After weeks of preparation, it all came to fruition when musical greatness filled the air at St. Mary’s Church, Tenby.

Ruth Webb writes:

The concert on Friday, September 22 had been mooted prior to the Covid lockdown and now, the Committee of The Friends of Prostate Cymru could plait together the three cords - Bella Voce, Goodwick Brass Band and Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir - to form an evening of melodious majesty.

St. Mary’s was full to the gunnels. A joy to see, helped by the perfect acoustics of St. Mary’s Church.

Compere for the evening was Chairman of the Friends – Brian Harries, an accomplished entertainer and wit. In his role as President of Haverfordwest M.V.C. he introduced this brigade of 60 Pembrokeshire gentlemen – conducted by Sarah Sharpe and accompanied by Peter Griffiths. Sarah has moulded this group into a first-class, razor-sharp outfit and has them eating out of her hand. With a flick of her delicate arms and hands they move and sing as if choreographed. The first selection of four songs – Rachie, My Lord What a morning, Gwahoddiad and Gwinllan a Roddwyd, set the tone for the evening.

Second on the Programme was Goodwick Brass Band, conducted by a very tall Matthew Jenkins, accomplished euphonium player and past member of the Youth Brass Bands of Wales and Europe. The first half’s selection included a Balkan Dance, Pater Noster played by Euphonium Soloist Ian Wilkinson followed by Trumpet Soloist Carys Wood who played Virtuosity displaying her diversity and excellence. To end, they played the toe-tapping Bandstand Boogie.

Members of Goodwick Brass Band marching to perform.
Members of Goodwick Brass Band marching to perform. (Pic supplied)

To close the first half, Bella Voce – 16 beautiful ladies, with exceptional musical qualifications conducted by delightful Sarah Benbow and accompanied by Seimon Morris. They took the audience on an international safari- Exaudi Laudate, A nightingale sang in Berkley Square to the stunning Nuit D’etoiles and on to Africa for Or Re Me. They’re a joy to the ear and the eye.

Sarah Benbow conducting the marvellous Bella Voce
Sarah Benbow conducting the marvellous Bella Voce (Pic supplied)

For the second half of the concert, the order was reversed, and I am running out of superlatives to describe the banquet of music we enjoyed. Ending the concert was an unrehearsed impromptu rendition by the Choir, the Band and Bella Voce of An American Trilogy. To call it spine tingling is a disservice.

Wow – what a concert! Everything we wished and hoped it would be was more than accomplished. Thank you to all who partook and to all who supported our Charity.