The Solent Male Voice Choir prepare for live performances after overcoming a difficult pandemic period

Solent Male Voice Choir will perform in Emsworth and Petersfield this summer, before taking the stage in Chichester in the autumn when they co-star with the Abertillery Orpheus Choir.

The choir has faced challenges throughout the pandemic, but it is still going strong.

Last year, musical director Huw Thomas arranged 20 songs on backing tracks for the members to sing at home because the band couldn’t get together for routine practices.

When the Rule of Six came into effect, a small group of singers began meeting for weekly outdoor sessions at Langstone Bridge.

The manager said: “Thanks to good management and diligence, with one or two remaining out of the way, we did well.

“The Langstone sessions meant that when we came back we knew the songs and didn’t have to go back to the start.

“I also think the way our community spirit has grown has been a real plus.”

Solent Male Voice Choir have welcomed two recruits to their ranks – newcomer Will Denby, 39, who joined baritones, and Arthur Davies, 88, joined tenors some 70 years after first joining the band .

While Arthur said he was “very impressed” with the new bandleader, Will added: “It’s going to be a challenge to memorize all this music”.

The choir rehearses at St. Faith’s Church Hall in Havant at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings.

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