Over 150 people attended the Tenby Male Choir concert at St. Mary's Church, Tenby, on Thursday, July 9, which gave an excellent boost to choir funds. Having already given concerts for Ty Hafan the previous Thursday, and the Pembroke Music Festival on Sunday, July 5, the boys were undoubtedly feeling a bit tired, but rose to the occasion once again, when they saw such a large audience of holiday visitors who had come to hear perhaps their only Welsh male choir of the year.

Evidence of this was when half a dozen men joined the choir for their last song, and one could see the thrill of it, on their faces, as they stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Tenby choristers, and received the handshake of thanks from Tenby MD Ian Williams at the end.

The welcome to the audience was given by chorister David Blackmore, who also compèred the evening.

In the first set of six pieces, we heard, amongst others, 'The Gospel Train' with 'Stan the valve' and 'Eddie the whistle', 'Bui Doi' sung by David, with emotive power enough to move the audience to stillness, and 'What would I do without my music', which provided a lovely finalé to the section.

Paul Varallo, second tenor, was the soloist for the evening. Paul had been at the Test match in Cardiff during the day and had rushed to be back in time for the concert during the evening. Dedication, or what?

Paul sang 'O what a beautiful morning' from 'Oklahoma' and encouraged the audience to join in the chorus, which was rather nice. He next sang 'Some enchanted evening' and finally, the Welsh lullaby 'Suo Gan'.

When the choir returned, it was to begin with the powerful 'O Gymru', then two lovely ballads which Tenby sing so well; 'She' and 'Always on my mind'. As this pair was announced, David asked if anyone in the audience associated Brenda Lee with 'Always on my mind', as many people associate it only with Elvis. Only one person raised a hand, and there was a quick grin between David and Ian. The set of six ended with 'Bring him home' from 'Les Miserables'.

Paul's next three items were part of his regular repertoire. Singing in French, Italian and then English, Paul demonstrated his commitment to learning music outside the repertoire of the choir. As Paul's training for the New York Marathon proceeds apace, David again mentioned it and the 'bucket collection' at the end of the concert which will support Paul's efforts to raise funds for the Alzheimer's charity.

The choir's final set of four items included the very fast-paced 'Amen' that audiences respond to so well and finally 'American Trilogy' which encourages a number of choristers from other parts of the country to join in. This is a welcoming tradition on the part of Tenby Male Choir and it was good to see Arthur taking his place amongst the basses for the final item, after his recent operation and period of recuperation.

Last evening (July 16) Tenby Male Choir sang for the Macmillan Nurses charity and next Tuesday, July 28, they will sing for St. Johns Church funds.

With just a few days rest from a very busy July schedule, the choir begin August with a mini concert at The Giltar Hotel on August 4, and then, on August 6, a 200th Anniversary concert at Sardis Chapel.

Towards the end of the month, on August 27, they sing for the RNLI at St. Mary's, Tenby.

M.N.