Patron Lady Hilton
President Deborah Fern OBE
Sonara is the new name for Alfreton Ladies Choir, an all female, non-audition choir now rehearsing in South Normanton.
News
- Monday 19th April 2010Chatsworth 2010
Friday the 16th April proved to be an evening to remember for a long time. Members of the Sonara Singers, ably supported by flautist James Wilson, performed an evening of music that reflected the beautiful, balmy spring evening which welcomed the choir and their guests.
Performing in the Painted Hall to a very appreciative audience, the choir sung a variety of pieces which showed the continuing development of their vocal expertise in a programme that went from the haunting music of Kerri Porterfield's 'Kyrie', to the exciting arrangement of a Shaker folk song. Music from the more popular musicals and late 20th century pop scene ensured there was something for everyone.
James Wilson is a young flautist currently on a gap year before studying at a leading music college. He played four contrasting pieces that showed his technical expertise accompanied by Teresa Mills, the choirs excellent accompanist who again showed her musicality and pianistic skills.
The compere for the evening was Mr. Richard Moulder who kept the evening going smoothly with his wit and repartee. The choir raised a total of £2000 for their chosen charity, the Diabetes Centre at the Derby Royal Hospital. Unfortunately, due to staff illness no-one from the unit was able to attend but there will be a formal presentation at the hospital in early May. The cheque was received on the night by Claire Clarke, daughter of the choir's MD and compere, who has received support and care from the centre in the last few years.
Finally,thanks must be given to all sponsers for their generous support. Also, the team of helpers both from the choir and staff of Chatsworth who helped to make the evening such a success.
- Monday 1st March 2010Forthcoming Concert
Sonara are delighted to announce a joint concert with the Bristol New Harmony Ladies Choir on March 20th, 7.15 p.m. at the Post Mill Centre, South Normanton. Tickets are now available from any choir member or by using the detailed contacts on the website.
This is the third such concert and we are delighted that the choir are once again joining us in an evening of music making. If the last two are anything to go by, it will be indeed be a very enjoyable evening for both the audience and choir members. The compere for the evening will be Mr.Richard Moulder.
- Monday 1st March 2010Recording Session February 2010
Yesterday, forty-seven members of Sonara gathered together with the team from Meadow Farm Recording Studio to record their new CD. Fourteen tracks were successfully recorded through the hard work of Stewart Field, choir members, Teresa Mills our accompanist and the Musical Director, Liz Moulder.
The day long session was helped by the professionalism of choir members and the recording team punctuated by a supply of witty comments and jokes when the going got tough! We look forward to the release of the new CD which incorporates many new numbers from the choirs increasing repetoire.
- Thursday 26th November 2009Carol Concert
Tickets for the choir's annual Carol Concert are now on sale from any of the contacts on the website. The concert is on Friday 11th December, 7.15 p.m. at the Post Mill Centre, South Normanton. The evening of carols, readings and audience participation hopes to also have a special visitor for the young at heart as well as refreshments for all.
- Thursday 26th November 2009Carol Singing at Chatsworth
Choir members are delighted to hear that they have been invited to sing carols at Chatsworth on Sunday 29th November between 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m.. Over forty ladies, under the baton of their musical director Liz Moulder, will perform a variety of new and old carols. The christmas festivities at Chatsworth are now world famous with many visitors travelling from far and wide to admire the decorations. The choir hope that their performances throughout late morning and the afternoon will add further enjoyment to creating a christmas atmosphere for all visitors.
- Thursday 15th October 2009Recording
Final arrangments are in hand for a new CD to be released in 2010. As always the choir will be supported by Stewart Field at Meadow Farm Recording Studio, Ripley.
- Wednesday 30th September 2009 Open Evening
Monday 21st September saw the choir enjoy its very first 'Open Evening'at the Post Mill Centre, South Normanton. Extensive advertising was rewarded when twelve ladies joined us for a fun evening of music making.
The Musical Director, Liz, introduced all members to a variety of vocal numbers which could be enjoyed by all. The evening was completed with a cup of tea and a chat where newcomers had the opportunity to speak to longstanding members who answered any questions.
The evening proved a great success with all new participants joining the choir. We wish them a long and happy association with Sonora.
- Tuesday 22nd September 2009Chatsworth 2010
We have finally had confirmation of our date for the charity concert in the Painted Hall at Chatsworth on Friday April 16 2010. Watch this space for further news.
Our chosen charity for this, our third concert at Chatsworth, is the Jenny O'Neil Diabetic Clinic at Derby.