Runcorn Memories: Life of Harry Berrey, the forgotten star
WHEN I posed the question here as to whether or not anyone had ever heard of musician Harry Berrey, I wasn't too hopeful that an answer would be forthcoming.
The fact was it was nearly a century ago - 1911 to be precise - that a memorial concert for the said musician was held in the old Runcorn Drill Hall.
But within a few hours I had the answer, which was posted on this Cheshire Memories blog. Harry Berrey, we were told, was from St Helens not Runcorn. He was a tenor soloist of repute, a well-respected musician and the voice trainer of a number of local choirs.
He was a strong proponent of choral competitions which were becoming very popular by the turn of the 20th century.
He was appointed conductor of the Warrington Apollo Male Voice Choir in 1902 and led the choir to outstanding success in regional competitions.
He died suddenly in the summer of 1911 and his untimely death led directly to the Warrington Apollo MVC amalgamating with local rivals the Warrington Male Voice Choir in December 1911.
Only in 1981 did the choir re-adopt the former name - Warrington Male Voice Choir.
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having herbert (my husnands great grandfather) who then in turn had John (Ken) (my husbands Grandfather), its funny we just found this page as we recently went to my husbands grandma's and she has given him all Harrys memorabilia including a photo of him, his wife and his sister alice and the choir
The music in the family didnt stop at Harry, John (Ken) was a fantastic pianist and performer, and also kens brother in autrailia is a brilliant pianist .... i wonder if me and my husband can continue it lol