Is Warrington top dog in music?

HAS any other town in the UK supplied as many artists to the current BBC Proms season as Warrington?
The question is posed by Norman Cutter, chairman of WACIDOM – the Warrington Arts Council Initiative for the Development of Music.
He notes that seven of the Prom concerts this year feature Warrington musicians.
Pianist Stephen Hough, who was brought up in Grappenhall and Thelwall, took a major part in the opening nights of the Proms as soloist with the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
He is also making three more appearances during the season – more than any other solo artist.
Fellow pianist Leon McCawley, who was brought up in Croft, has also appeared as a soloist with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
Thirdly, cellist Tim Smedley, from Culcheth – first winner of the Warrington Competition for Young Musicians, when it started in 1998 – is performing in two chamber concerts..
Mr Cutter said: “I am very proud of the heights these musicians have reached as their careers progress.”