On Tuesday, July 1, the combined choirs of Whitland Male Voice and Pembroke and District Male Voice thrilled a capacity audience in St. Andrew's Church, Narberth, in aid of the Kidney Research charity. The concert initiated by the Whitland choir saw a combined choir of over 60 choristers present a programme described as a medley of summer songs, consisting of two solo pieces, five combined items and four individual choir renderings.
Each choir in their distinctive green blazers were conducted, in the case of Whitland, by Julie Rossiter and Pembroke by David Gwynn. Accompanists were Hefina Jones and Chris Lloyd, assisted by Jenny Griffiths, respectively.
The concert opened with the singing of 'Gwahodiadd' and 'Portrait of my Love' by the combined choirs, followed by two solo items by Owen Jones, bass, Pembroke's senior chorister and a founder member who sang beautifully 'Old Man River' and his favourite Welsh piece 'Can y Arad Goch' (song of the red plough).
Pembroke Choir then sang 'Magnify Glorify', 'Everytime I feel the Spirit', Ar hyd y Nos' and 'Nessan Dorma', the last piece being sung with such feeling that it received rapturous applause.
After a brief interval, Paul Leonard, representing the Kidney Research charity, gave an explanatory talk on the valuable work the organisation is giving in Wales and emphasised the fact that money contributed was really wisely spent and distributed. In closing, he thanked the two choirs for their continuing support of the charity.
The Whitland choir now took their place before the chancel arch and sang first 'Diolch I'r Ior', with Hubert Philips, bass, singing the solo part, followed by 'She.' A real treat was in store when Peter Totterdale, tenor, whose birthday fell on that day, delighted the audience, with his rendering of 'Wind Beneath my Wings.' Peter is the youngest member of the Whitland Choir and a real asset.
The choir then sang 'I wish I was in Dixie' and 'Amen'; each of these items was beautifully modulated and they received a richly deserved standing ovation.
The two choirs then combined for the final three items, 'Alexander's Ragtime Band', 'When the Saints' and 'Morte Criste', the latter piece being of special significance to the Pembroke Choir, being the favourite piece of their late and respected founder conductor, Bill Lewis.
The evening was compered by Phil Lloyd, the Pembroke choir secretary and a figure much involved in Welsh Male Voice Choir organsation. Brynmor Thomas, the Whitland Choir chairman, brought the concert to a close when bouquets were presented to the lady conductor and accompanists and a bottle of wine to David Gwynn.
Afterwards, the ladies of the Whitland Choir served a finger buffet at the Narberth Rugby Club, at which both choirs and their ladies closed the evening in a very social and enjoyable manner.