Sonara Singers was originally known as Alfreton Ladies Choir, with the first concert taking place in 1938 after three local ladies decided to form the choir over a cup of tea! It began under the watchful direction of Cissy Wager until 1970. The Musical Directors between then and the present day include Rachel Kennedy, Veronica Wragg, Frank Smith and Liz Moulder. Many music festivals, concerts and events have taken place over the years, all assisting in developing our excellent reputation within the local and regional musical societies.
Sonara Singers also aims to raise money for charities. A considerable amount of money has been raised over the years, supporting DAB, NSPCC, British Heart Foundation, Breast Cancer Research, Diabetic Clinic at Derby as well as many smaller, local charities.
We have been fortunate enough to have performed in some wonderful venues, including the painted hall at Chatsworth, The Boston Stump, Shrewsbury Abbey, Derby Cathedral to name a few. We have also traveled to many places in the UK to support other choirs and perform at weddings, and traveled to Tideswell to sing for BBC’s Songs Of Praise in 2018.
Musical Team
Nicola Hunt – Musical Director
Nicola Hunt was born in Liverpool and began her musical journey at the Junior RAM in London, and Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester. Nicola continued her undergraduate and post graduate studies at the RNCM in Manchester, supported by The Peter Moore’s Foundation and The Wall Trust.
After graduation, Nicola toured with Diva Opera internationally for several years, and has enjoyed performing as a soloist with many of the UK’s finest choirs and orchestras in venues such as The Sage, the Wigmore hall. Lincoln’s Inn and the Royal Philharmonic Hall. Nicola has also performed at local venues such as Chatsworth, Haddon hall and Kedleston Hall.
Having settled in the East Midlands, Nicola is in demand as a vocalist, choral conductor, workshop leader and musical teacher. Currently MD of Sonara singers and The Rockabillies Choir, Nicola is Head of Singing at St. Anselm’s, Bakewell and delivers whole school music, specialist singing lessons and choir at The Old Vicarage School in Darley Abbey.
Teresa Mills – Accompanist
Teresa is a long standing member of the choir. A local girl, she began playing the piano at the age of 9, inspired by the beautiful sounds and not least by watching Liberace on TV every Sunday night!
She won many prizes in the Nottingham and Beeston music festivals, gaining her diploma in piano teaching under the guidance of Brenda May and Sylvia Bowden.
Her accompanying career began whilst studying A Level music, when she was always in demand from her fellow students.
She joined the Alfreton Ladies Choir in 1981, where her professionalism and dedication is much appreciated by all members of the choir.
Meet The Team
Booking Sonara Singers for Concerts
Our concert fee will depend on various performance factors. You are welcome to come along and see us sing in a rehearsal. Our Musical Director will meet with you to discuss a programme and would be happy to suggest musical pieces that may suit your event/concert.
If you have a request for a piece of music or if you require another soloist or performer, we may be able to facilitate this for you.
Please get in touch for more information – equiries@sonarasingers.co.uk
Weddings
Events