Welcome to Holt Ridge Morris

Bernie began singing as a teenager with Burnley Youth Choir before studying music and education at Leeds Trinity University. She taught music to advanced level in secondary schools in the North West and Nottingham for many years before becoming a freelance music consultant in 2012. Bernie recently completed a conducting diploma with the Association of British Choral Directors and is musical director of two community choirs in Nottingham.

"My Mirabilé highlight so far is performing in the beautiful Abbey of Monteveglio as part of our 2012 Mirabilé tour. Receiving a standing ovation from the Franciscan friars and nuns was a special moment which will stay with me for ever."

Margaret-Anne began singing as a teenager in church and in school productions. She then joined Kilmarnock Operatic society. After moving from Scotland, she always found a musical interest in each new location. She has sung in a wide variety of choirs including choral, madrigal, and ensemble singing, competing in numerous competitive music festivals.

"On first hearing Mirabilé, I was so impressed by their beautiful sound and was delighted to become part of something special. Rehearsals are hard work and challenging, however the final results are hugely rewarding."

Ruth has been involved with music all her life. She was a founder member of the Cantamus girls' training choir and went on to sing with the main choir for many years. She went on to achieve grade 8 of the ABRSM in piano and voice before studying for a degree in Music and French. She also enjoys singing with the recently formed ex-members choir Cantus Amici. She is a teacher of modern foreign languages in Nottingham by day, but her passion is music and she is delighted to be singing with Mirabilé.

"It's an absolute pleasure to sing with Mirabilé, the standard is extremely high and it’s great to be challenged musically once again."

Hilary grew up in Wales where there is a long tradition of choral music and has been singing in choirs for as long as she can remember performing locally and nationally in concerts, music festivals and Eisteddfods. She studied the classical guitar to grade 8 and during this time enjoyed master classes with guitarists John Williams and Julian Bream. Hilary also sings in a contemporary Christian band and has used her guitar to accompany herself as a singer for many years. Her passion for singing led her to audition for Mirabilé where she is enjoying being part of a female ensemble and rising to the challenge that each new piece brings.

"I couldn’t imagine a life without song!"

Andrea’s music journey began at the age of 7 when she started piano and violin lessons. She later discovered though, that her passion for music was through singing. When she was 16, Andrea joined the Leicester Philharmonic Choir, where Sir David Willcocks conducted the choir’s Christmas performance of his own carol arrangements. She went on to study music at Huddersfield University, particularly enjoying the performance aspect of the course.

Later, Andrea taught music in British international schools in the Middle East. Her experience included running school choirs and coordinating instrumental tuition and recitals.

Andrea was delighted to join Mirabilé for its camaraderie and accomplishment, and finds the blend of female voices a joy to be part of.

Born in Nottingham, Becky was a member of the Cantamus Girls Choir from the age of 13, and took part in various competitions and festivals during this time. She also achieved her grade 8 singing and grade 5 musical theory, whilst doing her A Levels. Becky then went to the University of Plymouth to study History and Politics. She lived in Devon for 5 years, and during this time she joined the Exeter Philharmonic Choir. Becky moved back to Nottingham in late 2017, and subsequently joined Mirabilé in September 2018.

"Singing with Mirabilé has reignited my love for music. I feel so fortunate to be part of such a wonderful group"

Josie discovered her love of singing at senior school, achieving her grade 8 and singing with a number of choirs, most notably the National Youth Choir of Great Britain with whom she performed in prestigious venues and took part in an incredible world tour. Continuing to sing whilst at Nottingham University with the chamber choir, Josie was delighted to be invited to be a founder member of Mirabilé and has relished the challenge it presents ever since.

"Performing with Mirabilé is a fantastic experience. There is nothing like the buzz of singing beautiful, challenging music at a really high standard. I always find it amazing how our different voices blend together to create such a wonderful sound."

Ally grew up surrounded by music and was brought up in a home that always had music playing, whether it be choral, folk or 80’s pop! Ally has been a keen musician since primary school, where she began learning piano and violin. Whilst at The Minster School, she developed a love for singing and performed and toured with the school’s Girls, Full and Chamber choirs. She was later invited to become a founder member of the Girls Choir at Southwell Minster - her favourite place to perform. Ally is thoroughly enjoying being part of a singing ensemble once again.

“Performing alongside such dedicated and talented singers is a real privilege and I am extremely grateful for the challenges and opportunities singing with Mirabilé has given me.”

