A new choir, 'The Quay Notes', was born at Carew Wesley last month, which might lead one to ask, does this thriving region need yet another vocal ensemble?
However, if this debut concert was anything to go by - and one must assume that it assuredly was - then an enrichment of local musical life is well in store.
From the moment the cherubic Glyn Evans raised his unerring baton we were treated to a medley of numbers as varied as Samuel Liddle's arrangement of 'Abide with Me' (almost a rarity) to 'All in the April Evening' by Hugh Roberton, beautifully and sensitively sung by the 27 strong choir and awakening echoes of the Glasgow Orpheus Choir in its heyday.
The captivating tunes of Jerome Kern, Rogers and Hammerstein and Jerry Bock liberally besprinkled the some dozen or so other items delighting the crowded chapel.
Maestro Evans was fortunate in having a first class accompanist in Sharon Lusher at both Pianoforte and in Bach's B Flat Prelude and Fugue on the Chapel's splendid recently installed organ, and soloists of considerable experience in Val Evans and Colin Clarke, both well-known on this busy 'circuit'.
The ensemble singing was not only well-managed in musical terms, but the ladies were also pleasingly attired in uniformly designed blouses and skirts, which harmonised effectively with the traditional dress of the men.
From the moment they took up their places on the platform with such admirable well-drilled precision they instantly secured the attention of both ear and eye.
Just a little relaxing of understandably nervous facial muscles (which future concerts will bring them) will assure them thoroughly deserved success.
G.W.