Almost 200 people filled the church on a balmy summer evening to hear some wonderful singing, and the musical talents of Jamie Hutchinson and Seimon Morris, who are very well known throughout Pembrokeshire.
After the MD Christine Shewry had welcomed the audience and introduced the choir and accompanist Jill Williams, the programme proceeded in the first set with four popular pieces, respectively sung in Welsh, French and English, varying in content from a hymn to a swinging jazzy number, all of which set the tone for the evening, of musical entertainment of a light and lovely quality.
The first choir soloist, Paul Varallo, sang two pieces which were clearly enjoyed by the audience, who were smiling at memories the music invoked, or mouthing the words, silently.
The guest artists for the evening were principally the violinist Jamie Hutchinson, accompanied by well-known Seimon Morris, composer, conductor and founder of 'Tempus', an all-round musician.
Looking confident and elegant, Jamie introduced herself and told the audience of her current ventures as a second year student at the Royal Northern College of Music at Manchester. In trying to be as versatile as possible, Jamie is studying two instruments, as well as music journalism, and is currently playing in various ensembles at college and outside of it.
Her choice of pieces for her first set were 'Hungarian Dance' by Nolck and a highly dramatic and complex piece called 'Legende' by Wieniawski. Both were excellent.
The audience, one hopes, appreciated how fortunate they were, in paying to hear a Welsh Male Choir, they were also privileged to hear two very fine young Pembrokeshire musicians, giving of their best.
When the choir returned, it was to sing the gypsy song 'Dashenka,' Ryan's 'Ti a dy Ddoniau,' the light and beautifully sung 'Finnish Forest' and for G. and S. fans, 'With cat-like tread'.
The choir bass soloist, Eric Mullins, next entertained the audience with two contrasting solos. Accompanied by Jill, Eric sang 'If I were a rich man' and then 'The Flea', in a brilliant performance which evoked music applause.
When Janie and Seimon re-appeared, it was to play 'Ashokan Farewell' by Jay Unger and 'Hope Told a Flattering Tale' arranged by Henry Farmer. The first piece is based on a lyrical telling of the American Civil War. Written by an American, it had a distinctly Irish feel to it and Jamie played the introduction unaccompanied. When Seimon joined in, the music swelled to fill the church with a nostalgic, very lovely sound. The second piece was an English folk tune played at a fast and furious pace. It was played with flair and passion by both musicians. Their music was a joy to listen to.
When the choir returned, time was running out, so they sang 'Smoke gets in your eyes,' with the MD warning in advance 'no humming along,' which had no effect, since the thing is irresistible, and 'Shenandoah'. This was greeted with 'oohs' and 'aahs' when announced, and enhanced by Jill's accompaniment and Christine's precise direction, the choir sang it beautifully.
The final number, 'Morte Christe' (chosen really to suit a visiting chorister) was followed by both National Anthems.
Mrs. Cynthia Scourfield-Lewis had spoken briefly before the final hymn about the important work of the Macmillan Cancer Relief charity. She told the audience that the charity was now 100 years old. It supports 2,000 Macmillan nurses, 300 Macmillan doctors, gives practical help and support to cancer sufferers and has an information service available to anyone.
In her address, as chairman of the Saundersfoot and Tenby branch, she appealed to the audience to make a further donation to the charity, as they left the church. About £900 was raised in entrance fees, so a very good sum in total would have been raised by Tenby Male Choir, yet again for a charity.
Their next charity concert is for Tenby Scouts and Guides at St. Mary's on July 20 at 8 pm but it is hoped that prior to this, the choir can begin their harbour concerts on July 15, at 8 pm.