There was an excellent audience at St. Johns Church last Tuesday for the concert given by Tenby Male Choir, when about 120 people came to listen to the choir and their guest artist, Jamie Hutchinson, who gave something of a preview of the violin-playing we can look forward to at the choir's Gala Concert on September 16 at St. Mary's Church, Tenby. The balcony in St. Johns is proving to be a very popular choice of seating for choir concerts. It was just about full, as was the body of the church. The welcome to the audience being given by MD Christine Shewry, the choir plunged straight into their opening number for this season, sung in Welsh. Singing in Welsh to an almost wholly English-visitor audience, it was a lovely rousing opening which got the audience in the mood. Followed by the African 'Siyahamba' with Huw on the bongo drum and Gavin giving the solo introduction 'call', we next heard the very popular 'Men of Harlech'. Choir soloist for the evening was Paul Varallo and guest soloist, Jamie. Having observed Jamie's progress for a number of years, it was excellent news that she recently won an Honours Degree in Music from the Royal Northern College in Manchester. She will return to Manchester to do her Masters, next academic year. Jamie's playing always impresses, and this concert was no different. Looking very glamorous and confident, Jamie introduced her pieces herself. In her first set, she played a traditional Russian piece to begin with, 'Black Eyes', then went on to play 'Can yonetta' by Ambrosio, which was a lovely 'parlour piece' and, during which, Jamie made her violin 'sing'. Finally, she played 'Deep River' by Heifety. All of these pieces were accompanied by Jill Williams and Jamie paid well-deserved tribute to Jill at the end of the concert. Considering the fact that Jamie had come home especially for the concert and was returning within 24 hours, meant little time for rehearsal. The choir's next four pieces were warmly applauded and it was evident that the audience were enjoying the choice of music. 'Amen' was very lively and 'Thanks be to God' sung with great feeling. After Paul had completed his second solo, Jamie returned to play the very poignant and evocative American folk melody 'Ashokan Farewell' by Jay Ungar and then the furiously paced 'Hungarian Dance' by Nolck, which had almost everyone - except Jamie - out of breath! Excellent accompanying by Jill was also much appreciated, and the appreciation demonstrated loudly. In their final four items, the choir chose very diverse pieces, ranging from 'Eli Jenkins Prayer' sung unaccompanied, to the vibrant and dramatic 'Nirvana'. The choir's very busy summer programme continues throughout July, August and September, with open-air concerts at the Harbour on Thursday evenings and indoor concerts on August 3 and 30, September 7, 16 (the Gala Concert) and 27, when they sing for Tenby Arts Week. In the midst of all this busyness, it is with regret and sadness that the choir has learned that MD Christine Shewry is to leave the choir. In a statement, choir chairman Tom Pearce said that in the five years or so that Christine has led the musical team, the choir has accomplished much, and her excellent musical ability, accompanied by an inimitable sense of humour will be missed by choristers and audiences alike. He went on to say that Christine will remain with the choir for the next few months and will lead the choir for its Gala Concert on Saturday, September 16. If there is anyone who would like to take up the challenge of leading the musical team of a forward- looking and friendly male voice choir, please contact Tom Pearce on 01646 687150. Interviews for MD will begin in October (or later by arrangement). M.N.