At last Thursday's rehearsal, Tenby Male Choir had a very busy evening in their penultimate meet prior to their tour to Italy.
Throughout the evening, the choristers were 'put through their paces' by their MD Christine, who outlined the programme of performances during the tour and informed the choristers of her provisional choices of music.
From a selection of about 25 pieces, Christine has chosen a number of sacred pieces, as performances will be in the Duomos at Florence and at Siena.
Included in the repertoire of the trip will be 'The Lord's Prayer', 'Pie Jesu', 'Tydi a Roddaist', 'Rachie', 'Just as I am', 'Gwahoddiad', 'Cantique de Jean Racine,' as well as more secular pieces such as 'Arglwydd mae y nosi', 'Fantasia on Welsh Airs', 'Nirvana' etc.
About 80 people will be travelling to Italy, including 35 choristers. This represents the largest number of choristers going on a tour for many years.
The majority will fly from Stansted airport to Pisa, then travel by special coach to Florence and on to Siena. After four nights in the Hotel President in Florence, the group will stay a further three nights in the Hotel Vico Alto in Siena.
In addition to friends and supporters of the choir, the choir are taking and sponsoring their guest artist, Jamie Hutchinson, who has played violin in choir concerts on many occasions. Mark Burrows, MD of Melody Music, will also join the choir during the tour.
As the choir has been fund-raising for about two years, by singing in the harbour, running a weekly lottery etc., each chorister has been heavily subsidised for the tour. They will also wear their latest uniform, which includes smart grey trousers and newly designed maroon and grey striped ties, which have been paid for by the ladies of the Friends of Tenby Choir Support Group, who have spent much time fund-raising in their own inimitable way.
The plan is, that after arriving in Florence tomorrow (Saturday), the choir will sing during the Sunday Communion of the mid-day Mass, and at the end of Mass, the choir will give a 45-minute concert. The priest anticipates that the Duomo will be full for both the service and the concert.
On Wednesday, the group move to Siena, and on Thursday, the choir will perform during the service and at a concert afterwards in the Duomo. During the concerts, Christine will address the audiences in Italian and English, and Jamie will perform on violin.
Optional tours within Italy will be available for those who wish to go on them, including walking tours of Florence and Siena, visits to Pisa and San Gimignano as well as an optional shopping trip! and a lunch and wine-tasting trip to the Chianti Hills. Bon voyage, everyone!