I think, in fact I know, that most of the members of the choir work very hard at their singing, we enjoy it and have a lot of fun but there is a lot of hard work too. With two rehearsals a week, and in between learning words and the specific music for our personal choir sections, along with concerts and other engagements it can seem non-stop at times. One of our members, however, deserves a special mention this week. Whilst we are all doing our bit, Paul Varallo, our principal soloist is doing that and more as he works away at his solos, including researching and practising new ones. This week is appropriate to highlight this as Paul sang no less than six songs, including four completely new solos in last week's concert. His new solos which he will be adding to his personal repertoire for future concerts were: Linden Lea - a Dorset poem by William Barnes set to music by Vaughan Williams at the beginning of 20th century. This poem was written in the Dorset vernacular and Paul tells me he tried singing it in his best attempt at a Dorset accent but apparently in practising with our accompanist Jill, she just couldn't stop laughing long enough to play the piano, so it will have to the anglicised version. Bruscia la Terra Mia, in English 'The earth burns'. This is a Sicilian song by Nino Rota featured in the Godfather 3. The tune was known as the love theme from the Godfather and words were written in English as 'Speak Softly Love' which was a hit for Matt Monroe. Apparently that English version was then translated back into Italian as well but this traditional. Sicilian version is more passionate. Empty Chairs at Empty Tables from the hugely popular Les Miserables from the sad scene where Marius reflects on his dead comrades who had been killed at the barricades in Paris when the students hoped that the rest of Paris would rise up in revolution. The final new solo was Where is Love (Lionel Bart) from the musical Oliver. Paul also sang two other songs these being Stars from Les Miserables and Bless This House made famous by Irish tenor John McCormack. That's almost a concert on its own! We were particularly pleased to welcome four representatives from the staff of Frank B. Mason, the local estate agents and holiday cottage letting agency. The company had very kindly made a generous donation to the costs of putting on the concert. On the following Saturday, May 17, we had our second professional engagement in the space of one week. Once again we sang at St. Issell's church in Saundersfoot, this time at the wedding of Melissa Baker and Paul Regimbal. On a day of brilliant sunshine, 29 members of the choir provided a uniquely Welsh atmosphere to the occasion. Our busy programme continues so that by the time this report is printed we will also have sung at yet another private engagement in Pembroke Castle where I hope to be able to include in next week's report. This is quite a prestigious event where the choir have been commissioned to entertain a group of high flying London businessmen. We hope they are left with long lasting memories of Wales. Our next concert is on Tuesday, May 27, at St. Johns Church in aid of the cancer charity Tenovus. The concert will begin at 8 pm. Tickets are available from the number below or at the door on the night. Looking slightly further ahead, the choir and supporters are to hold some coffee mornings in Church House. These should be a very enjoyable interlude to your shopping expeditions in Tenby or to visitors from near or far to come and meet some local people over bargain priced tea, coffee and cakes. The first one to put in your diaries is May 31. The choir have already also accepted a number of other engagements but are still prepared to consider further requests. Anyone interested in booking the choir for a wedding or similar event should contact secretary David Stewart-Walvin on (01834) 844926. There is more information about the choir on our website http://www.tenbymalechoir.org">www.tenbymalechoir.org and a Facebook account (just do an internet search for Tenby Male Choir Facebook). A.G.K.