On the beautiful late summer evening of Thursday, September 6, the 'seasoned' choristers of Tenby Male Choir were joined by an exceptionally talented 12-year-old boy from Greenhill School, Cory Morris, who, together with the choir, entertained the audience to a superb concert in aid of Leukemia Research.
Cory, just starting Year 8 at Greenhill, is a trumpet player with an extraordinary talent. He is working towards his Grade 6 exams and has a confidence far in excess of his years. This was his first public performance and the difference between his age and those of the choristers, gave the audience variation in both sight and sound.
The choir compere, David Blackmore, introduced the MD Ian Williams and accompanist, Jill, and the concert got off to a rousing start with the Welsh battlecry song, 'Rachie', followed by the slow, lilting tones of 'Dashenka', and the ever popular 'Shenandoah'.
A change in pace brought in succession 'Stout- Hearted Men' and the negro-spiritual 'Gospel Train' which the choir performed so beautifully, putting together the various fast-moving parts so smoothly.
As the choir took to their seats for their first break, David introduced Cory to the audience, who enchanted everyone with his versions of 'Somewhere' and 'The Mexican Hat Dance'. At the end of his performance, the audience showed their appreciation by their applause, totally captivated, while his proud family looked on, drinking in the praise.
Paul Varallo, second tenor with the choir, then sang 'Sir Garn' and Eric Mullins followed with 'The Hippo Song'.
The choir then returned for the second set, starting with the unofficial Welsh anthem 'Men of Harlech' from the film 'Zulu', followed by ballads and a second negro-spiritual 'Amen'.
At this stage, Ian usually has to take off his jacket but we understand he had no belt in his trousers so had to keep it on, even through and beyond 'The Rhythm of Life' in the last set. (He must have a word with his wife, Sue to ensure he's properly inspected before the next concert!).
At the end of this section, whilst the choir were resting, David mentioned the Three Tenors Concert, supported by Tenby Male Choir, taking place tomorrow (Saturday) at St. Johns Church. Some tickets are still available from either John Hurlow at St. Johns or from Eric Mullins, the choir secretary.
Cory then returned to entertain us with 'Tequilla Sunrise' and 'All I ask of you' from the Phantom of the Opera.
The audience were again enraptured by this young man's talent, and applauded long and hard at the end of his performance. Paul Varallo then sang, for the first time, a French ballad, 'Obard' by Lalo, completely in French. It was beautifully sung by Paul, and he can be assured he exceeded his usual excellent high standards with his performance. As a musical contrast, Eric Mullins and Huw Morris then delighted us with the humorous 'Beau Gendarmes'. The final set by the choir commenced with the Welsh hymn 'Gwahoddiad' and then from the film Carousel 'You'll never walk alone', followed by a variety of beautiful anthems and toe-tapping music.
At the end of the performance,David introduced Ellen Jones from the Tenby branch of Leukemia Research, who thanked the choir for their efforts, and praised Cory on his debut performance, and the soloists for their individual songs. Thanks were also given to St. Mary's Church for providing such a beautiful setting for the concert.
As a matter of interest, Cory's father, Paul, has recently joined the choir, and should anyone be interested in joining, rehearsals take place every Tuesday evening in the County Club in Tenby and anyone is welcome to come along and watch. After the Three Tenors Concert, the choir can be heard in Tenby during Arts Week, followed by a concert at St. Mary's on October 27, when the choir are hosting a joint choir performance with Shrewsbury Choir.
Tickets are available from the choir secretary, Eric Mullins on (01834) 845117. Further information about the choir can also be found on their website http://www.tenbymalechoir.org">www.tenbymalechoir.org.