A mainly local audience were perspicacious enough to attend an inexpensive, only slightly abridged, Royal Albert Hall concert programme performed by Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir last Thursday in support of Warren Church funds.
The major work of rehearsal and practice almost complete, P&DMVC, and local choirs plus others from all of Wales and beyond, will put that body of work to the test on April 25 in London before 9,000 people and the most demanding of conductors, Alwyn Humphreys. The programme is a difficult one, requiring a deal of commitment from everyone involved. They are to be congratulated for the standard attained, ready and willing now to meet the performance challenge.
The choir are not frequent visitors to Warren, but are fully appreciated when they do perform there. Venues similar to this one, however, are posing an unusual problem for the stage manager these days; fitting a full choir into the limited available space, choir membership growing apace over the last few years. Don't hesitate if you are of a mind to join, though, as applicants are still welcome!
Before proceeding to the performance report, fulsome tribute needs to be paid to the patience, forbearance, determination and ability of P&DMVC's musical team in driving the choir on to achieve mastery over a long and difficult programme.
Choristers, we know, are thankful for the level of commitment shown by Mrs. Chris Lloyd, Jenny Griffiths and Allyson Griffiths. Mrs Lloyd and her team without doubt, truly inspire their choristers.
The choir started with a thunderous 'Onward ye Peoples', followed with 'Deep Harmony', then the fabulous, 'Y Tangnefeddwyr', this last item certain to remain a permanent part of the choir's repertoire.
A prized asset within P&DMVC is the ability of soloists and others to support the choir in producing something more than a run of the mill concert. Talent abounds within the organisation! Henry Johnston, Owen Jones, Joan Lewis, Sam Thomas and the aforementioned ladies, all added depth, body and range with good performances.
Oft times though, extraordinary and memorable moments can occur during an evening. This was illustrated when Joan sang 'I Walked where Jesus Walked'. This is a lovely song and was performed with great tenderness and conviction, really most affecting. Later, though, Owen and Joan combined to duet with 'I watched the Sunrise' and here, produced something quite extraordinary and unforgettable. To watch these two old friends, fine singers both, combine to deliver such an exquisite sensitive musical portrait of their beliefs was an absolute privilege.
Something of a like nature occurred later. Jenny, accompanying on this occasion, Joan and Christine vocals and Allyson on flute, formed a group to perform 'Nailed to the Cross'. Presented with sensitivity and conviction, affecting the emotions of everyone present, beautifully done, it was another example of the versatility that exists within the choir, not merely to entertain, but to provoke a thoughtfulness amongst listeners of the message contained in the words and music.
Allyson, on flute, played Panis Angelicus, fine tonal quality and control here to complement the simple beauty of this tune.
Charlotte Pattendon, chair of the Warren Trust, was certainly an appreciative listener from the audience. Smiling, glowing with obvious pleasure, she made her delight plain to all in her address at the interval. Thank you, Charlotte, most kind.
The concert continued with more items from the Albert Hall schedule, 'Cadwyn O Emyn' and the celebratory 'O Gymru' amongst others.
Easter, we are pleased to report, is a period when certain well-loved pieces demand an airing. Glyn Rhosyn, April Evening and Morte Criste are close to the hearts of most and were most fitting in ending the concert.
In his concert concluding thanks, chairman Frank Harries spoke feelingly of the debt the choir owes its musical team, and dare we say, famous presenter, here, and the Albert Hall. Step forward Mr. Phil Lloyd for your indefatigable efforts on behalf of the choir.
P&DMVC's Essex fan club came to visit! Lynette and Ted Abbott from Whitam, celebrating their recent golden wedding, have followed the choir for many years and will also be at the Albert Hall.
Rev. Nigel Bryan conducted prayers, thanks and appreciative comments at start and conclusion.
One more concert for P&DMVC in St. Johns, Pembroke Dock, on April 22 (with Brian Hooey performing), then away to London to knock 'em dead! Best wishes from all in Pembrokeshire accompany them.
A.S.