Hannah is a graduate from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and as of 2018 embarked on her professional career in Opera. She first began with chorus work in Heritage Opera’s summer tour, ‘Micaela’ with Midland Opera – Carmen and ‘Despina’ Opera Novella - Cosi Fan Tutte. Her contemporary credits include ‘Grass’ in Juwon Ogungbe’s The Pied Piper of Chibok (Grimeborn Festival 2018) and ‘The Inquisitor’ in Infinite Opera’s new triptych work, Besse. She performs regularly in concert work with local musician David Machell. Hannah is delighted to be singing with the exceptional Mirabile again as she continues to explore choral works and ensemble performances with a fantastic group of local singers.

"It feels each time I rehearse with Mirabilé I somehow rediscover the joy of song and its uplifting effects on body and soul. It's often all too easy to feel downcast with all the various pressures in life, but Mirabilé lifts me up and reminds why I sing - because I love it."

Geraldine was born and raised in Nottingham. She developed an early love of choral singing through school, church, and the county music school, where she sang in girls' and mixed choirs, and the small, select madrigal group. She was also a member of the Newstead Abbey Singers, the adult choir of St Mary the Virgin (Lace Market), and the National Youth Choir of Great Britain. A Level years were spent in the celebrated music department of Clarendon College, from where Geraldine went on to study singing through degree and postgraduate levels at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, with regular solo and choral engagements. Having worked in London for many years in several marketing and communications roles, Geraldine returned to Nottingham in 2011. She resumed singing after a long break, and has since enthusiastically taken up work as a singing teacher, working both privately and in various local schools.

"Choral and ensemble work has always been my main passion as a singer, so it's such a joy to be part of a really excellent group like Mirabilé."

Carolyn has always enjoyed singing but was a relatively late starter to performing in public, joining her local operatic society in her early 20s. As she moved around the country she performed in a variety of concerts and popular musicals including Hello Dolly, Fiddler on the Roof and many Gilbert and Sullivan favourites. After settling in Nottingham, Carolyn joined the West Bridgford Operatic Society, where she met musical director Joy Nicol, who invited her to become an early member of Mirabilé.

"Singing with Mirabilé has given, and continues to give me one of the most challenging, enjoyable and rewarding experiences ever."

Debra has sung from a very early age, starting in the daunting atmosphere of secondary school assemblies to latterly joining, the far less intimidating, Ruddington and District Choral Society. During the 1980’s she had many happy years performing with the Nottingham Operatic Society and Arts Theatre, in full stage spectacles such as Brigadoon, The Pyjama Game and Showboat. From there she became a member of Nottingham’s 60’s pop and rock specialists, ‘The Dansettes’, prior to a short break whilst taking on the responsibilities of bringing up her daughter Zoe. Throughout her life she has always enjoyed listening to and performing many diverse forms of folk music and since 2017 has been singing lead and harmony vocals in the 5 piece folk/ Americana band, Shiftin’ Sands. Debra now really relishes the challenge of learning and perfecting the ever expanding and diverse Mirabilé repertoire.

"The beautiful sound from the blend of all our voices never ceases to amaze me"

Alison started singing as a young child and progressed onto Grade 8 in her teenage years. She has performed in many vocal groups ranging from madrigal groups, chamber choirs, barber shop quartets and now Mirabilé.

"I really enjoy the blend of sound and harmonies that we make in Mirabilé and feel that we really communicate our pieces well as we perform all pieces without reading."

Francesca's love of music began at a young age, singing in school choirs and playing the clarinet and flute. However, singing soon became Francesca's first love and she has been singing since.

Francesca grew her love of sacred music through being a chorister with St Mary's Catholic Cathedral in Edinburgh, singing a varied and challenging repertoire, and also through singing with The Edinburgh Royal Choral Union whilst continuing singing training at Schola Cantorum of Edinburgh.

Francesca has enjoyed singing with choirs and ensembles of varying sizes in the UK, and has performed as an oratorio soloist in several oratorios.

Francesca is excited about singing with Mirabilé and feels privileged to sing such beautiful music with such an inspiring ensemble.

Samantha began singing at a young age and has been passionate about music making ever since. She began her career in the Cantamus girls choir and later went on to the University of York where she completed her Degree in music. Samantha has recently Graduated from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire with a masters in vocal and operatic performance, and is beginning her career as a freelance musician where she receives engagements across the country. Samantha also works as a singing teacher both across schools and privately at her home.

“It is a joy to once again be singing with like minded women who strive to create a beautiful sound and performance”