Tenby Male Choir gave a concert in aid of the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, on Thursday, October 16, in the hall.

The aim of the committee is to have a new hall eventually, and the evening made a very worthwhile sum, despite the fact that it was by no means full.

The chairman of the hall committee, Mr. Norman Shuck, introduced the choir and compére David Blackmore, and he introduced MD Ian Williams and accompanist Jill Williams.

The choir, singing from their current repertoire, received enthusiastic applause as they sang a variety of pieces, including 'Always on my Mind', new for this season, in their first set of five songs.

Paul Varallo, second tenor, gave two solo items, one song from the ever-popular 'My Fair Lady' and the lovely 'Aubade', sung in French from the opera 'Le Roi D'ys'.

Guest artist for the evening was 14-year-old Lily Whitehurst, who, accompanied by her mother Rebecca, is an experienced and talented player of viola and violin.

A member of a number of orchestras, including the National Children's Orchestra, Lily has accomplished grade eight on her violin. Her first item was 'Ashokan Farewell' by Jay Ungar, a haunting, lovely item. This was followed, in complete contrast, by 'Hungarian Dance' by Brahms. This was lively and confident playing and clearly much enjoyed by the audience.

The choir's second set of five pieces included the very moving 'Boi Doi' from Miss Saigon, which tells the story of the children 'left over' in Vietnam after liaisons between American soldiers and Vietnamese women, and who are called 'the dust of life'. David Blackmore was the soloist for this piece and there was an excellent response to it from the audience.

Paul returned to sing two more items, a Welsh lullaby and an Italian aria. The contents of which he explained briefly before singing.

When Lily came forward with Rebecca for her final set she played 'Meditation' by Massenet, which was sweetly soothing to any troubled breast, and gipsy-like music of 'Czardos' by Mortie, played with vitality and dynamism.

The choir's final appearance began with the patriotic 'O Gymru' and included another new piece 'Climb every mountain' which was linked to 'You'll never Walk Alone', and which was learned especially for a wedding in September. There was some beautiful accompaniment by Jill for this, which was extempore.

The choir is very fortunate in having Jill as an accompanist as she can play with or without music and extemporise as necessary.

After their final number, 'American Trilogy', the hall chairman gave the vote of thanks to all involved in making the evening a success, including those who donated the raffle prizes which were drawn in the interval.

After the singing of the anthems, the choir was treated to a buffet in the small hall, laid on by the committee, for which they were grateful. It's thirsty work singing!

News about the choir's next concert has now come through. There will be a special joint-choirs concert at St. Mary's Church, Tenby, on Saturday, November 1, at 8 pm.

This is a joint concert between Cambrian Male Voice Choir, Tonypandy, and Tenby Male Choir. It came about as a result of both choirs entering a competition in Torquay in February. After the competition, the MDs were in contact with each other and Cambrian proposed this concert.

Cambrian choir is about the same size as Tenby choir, their MD, a graduate of Cardiff School of Music and also a teacher. MD Fred Nicholas has been with the Cambrian since 1979 and is head of music at Brynalynog Comprehensive School. He is also a keen bandsman and has conducted Ynyshir Brass. The accompanist to the choir is Mr. B. James, born in Cwmbran.

Like Tenby, Cambrian rehearse on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but at the NUM Club, Llwynypia. Some of the choristers have been with the choir for decades, but, also like Tenby, they have a number of recently-joined members.

Tickets are not necessary, but if you want to attend the concert, it is advisable to arrive fairly early at St. Mary's to get a good seat. The concert commences at 8 pm.

M. N.