Children Sing

Warrington Male Voice Choir Joined by Children's Choir For Spring Concert

Parr Hall, Warrington, 26th April 2008.

Warrington Male Voice Choir were joined by Canzonetta Children's Choirs for the Spring Concert at the Parr Hall, Warrington, on Saturday 26th April 2008. This turned into an evening of choral magic as the sound of their rich young voices soared in song to the delight of audience and male choir alike.

Also making their debut at the Parr Hall were Harmony in Blue, the young men's section of the Warrington Male Voice Choir. They are an impressive offshoot of the main choir, and it is hoped that their performances attract younger men to join them and the main choir.

The choir dedicated its performance of the Lord's Prayer by Malotte to the memory of Councillor Ted Lafferty, well loved former Mayor of Warrington, and staunch supporter of the choir. Councillor Lafferty passed away very recently after a long illness.

Concluding the evening's proceedings, Councillor Mrs. Celia Jordan MBE B.Ed, outgoing Mayor of Warrington, addressed choirs and audience. The Mayor said how much she had enjoyed being the choir's president during her term of office, and, having accompanied Warrington Male Voice Choir on the recent tour to Ireland, she was able to appreciate the musical contribution the choir was continuing to make to the cause of peace and reconciliation.

A note on the children's choir: Canzonetta Children’s Choirs were formed in September 2007 in response to a perceived need for high quality young choral groups serving the South Manchester and North Cheshire areas. The two choirs are based for rehearsal purposes at Withington Girls School.

Music Director Jeffrey Wynn Davies has extensive experience as a high profile choral director. His current choirs include Canzonetta (former BBC Sainsbury’s Choir of the Year) and the 250-strong South of England Festival Chorus. James Llewelyn Jones is the conductor of the National Children’s Choir, and has just returned from a tour of Canada. Chi Hoe Mak is one of Malaysia’s most promising young choral conductors, in addition to his developing career as a professional baritone.

The boys’ and girls’ choirs have already performed in Manchester Cathedral and in St Anne’s Church in the Manchester city centre. As they extend their membership numbers and repertoire, further performances are planned for the Summer and beyond.