Heather Hatch
I was born in Liverpool in 1973 but I have spent most of my life in Morayshire Scotland. I have been involved in drama and singing from a very young age. In schools I loved performing in plays and was involved in The Moray Youth Theatre and Scottish Rock Operas. I began doing workshops at age 17. From these I formed my own drama group called 'Play Acting' which later changed its name to 'Fun Theatre'. At College in Edinburgh I was introduced to The Children's Theatre Workshop through which I gained most of my early experience.
At University I studied a variety of subjects and gained a wider knowledge of what drama was all about and how it could be used. In my second year I studied in Portugal as an exchange student and worked on a variety of acting and singing techniques with a Russian director. In my third year I worked alongside a large cast in the Newcastle Playhouse performing Brecht's Three penny Opera. I have also studied mime and physical theatre.
I have a Martial Arts club in Forres called Phoenix Martial Arts, where I teach a variety of forms and weapons including the Oriental fan, which I learnt from a former member of The Chinese opera.
I have been singing with Sonas for many years and have enjoyed performing in amazing locations. I have been privileged to help raise funds for many charities. Singing with Sonas is very special for me and I love every moment that we are together.
Kate O'Connell
Kate O'Connell is the creator and artistic director of Sonas, having developed the group from a workshop choir over the last 15 years. She trained as a drama/movement teacher at Dartington College of Arts in Devon, England, and is a self-taught musician. In her work she aims to help people develop their creative spirit.
Based in Moray since 1986, she has initiated many local artistic events, workshops, choirs and festivals, some in tandem with The Findhorn Foundation and The Moray Council.
She runs drama groups for young people, teaches music in the Moray Steiner School, sings in a Balkan dance band and offers singing workshops and choirs as well as giving individual voice classes (www.katesvoices.co.uk). She teaches every year at the Unicorn Natural Voice Camp in Dorset, England. She co-leads The Forres Big Choir, and is artistic director of acappella group Too Many Kooks.
She is a member of The Natural Voice Practitioners Network.
Fi Rogers
Local singer/songwriter Fi Rogers joined Sonas in November 2009 for their 'After the Thaw' gig. Originally from Nairn, she has played in local bands since the 1980s, most recently singing with F-Jams, and has built up a solid reputation for her dynamic stage presence and powerful gutsy voice.