Sharon Nicholson-Skeggs, soprano & Dorcas Leather, piano

Sharon Nicholson-Skeggs has sung extensively in all of the theatres in the north of England including the Lyceum and the Crucible in Sheffield, Nottingham’s Theatre Royal, York Theatre Royal and Buxton Opera House. She studied with Honor Sheppard, Colin Iveson at the Royal Northern College of Music, John Wakefield from Trinity College of Music and Bev Burgen from the Sydney Conservatoire.

Whilst having sung lead roles in several Mozart operas, Sharon has come to specialise in Verdi and Puccini, appearing as Elizabeth (Don Carlos), Mimi (La Boheme), Violetta (La Traviata), Cio Cio San (Madame Butterfly) and the title roles in Aida, Tosca, Turandot and Lucia di Lammermoor, ideal for her dramatic lyric voice. Her oratorio performances have included performances at Derby Cathedral (Verdi Requiem), Ripon Cathedral and both Hull and York Minsters and recently a recital at Beverley Minster. Sharon is also the director of Opera17 which she founded as part of the celebrations for Hull City of Culture in 2017.

Dorcas Leather lives in Hull where she is well known as an accompanist and has been associated with local amateur operatic societies and choirs for many years. At present she accompanies Opera17 and the Maureen Hunter Singers. She has accompanied soloists in concerts, recitals and musical festivals and has worked with students taking singing examinations at all levels. She enjoys all forms of music and is particularly fond of opera.