Musical Director
Russell’s interest in choral music began when he was a Chorister at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool. After graduating in music from Manchester University, he went on to become Assistant Musical Director of the renowned Manchester Chorale, and for the past 30 years he has been the Musical Director of the Warrington Male Voice Choir. In 2002 Russell was elected a Fellow of the Academy of St Cecilia. He is a composer and arranger of choral music, and has had compositions and arrangements performed at the Royal Northern College of Music, the National Concert Hall Dublin, The Waterfront Hall Belfast and the Bridgewater Hall Manchester. His concert appearances include sharing the stage with both Jose Carerras and Luciano Pavarotti, and his many media performances include directing live performances on BBC Radio, S4C and RTE. During his time with Warrington Male Voice Choir, the choir has enjoyed a period of considerable competition success, as prize winners at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen, winners of the Sligo and Bangor International Choral Festivals and UK National Male Voice Choir Champions. In March 2012, the choir won first prize in the Majestic Tours competition in Torquay. In November 2019, the choir won the Male Voice category at the North Wales Choral Festival held in Llandudno, then in March 2024 they returned to win the coveted title once again.
Accompanist