We are delighted to share some wonderful news. Deep Harmony: The Story of the Warrington Male Voice Choir has been published, and copies are now available to order.
Written by our Life Vice-President and former Chairman, Barrie Johnson, Deep Harmony traces the full story of our choir from its formation in October 1898 through to the present day. It is the result of twenty-five years of detailed research, and we think it was worth the wait.
The book covers the choir’s journey through two World Wars, its competition successes, overseas tours, and the broader social history of Warrington and the North West. Of particular significance is the choir’s role in the Northern Ireland peace process following the tragic IRA bombings in Warrington in March 1993 — a fifteen-year contribution that earned the choir an international Peace prize nomination and the personal endorsements of US President Bill Clinton, two Presidents of Ireland, two UK Prime Ministers, and the late Mo Mowlam. It is a story that has never been fully told before, and we are proud that it is now in print.
The foreword is written by our Patron of thirty years, Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE, who writes:
“In good times, as in bad, the Choir has continued in the belief that music has the capacity to raise our spirits to a higher plane and to breathe harmony into troubled souls.”
Choir Secretary Amanda Davies said: “Warrington has an extraordinary choral legacy, and this new book wonderfully describes the male voice choir’s part in creating that legacy. Few choirs in the world have had the honour of an international Peace prize nomination or have so enviable a humanitarian reputation. The book would be a lovely present for anybody with an interest
in choral music.”
Deep Harmony is a hardback of 294 pages with 144 illustrations. Photographs, programmes, posters and archival images gathered across more than a century. It will appeal to anyone with a love of choral music, an interest in local history, or a connection to the town of Warrington.
Copies are priced at £25, including UK postage, and can be ordered directly through our website.
We would also like to extend our enormous thanks to Barrie for this extraordinary gift to the choir. Twenty-five years of work, and the result is something we will treasure for generations.