TWO choirs for the price of one – that was again on offer at St John’s Church, Tenby, on Tuesday, September 13, when a very appreciative congregation was entertained by Pembroke and District Male Voice and the Serendipity Singers of Narberth.
Last June male voice choristers invited the ladies to join them at St John’s and it was so successful that a repeat performance had to happen.
Common denominator is Juliet Rossiter, the Musical Director of both choirs who was busiest of all, conducting the men and both conducting and accompanying the ladies.
After a welcome from Liz Storey, compere Matthew John introduced a new recruit to the choir ranks, second bass Dave Powell, and especially thanked guest accompanist Peter Griffiths who was standing in for choir pianist Carole Rees. He was supported by Alyson Griffiths, choir soloist.
After a minute’s silence the choir’s first item, the stirring Welsh favourite ‘Gwadhoddiad’, was dedicated to the memory of Queen Elizabeth II. This was part of a very varied programme including ‘Cwm Rhondda’ and ‘I Dreamed A Dream’.
Serendipity’s compere, Claire Dunbar, introduced a delightful programme, ranging from Irish folk song to jazz. Finger clicking in unison in one item is something the men would never be able to emulate!
An invitation to stage for the male voice’s final rendering, ‘American Trilogy’, was taken up by several from the audience, choristers from Tenby and Whitland choirs among them.
Finally, both choirs joined together for the traditional South African melody ‘Siyahamba’ to conclude a memorable evening.
Both National Anthems were sung with special feeling – for many the first opportunity to sing ‘God Save The King’.
Excellent refreshments were provided by church ladies and they were thanked by male voice chairman John Hillier.
