Tenby Male Choir began the New Year in traditional fashion by giving a lively and much appreciated concert at the Giltar Hotel on the evening of New Year's Day.

The large, enthusiastic audience of visitors from various parts of the UK were treated to renderings of some favourite pieces, including 'Myfanwy' and 'Gwahoddiad' sung in Welsh.

They began with the up-tempo 'When the Saints go marching in' and then, in complete contrast, the lovely 'Softly, as I leave you.'

After 'Gwahoddiad' and 'I Believe,' which is sung in rich harmony, the choir's two soloists took the stage. Dave Flanagan, baritone, began with 'Believe Me, if all your endearing young charms' and Eric Mullins followed with a Negro spiritual, 'I'm weary of waiting.'

Both of these brought rousing applause and it was very pleasurable to hear the soloists' contrasting voices and choices of music.

When the choir returned, they sang 'Rhythm of life', followed by 'She'.

The MD, Christine Shewry, called for Miguel, owner of the hotel, to join the choir for the next item, which was 'American Trilogy', and she also included the audience in the 'Glory, Glory, Alleluia.' This was great fun for the audience, but didn't improve the choir's performance!

Dave and Eric continued their solo spots by singing 'The Rose of Tralee' and 'If I were a rich man', respectively. Both were well-known pieces and some members of the audience could not prevent themselves from humming along.

In the final section, Gill Williams, accompanist, took a major role in the choir's rendition of 'Amen.' It is an exciting, multi-harmonised piece with a section of fast and furious accompaniment. Many eyes were on Gill as she played with her usual skill and dexterity, despite some sticking keys on the piano.

'Amen' was followed by 'Myfanwy,' the announcement of which brought a series of satisfied sighs from the audience. This piece is so evocative and was well sung with minimum accompaniment.

Before the final piece, someone from the audience requested that the choir sing 'Men of Harlech' and despite having no music and no preparation, the MD asked the choir and Gill to oblige 'as being as it is New Year's Day!'

'Morte Christe' was the final item and the concert (proper) ended with 'Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau,' when the whole audience stood to listen and share in the singing of the National Anthem.

The audience was most appreciative and called for encores frequently, but the MD, whose own voice was very croaky, and the men, who had had a busy festive season, could not continue the formal concert.

However, after a break for refreshments, the party continued with informal singing and repartee.

It was an excellent opening to the New Year, and apart from the choir's annual Christmas party, to be held tomorrow (Saturday) at the County Club, the choristers will now have a well-earned respite from engagements.

In the past year, there have been six or seven new applicants to join, but more are welcome. Rehearsals have begun again.