, you guys still come out a head. (Ha! See what I did there?! ) Well, 5-8 to be exact. They are just amazing and I hope that those of you in California- or visit California often, go to see this amazing "pre-show." I'm guessing they will be singing in the waiting area for Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln? Awww, do I miss Walt Disney World. And it's only been two months!

[tuckere7]

Although I agree that it is respectful to rise when the National Anthem of the country you are in is played, it is possible that many of the foreign visitors are not familiar with our National Anthem. For example, if I were visiting Disney Tokyo and was watching a musical show and they started playing the Japanese National Anthem, I would not recognize it. If some of the audience members rose and others didn't, I would probably be wondering what was going on. I think it is only a courtesy on the part of the performers to ask the audience to rise for the rendition.

[Wedbliss]

My experience of the Voices of Liberty at Epcot is that they don't regularly sing the National Anthem in the American Adventure pre-show. Normally they will sing America The Beautiful and other classic American Songs. I'm guessing the Star Spangled Banner is mostly sung on important holidays such as Memorial Day and Independence Day.

The choir mistress invites the crowd to come forward and sit very close to the singers under the lobby rotunda. The acoustics are perfect under there. It seems almost cruel to then sing the Anthem and have everyone stand up again. This is probably the reason why the VOL rarely perform it.

I never fail to become emotional when I hear the Voices of Liberty sing. The singing is superhuman and the arrangements just carry the listener away. Nothing could act as a better pre-show for a patriotic attraction like The American Adventure or Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln than a set by the VOL.

I forget the name of the choir mistress, but I believe that she is the leader of the singing group. If I remember correctly she contracts with Disney, auditions and selects all the singers. The singers rotate from time to time, but the performance is always perfect. So there is every reason to expect a Disneyland version of the Voices of Liberty to be of the exact same caliber as the Epcot group. I think this is going to be a very popular addition to GMMWML, especially at Christmas time when the VOL does a holiday set.