The chairman of the Pembrokeshire Federation of Women's Institutes welcomed a large and happy audience to St. Mary's Church, Tenby, on Tuesday, May 24, who had come to listen to a Tenby Male Choir concert, given on behalf of the WI. Despite the inclement weather, visitors to Tenby had turned out in goodly numbers ,and St. Mary's Church, looking as beautiful as ever, was buzzing with anticipation as the choir entered, followed by their MD Christine Shewry and accompanist Jill Williams. Their programme for the evening was very similar to that of the week before, when they sang for 'Christian Aid,' with the opening set of four including a Welsh welcome, a new piece in the repertoire and two older, popular numbers. Choir soloist, Paul Varallo, sang in the first interval. He was followed by the guest artist for the evening, Steffan Cicotti. Steffan is a 13-year-old musician who plays several instruments to a very high standard. Sufficient to say that at the age of 11, Steffan passed his music GCSE gaining an 'A' grade, no mean achievement for anyone at any age! On this occasion, Steffan played the marimba, the largest of the percussion instruments. Steffan, with much experience of orchestra playing and competition playing, began with a piece called 'Monograph 4' by Richard Gipson. This was a modern piece of music by a living composer, its diversity and complexity allowing Steffan to demonstrate his talent to the full. His dexterity and technique delighted the audience, many of whom had not heard the instrument before. In the next choir ensemble, the audience were treated to four more pieces, including the very lovely 'The Rose,' in which the baritones interlude was very pleasing, and the bass lead provided a delicious contrast. The final piece, 'Fantasia of Welsh Airs' is very popular with audiences, as it includes 'Bells of Aberdovery,' 'Hark Afar,' 'Aderyn Pur' and 'Men of Harlech.' It is interesting to watch the audience reaction during this fantasia, lots of finger tapping or 'conducting,' during 'Men of Harlech,' particularly. How well-loved that piece is! Dave Llewellyn's solos gave the choir a well-earned rest after that, singing 'Somewhere' and 'I'll walk with God,' and, as a special treat for Jill's mum, Peggy, Eric Mullins came on to sing 'If I were a rich man' from 'Fiddler on the Roof.' This was one of George's favourites, and played and sung in his memory, was a poignant reminder of a sweet man who loved the choir. When Steffan returned, it was to play three short(ish) pieces, 'Ballade fur Petra' by Zivkovic, 'Tropical Feel' by the same composer and 'Etude' in C Major' by Musser. All difficult, all lively and all much enjoyed. Steffan's talent and confidence belies his youth, and after the performance, there were many who wanted to hear more. The choir returned for their last set, singing some very beautiful music including the soothing 'Shenandoah' and the dramatic and moving 'Nirvana', before ending with three visitors joining the choir to sing 'Morte Christe.' Before the singing of the two National Anthems, the chairman of the Pembrokeshire Federation of WI's gave her thanks to the clergy of St. Mary's for their help in organising the concert, to the choir, Christine and Jill, and to Steffan for his delightful contribution. On May 31, the choir gave a similar programme of music, singing at St. Johns Church, Tenby. A very good crowd of 100-plus attended, most of them visitors on holiday in the area. It was good to see regular supporters of the choir in the audience, people who holiday regularly in the area and who always come to Tenby Male Choir concerts whilst they are here. We noticed Fred and Anne from Hereford (Fred sings himself with the Hereford Police Choir) and John from the West Midlands whom we see very often. Fred joined the choir for Morte Christe, with one other visitor. It was a perfect summer evening, still light when the concert had finished at 9.35 pm. What better way to spend an early summer evening than to sit in a quiet place, listening to such delicious music, sung with such feeling. A perfect end to a perfect day.
