Tenby Male Choir gave a wonderful concert on Easter Sunday at St. Johns Church, in aid of church funds. It was very good to see the Sanctuary very full again, with many in the balcony where the vision and sound is excellent. It was also good to see a number of old friends in the audience, people who holiday regularly in Tenby and who always enjoy coming to hear the choir in concert. Due to the loss of voice of the MD, Eric Mullins made the introductions to the musical items. After a warm welcome given by Rev. Nanette Lewis-Head, the choir opened on fine form with the hymn 'Rachie' sung in Welsh. This provided an appropriate piece for Easter, beginning a programme which was varied and beautifully sung. 'The Anvil Chorus' from Verdi's opera followed 'Rachie' and then 'Thanks be to God', both 'new' in the repetoire and both sung with discipline and feeling. Paul Varallo and Eric Mullins were the choir soloists for the evening, both of whom were warmly applauded. When the choir returned after Eric's 'Old Man River', they sang another new piece, the African 'Siyahamba'. With Gavin opening with the African 'Ay.. oh.. oh ay oh ay' call, and Hugh playing the bongo drum, it was a very new sound for the choir; a strain of Africa in Tenby. This piece was followed by the romantic ballad 'The Rose' and then another new piece, 'The Gospel Train', an American spiritual arranged by Gwyn Arch. The final piece in this section was 'You'll never walk alone', the first verse sung by just four tenors, with the rest of the choir coming in in full harmony after that. Paul and Eric gave solo pieces once more, with Paul singing the beautiful Welsh lullaby Suo Gan and Eric contrasting his earlier piece with two other items which have proved favourites over many years. The choir's final set opened with the very lovely 'Cantique de Jean Racine' by Fauré. Sung in French with great feeling and tenderness, it was so moving to listen to. The church audience was very silent for a whole minute or two after it had finished, still drinking in its beauty. 'Troyt's chant' out of Dylan Thomas's most famous work was sung unaccompanied, showing the discipline and expertise of the choristrs, and this was followed by the fabulous 'Nirvana'. Written by Stephen Adams and arranged by Bryan Davies - who often accompanies the 1000-male-voice concerts in the Royal Albert Hall - the piece is truly memorable for its richness and emotional range. The final piece of the evening was the old favourite, 'Morté Christe', again most suitable for Easter Sunday evening. It was good to see John H. and Watkin Lowe come down to join the boys in this final hymn. As the concert ended, after the singing of the National Anthems, the audience made clear their sheer enjoyment of the evening and the feast of music provided.
