Arranging a 90th year Gala Celebration concert takes a lot of work, organising, arranging and ensuring all participants are calendar-aligned, well-rehearsed and supportive of the aims and objectives but most importantly keen to participate. Sonara Singers, a well-established and respected ladies choir led by their dedicated committee of ladies and by the wonderful Nicola Hunt (Musical Director) achieved all this with quiet skill, leadership and aplomb.
The audience, three choirs (Sonara Singers, Rock ‘n’ Soul Singers and Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir) and Matlock Brass were showered with gifts of music and friendship. The charities were wholeheartedly recognised and supported for their vital endeavors in the architectural beauty of Derby Cathedral. The final gift was a song written by Nicola entitled On This Day which was performed and shared by all choristers and a trumpet solo from Andrew Abele from Matlock Brass.
The performer’s’ repertoire were widely varied and contrasting from the opening solo Ave Maria, to Kyrie and Nella Fantasia from Sonara, Ar Hyd Y Nos, Neoplitan Troligy and Chitty Chotty Bang Bang from Mansfield & DMVC, Proud Mary, Human and Everybody Hurts from the Rock ‘n’ Soul Singers and the Floral Dance, Hey Jude and Mr. Blue Sky from Matlock Brass. These and other songs presented a lovely evening of entertainment for the audience and for each team of performers.
A posting on Sonara’s facebook page proclaimed “What an uplifting finale to a fabulous gala charity concert last night at Derby Cathedral. Amazing performances by three choirs and Matlock Brass Band, all seamlessly compèred by Trevor Middleton. Our incredibly talented Musical Director, Nicola Hunt, opened the programme with a gorgeous solo and we ended the evening with the premiere of Nicki’s composition, written for the event, On This Day. We hope to have raised lots of money for three worthwhile charities Women’s Work – Derbyshire, Speech, Sign and Song and Air Ambulance as part of our 90th celebrations. It was a wonderful feeling to be a part of such a special event.
Phil Robinson the Deputy MD of our choir said “Wonderful night. All on top form. MDs, accompanists, choristers, band. All up for it producing an evening which celebrated live music to the full. ‘On this day……”
Isn’t this what choirs are all about? As the lyrics of Nicola’s song say “For we sing on this day, I am beside you.”
A physical gift and a delightful surprise was the small box placed on each performer’s seat which contained a silver metal keyring engraved with Sonara Singers, 90th Anniversary”. How thoughtful! A commemorative gift to remind everyone of the gifts of music, celebration and mutual support afforded by the efforts of the Sonara Singers team.
A very worthy and most successful and enjoyable 90th anniversary celebration. Congratulations to everyone involved.
A joyful report, Geoff, reflecting the sheer enjoyment of the occasion and the thorough preparation for it. The seating arrangements created an immersive experience leading to a sharing of the joy created by each performance.