A large contingent of SW Wales choristers attended final practice for the Albert Hall in Neath recently.

Prominent among those present were large contingents from Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir and Tenby. They have, of course, been learning and practising hard in their own choirs for nigh on a year, prior to attending this second major group practice.

Conductor Alwyn Humphreys put the assembly through its paces smartly, but very thoroughly, covering all items due to be in the programme.

Alwyn is an absolute tyro for detail and worked those present very hard indeed throughout the afternoon.

He carries the choristers with him through sheer force of personality and is humorous to a degree, though this is flimsy cover for the iron will that will brook no deviation from his interpretation of the delivery required by him from choristers.

He has had to complete the same process with Welsh northern choirs who are to join for the Albert Hall and a good deal of travel has been involved in that process for him.

Alwyn has performed the role of conductor many times for the Albert Hall and most choirs know what to expect from him.

The end of any practice is a substantial relief for most, discovering that they have been wrung quite dry of concentration and voice.

He demands everything and normally gets it. Nothing can be held back, everything possible will be extracted from choristers by his attention to detail and musical expertise.

A concert or practice with Alwyn is an exhausting, but inspiring experience and not one to be forgotten, either by audiences or his choristers.

The concert was sold out months previously, most arrangements almost complete.

P&DMVC are honoured that their own Phil Lloyd is once again to be the presenter and stage manager for the Albert Hall. Some small reward for the countless hours he spends on behalf of the SW Wales Association.

The popular Leyton Watkins is this year's president. We are also given to understand that the performance is to be recorded for audio and DVD distribution singly or as a package at a date to be announced.

P&DMVC's next concert is at Warren Church on April 9, 7 pm.

A.S.