Yes, dear readers, you read it correctly. Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir performing in the heartland of Welsh choral traditions must be some mistake surely? No mistake! Quiet murmurs of 'Coals to Newcastle' might be heard when readers light on the report? Possibly; we can, however, report that your choir was considered as good as, or better than most, heard by the good people of Pontypool in recent times.

Many of the gentlemen, and ladies of the audience themselves, sing in choirs in the area and are discerning, knowledgeable judges, of what constitutes quality of performance and material, and socialising after the event, were heard lauding the evening, and the choir, as a memorable experience and worthy of all accolades bestowed on them that evening.

So then, how came the choir to be asked to travel such a distance to perform? Simple as it turns out. The Rev. Richard Harrison, Baptist Minister of Upper Trosnant Baptist Chapel, was on holiday in Tenby a year or two ago, when he attended a concert by P&DMVC in St. Johns. He was so impressed by what he heard that he approached secretary Phil Lloyd to ask if the choir could perform at the 232nd anniversary of his chapel - 1776 folks, quite some time in the life of a chapel!

Although typical of its kind and era, the chapel is still a most attractive one, with a simplicity and spiritual empathy that makes all who attend feel instantly at home. Beautiful craftsmanship everywhere, a fine panelled ceiling, a balcony on three walls, first quality timber and attention to detail, walls decorated in pastel shades, the chapel is a pleasure to visit.

Tradition lies with the chapel, but modernity with the attached community hall. Major works to a high standard being completed there recently to aid entertainment, social activities and preparation of food and drink - non-alcoholic naturally!

The chapel can properly be described as intimate, the pulpit area certainly not built for 40-plus well-upholstered choristers to squeeze into! Jenny Griffiths and piano shoe-horned into a very tight corner and just visible to conductor. Your choristers and musical team though, are used to minor inconvenience of this nature and don't allow mere detail to detract from concentration of delivery.

Comment after the event by observant audience members, noted the intense emotional control exercised by conductor Christine Lloyd over the choir.

It is freely admitted, choristers regard her as an inspirational figure in regard to their efforts and the choir counts itself fortunate to be led by her. Performances therefore reflect the very high esteem and affection held for the lady.

Supporting the choir, were soloists Henry Johnston, Sam Thomas and Joan Lewis. All their items received enthusiastic appreciation by the audience, performed to a high standard if applause was the guide. They were very much taken too with the duet of Joan and Christine's 'The Holy City' and in the second half by the trio of Joan, Jenny and Christine, with a most poignant, 'My Jesus I love thee'.

As mentioned previously, the choir via conductor and programme, were able to demonstrate their prowess to perform powerfully, or with fine quiet control, the last discipline being the most difficult for any choir to master.

The programme, an eclectic one, provided both variety and passion throughout.

As is traditional with P&DMVC, choristers from the audience were invited to contribute by singing with the choir if they were familiar with a particular item. This proved to be the case with 'An American Trilogy' and around eight members, mostly from Garndiffaith MVC did just that, resulting in an even tighter squeeze around the pulpit!

Brought to an end with the triumphal 'African Prayer', the audience, initially stunned by the power of the piece, broke into prolonged applause.

A fitting end to a tremendous night. Richard Harrison expressed his appreciation in prayer and praise. Frank Harris, choir chairman thanked everyone for the warm welcome received, especially that tyro of presenters Phil Lloyd. He also thanked ladies of the chapel warmly for refreshments prior to, and following the concert.

A past midnight arrival home detracted not a jot from the satisfaction of a first class night and the conviction that this West Wales choir could hold its own in any company.

For concert dates, why not visit the choir's website at http://www.pembrokeanddistrictmalechoir.co.uk">www.pembrokeanddistrictmalechoir.co.uk

A.S.