One is led to speculate if it is fortunate coincidence the majority of churches possess wonderful acoustics or did the original builders, without the technical knowledge available today, know by instinct what facets of structure would produce those so desirable musical characteristics. All of us know churches or chapels with these wonderful gifts; Monkton Priory, Carew Cheriton, St. Johns. The list can be extended by others in idle moments. Within that list can be counted St. Mary's, Meyrick Street, Pembroke Dock. So beautifully kept by those responsible, and needing little effort from Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir to produce wonderful sounds in celebration of the builders art or to glorify the primary purpose of the building. The choir were invited by that newly hirsute golfing enthusiast, Father John Dermody, to assist in raising funds for charities close to his heart and the choir and musical team were very happy to oblige. Father John's introductions and mid concert comments are noted (and loved) for their eccentricities and unexpected digressions from paths of conventionality and the audience's expectations were quite fulfilled in this regard. A character without doubt! The overall effect of his comments, though, apart from the entertaining aspect, was to remove any tension from the audience and performers, thus producing a happy, informal and mutually enjoyable atmosphere. As a result of this, Mrs. Lloyd enjoyed an environment where she could coax and cajole the best possible performance from her choir and this she did perfectly Sunday, the choir responding to her every gesture and command. Perhaps an audience would not be aware, or very interested for that matter, in the many hours of hard work of practice that is required to produce work of such quality. Whispers abound in the community that at practice, Mrs. Lloyd is a very hard driver, difficult to satisfy, intimidating in her desire for the best, though most generous of spirit, when achieved. This reporter could not possibly comment! Were this to be the case, though, a disinterested observer (your reporter perhaps?) would confirm the concert end product absolutely justified the means in all respects. The choir produces its own soloists. Is this a matter of good fortune? We are inclined to suspect not. Much more likely to be the result of a group of contented choristers happy and satisfied with their leadership and musical team, and thus an attractive home to others of like mind. A group, in short, which embodies all the qualities of its leaders. The choir's soloists complemented the choir very well, adding substance to an evening of entertainment. Sam Thomas excelled with a Chaplin song 'This is my song'; Allyson on flute with 'Ave Maria' and Henry Johnston were, too, in good form. Joan Lewis sang powerfully and expressively the musically difficult, Psalm 27, 'The Lord is my Light', with inspired accompaniment by Mrs. Lloyd. Mrs. Lloyd also played piano when Allyson joined Joan Lewis to play a fine flute accompaniment to 'People Need the Lord'. This item had perfect balance in this reporter's opinion, quiet, poignant, but with a pointed message for these troubled times. The audience left the venue having had a very good night of musical entertainment. How is this known? Well, many took the trouble to say so personally at the conclusion. You may see your choir again in Steynton, November 25, with the added attraction of the presence of the Neyland Ladies to boot! Don't miss it!
A.S.