TENOR John Mitchinson has hit the high notes all over the world in an illustrious opera and concert career spanning over 50 years.

But he reckons that the adrenalin is running just as high as he gets ready for three Pembrokeshire concerts in the county where he has now made his home.

John's performances and recordings - particularly of work by German composers - have earned him critical acclaim. He has shared stages with conductors such as Sir Malcolm Sargent, Sir Simon Rattle and Leonard Bernstein, and sung alongside Tito Gobbi, Joan Sutherland and Janet Baker, to name just a few.

But next week, the world-renowned singer will take centre stage in Tenby, Haverfordwest and Carew as the tenor soloist in Stainer's The Crucifixion, performed by the Quaynotes.

The 30-member mixed choir is based at Carew Wesley Methodist Chapel, where 72-year-old John is a member.

"It's quite a coup having John to sing with us," said a proud Quaynotes chairman Colin Clarke

John lives in Sageston with his wife, Gower-born Maureen Guy - formerly principal mezzo-soprano at Sadlers Wells and Convent Garden.

Although retired as head of vocal studies at the Welsh College of Music and Drama, he is still busy with singing and teaching engagements, admitting: "I would like to die in the middle of a high 'C'!"

John is delighted to sing with The Quaynotes. "Carew Wesley is a wonderful chapel and Maureen and I are so grateful to Pembrokeshire for what it has done for us," he said.

The performances will be on April 5th at St Johns Church, Tenby; April 7th at Albany Church, Haverfordwest, and Easter Sunday at Carew Wesley Chapel, Carew.

Proceeds from the Carew performance will help provide a new disabled access in the chapel.