2026 – SONARA SINGERS 90TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR
Sonara Singers are proud of our heritage as England’s longest-established all-ladies choir. Formed back in 1936 by a group of friends over a cup of tea, we’ve been singing and sharing music together for 90 years!
While we’ve certainly moved with the times, the friendship and joy of singing together — and sharing that joy with our community — remain at the heart of who we are.
Originally known as Alfreton Ladies Choir, we’ve performed at countless concerts, festivals, weddings and events, supported many local and national charities, and sung in some truly wonderful venues.
Our Musical Director, Nicola Hunt, is an inspiring and talented leader who makes every rehearsal fun, balanced and rewarding — helping us all grow as singers and as a choir.
We’re a non-auditioning, all-female choir, rehearsing every Monday evening at the Post Mill Centre, South Normanton, Derbyshire. We welcome women aged 16 and over who’d like to sing — whether you’re an experienced vocalist or just love music — to come along, listen, and join in.
Come and be part of a fabulous, friendly choir that’s proud of its past and excited for the future!
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.
Lorna Flear – Accompanist
Lorna started playing the piano at the age of 8 and quickly became involved in a variety of music groups, playing for school musicals including South Pacific, Bugsy Malone and The Boyfriend, as well as Staffordshire Recorders and Burton Sinfonia.
Lorna accompanied her daughter for her flute exams which led her to playing as a relief accompanist for South Derbyshire Music Centre choirs. Force Ten, a jazz big band, from 2023-2025 and currently accompany both The Leaside Singers and Chameleon choirs.
Lorna recently started the Leaside Recorder group ‘Tootally Awesome’ as player/director and sing with the Swadlincote Messiah Choral Society. Lorna regularly accompany all the workshops and conferences run by the National Association of Choirs including those led by Nicola Hunt, David Lawrence and Edward Rhys Harry.
Meet the rest of the team
Booking Sonara Singers for Concerts
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 perhaps a joint performance, soloist, we will work with you and your venue.
Please get in touch for more information – equiries@sonarasingers.com
Weddings
Events