A new and fascinating illustrated book has recently been published, which describes the long and eventful history of one of the United Kingdom’s oldest male choirs, the Warrington Male Voice Choir.
Under the title, Deep Harmony, the book traces the story of the choir from its formation in October 1898 through to the present day. The foreword is written by Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE, who has served as Patron of the choir for the past thirty years. The choir’s charitable endeavours and difficulties during two World Wars feature strongly, and the competition successes, the overseas tours and special initiatives that together help to define the enduring character of this respected choir. How chorister numbers have swelled and contracted through the decades reflects broader social changes in Warrington, the northwest of England and beyond.
Of particular interest to a wider readership are the male voice choir’s activities across the island of Ireland over a fifteen-year period following the tragic IRA terrorist bombings in Warrington in March 1993. This is largely an untold story, and the book provides first-hand insight into the choir’s contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process and how ordinary people, with a common will, can make a difference.
The book is the result of detailed research by the author, Barrie Johnson, the choir’s Life Vice-President and former Chairman. It is published by the Warrington Male Voice Choir and is available at their upcoming concerts, by ordering through the choir’s website, emailing Choir Secretary Amanda Davies at secretarywmvc@hotmail.co.uk, or selected bookstores. All purchases made through Warrington St. Rocco’s Hospice or Hospice Isle of Man will benefit each hospice to the full retail value of the book.
Deep Harmony will appeal to those with a general interest in choral music as well as studies in Local History, Musicology and Peace Studies. The town of Warrington enjoys 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 can claim the honour of an international Peace prize nomination or are recognised as having such a remarkable humanitarian reputation. Known as ‘a Choir for Peace’, named in a House of Commons debate, and with the personal endorsements of US President Bill Clinton, two Presidents of Ireland, two UK Prime Ministers, and the late former Secretary of State Mo Mowlam, the Warrington Male Voice Choir holds a unique place among British choirs.
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.”
In describing the choir, Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE has written: “The Choir has a long and distinguished history. Its roots are deep within the Christian tradition. It was nourished within a small industrial town in the north of England. Across the generations, men from every walk of life have blended their voices together to make music. There have been times in the history of Warrington when life has seemed dark indeed. Times when unemployment with all its attendant evils has stalked the town. 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.”
Terry Waite with the Mayor at a Male Voice Choir concert
Deep Harmony: The Story of the Warrington Male Voice Choir
Author: Barrie Johnson
Publisher: Warrington Male Voice Choir (April 2026)
ISBN 978-1-0682471-3-2
Hardback, 294 pages and 144 illustrations
Retail price £25
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The Male Voice Choir are very appreciative of you running this story.