Choir 21 will perform as conductor and author Katy Lironi shares book telling her family’s story
A choir with an inspiring spirit will bring an uplifting musical memoir to life when they take to the stage at Paisley Book Festival.
Choir 21 comprises performers aged 12 and above who have Down’s syndrome and love to sing and sign together.
They will join their conductor, musician Katy Lironi, as she shares her family’s story of music, love and determination with audiences at Paisley Town Hall on Sunday April 27.
It is an appearance which is sure to be one of the most inspiring of the three-day festival (April 25 – 27), highlighting the big-hearted story of a family well-known in Scotland’s music scene.
Katy is well known as part of 1980s band The Fizzbombs and 90s band The Secret Goldfish, part of the Creeping Bent Independent Record Label which is in its 30th and final year. With her husband, performer and producer Douglas MacIntyre, they have five children. Their middle child, Matilda, has Down’s syndrome.
Matilda in the Middle, the singer’s first book, charts her family’s love of music and how it has provided purpose and forged relationships, with Matilda’s journey so far – including their experiences with medical and education professionals – at the centre of it.
Katy said: “I hope it’s a book which shares a story of family. It doesn’t shy away from the challenges that are there for us. We can’t shy away from addressing them, not as a negative but pointing out the things we’ve needed to challenge.
“We hope that it’s something that other families can find positivity in, whether they are a family including a person with Down’s syndrome or not.”
The session featuring Katy at the festival, Music in the Middle, will see her discuss the book, while the audience will also get to learn a few Makaton signs before Choir 21 – named after the extra 21st chromosome that people with Down’s syndrome have – perform.
“Being part of the choir is a fantastic experience. They are just getting better and better,” Katy added.
“It’s so lovely for us to be included in the festival. It feels like a festival which is relatable to the audience and has a great profile.
“As a first-time author I’m really happy to be doing it and sharing the joy of Choir 21 is part of it. It’s lovely for our choir and their families to be able to sing and share some positivity.”
The story of Katy and her family chimes perfectly with the wider Paisley Book Festival theme of The Lives We Live.
Music plays a key part in that, with other sessions during the weekend including those featuring Belle and Sebastian frontman Stuart Murdoch, as well as special tours showcasing Paisley’s remarkable musical story, with Paolo Nuitini and Gerry Rafferty among those who are part of that journey.
Paisley Book Festival 2025 is organised by OneRen and supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
Full details about the Paisley Book Festival line-up – including booking information – are available at www.paisleybookfestival.com.
