Last weekend, Tenby Male Choir travelled to Hereford to join forces with the Hereford Rail Choir. Months of liaising resulted in a memorable concert which took place at the Holy Trinity Church, Hereford.

Both choirs were on song, thrilling the packed church with a variety of songs and style.

The concert got underway with the Hereford Rail Choir singing the well-known hymn, Rachie, in English, followed by You raise Me Up, Angels and a tribute to Matt Monroe - a great opening set, much appreciated by all present.

Next was the turn of Hereford's young soloist, Bradley Langston, whose animated interpretation of Music of The Night had the audience breathless and resulted in a much deserved ovation.

"Follow that" was the expression used by Tenby's MC, David Blackmore, as the choir staged. The audience were soon realising that here was a choir out to entertain. The first set consisted of Divine Brahma, Hiraeth, the poignant Bring Him Home, which had the audience visibly moved, and the ever-popular Grandfather's Clock, which involved audience participation.

Both choirs then joined forces to sing Speed Your Journey from Verdi's Nabucco. The resulting rapturous applause brought the first half to an end.

Tenby took to the stage for the opening set of the second half. The hymn Christus Salvatur stunned the audience with its rousing Amen. This was followed by O-Ra-Mijay-Ka-Jo, a traditional African song, and Pan F'or Nos Yn Hir by the late Ryan Davies. This was included in the set as an extra item when we discovered that the Hereford Rail's accompanist, Cath Evans, was a cousin of Ryan. The inclusion was much appreciated by Cath and the Hereford choir. Tenby's set was concluded by This is the Moment and the mercurial Tree Yugoslav Folk Songs which 'brought the house down'.

Then it was our own Paul Varallo's turn to wow the audience, which he duly did in style. His set of Empty Chairs and Empty Tables, Sua Gan and Stars fully demonstrared Paul's versatility and range.

Next it was Hereford's turn to entertain. Their set of How Great Thou Art, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Calm is the Sea and Songs from the First World War was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.

The president of Hereford Rail Choir then presented flowers to Cath Evans and Tenby's accompanist Jill Williams and 'bottles' to Derek Gough, Hereford's MD, Bradley Langston, Paul Varallo and Ian Williams, Tenby's MD.

Both choirs again joined to sing the great hymn Morte Christe which resulted in a much deserved .standing ovation.

After the concert, both choirs and supporters gathered at the Railway Club, Hereford's HQ, for the usual 'afterglow'. Tenby's chairman, Terry Evans, presented Roger Bailey, Hereford's chairman, with a tie and plaque as a memento of the occasion.

All in all, a most enjoyable and fruitful weekend.

Our final concert takes place on Tuesday, November 11 (more on that next week).

We are entering our learning period, so this would be an excellent time for anyone who wishes to join the choir. The previous three reports have included short insights into choir life. So why not come along and see what it's all about. You won't regret it! Rehearsals take place twice a week from 8 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Tenby and County Club on the Croft.

The choir has already accepted a number of wedding engagements, but is still prepared to consider further requests. Anyone interested in booking the choir for a wedding should contact secretary David Stewart-Walvin on 01834 844926.

There is also information about the choir on our web site http://www.tenbymalechoir.org">www.tenbymalechoir.org and a Facebook account (just do an internet search for Tenby Male Choir Facebook), You can also order a CD via our website and you can get more information on anything about the choir by contacting the chairman, Terry Evans, on 01834 844256, or the secretary on the number above.

T.F.E.