There were early signs that something big was approaching last week, when we had our Tuesday rehearsal. It was clear that MD Ian 'Wilbur' Williams had benefited from a visit from his personal coiffeur, perhaps taking advantage of a lull in the shearing calendar. I could imagine that wife Sue was at that very moment checking the pockets of a white DJ to ensure that Ian did not suffer from unsightly bulges about his person on the big night. She had told me that she was looking forward to a 'red hot' performance.

Well, that something big was the prestigious Fishguard International Music Festival to which we had been invited as the only male voice choir. There was no way that we could have predicted just how good a concert it would turn out to be. Thirty-six choir members arranged themselves with a few positional tweaks from MD, Ian, for a little warm-up session and with the first words of Divine Brahma everyone was taken aback. In the words of accompanist Jill Williams 'that was like a wall of sound, boys', whilst Ian was open mouthed (not a pretty sight!). It took only a couple of lines of Divine Brahma and Hiraeth to convince Ian everything was ready.

The whole concert from end to end was greeted with rapturous applause and indeed no shortage of cheering finishing with a roof lifting rendition of the American Trilogy which produced a standing ovation and evoked demands for an encore. I don't think there can have been many, if any, performances as good as this for the choir or the audience.

In between choir sessions, the audience were treated to an absolutely delightful and professional violin performance by the charming and very talented Lily Whitehurst, accompanied by mother Rebecca on the wonderful Steinway piano which was provided for the concert. Very sadly, it is Lily's last performance with the choir for some time as she is to pursue her studies for the next three years at the Royal Northern College of Music, but we do wish her all the very best.

Choir principal soloist Paul Varallo certainly never let the side down with the lovely Welsh lullaby Suo Gan and then a first ever performance of Stars from the musical Les Miserables which is clearly going to be a popular element in Paul's repertoire. Paul then finished with the very romantic Turna a Surriento in Italian.

I must also make mention of choir senior Duncan Hilling for his solo part in our recently added arrangement of The Fields of Athenry. Duncan delivers a very emotional opening to the song which grips the audience and acts as a platform for the sudden power of the full choir. Well done Duncan.

It came as no surprise that Jill, our accompanist gave yet another stirring performance throughout and she would very much like to have brought home that Steinway piano.

We have no time to rest on our laurels, however, and we need to quickly turn our attention to two more engagements. Firstly tonight (Friday) we will be holding an outdoor free concert at the Cresselly Arms Inn, Cresswell Quay, where there will be hot dogs and burgers on sale. This was a huge success last year with a very large crowd both watching and singing along now and again. The barbecue will probably begin between 5.30 and 6 pm, with the singing at about 7 pm.

After that, our next formal concert is in St. Johns Church, on Tuesday (August 6). This is an important concert for the choir as it is one of the few concerts we hold where the proceeds go to our own administration and running costs of the choir and our rehearsal rooms instead of mainly going towards charities. It is a chance to see your local choir if you are local or for an enjoyable evening out if you are on holiday. We would very much appreciate your support. That starts at 8 pm so be there in time to get your seat.

If you would like to find out more about the choir just to ask a member anywhere where we are performing or come along to watch one of our rehearsals at the County Club on The Croft usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays unless we have a concert. We always welcome visitors or potential new members. There is also a website http://www.tenbymalechoir.org">www.tenbymalechoir.org and a Facebook account (just Google Tenby Male Choir Facebook) or you can get more information on anything about the choir on (01834) 813198.

A.G.K.