THE talented Pembrokeshire Bach Choir will be performing their annual concert on November 30, at 7.30 pm. In contrast to their previous concerts, they will be singing music by many and varied composers, and they will be performing at St. Johns Church, Tenby, instead of their usual venue of St. Mary's.
However, a connection with the latter church remains, as the choir are pleased to be joined for this performance by John Harrison, choirmaster of St. Mary's, who will play some organ solos as well as accompany the choir.
The small size of this invitation choir, ideal for performing Bach, is also well suited to the variety of music that will be heard on this occasion, from early carols such as the exhilarating 'Resonemus Laudibus', and 17th century madrigals, to parts songs by Elgar and some of his contemporaries. Continental music is represented by a rarely performed, but exquisite piece of Cesar Franck, 'O Salutaris', for women's voices.
The second half of the concert is devoted to music associated with Christmas, including favourites such as David Willcock's arrangement of the Sussex Carol, the sublime Pearsall arrangement of 'In Dulci Jubilo', 'Suair Gwynt', two other Welsh carols, and 'Silent Night'.
The concert, under the direction of the choir's conductor, Michael Higgins, will conclude with excerpts from 'The Childhood of Christ' by Berlioz, i.e. the whole of Part II, and the final mystical Epilogue.