Erewash Ladies Harmony Chorus, stage named Imari after the famous Crown Derby pattern, was formed in August 1995 under the direction of John Riseborough. Over the years we have performed at numerous events ranging from retirement homes, hospitals, garden centres, summer fêtes and social clubs.

Barbershop is a combination of four part harmony singing, characterised by the "Barbershop seventh" and choreography. At its peak in popularity between c. 1890 and 1914, it has undergone a revival during the last thirty years, with numerous choruses and quartets now to be found throughout the country.

Highlights in our short history are "Sing and Celebrate" in 2000, a joint concert with Hallmark of Harmony, the Glendarragh School of Irish Dance and the Mighly Rose Quartet at the Guildhall in Derby and "Reflections" in 2002, a show we presented, with Happy Me and the Hughes School of Dance and Drama also at the Guildhall in 2002 about the story of women in situations of conflict.

Imari completed for the first time at the Ladies' Association of British Barbershop Singers (LABBS) championships in 1998, competing in the national finals for the first time in 2004.

Following the departure of John in late 2004, the chorus approached Sharon Stansfield, who had enjoyed considerable success with her local brass band, The Long Eaton Silver Prize Band, and dance band, Anything Blows. Although Sharon was new to directing choruses, Imari thrived under her leadership, winning all three classes entered in the 2005 Leicestershire Music Festival, together with the Leicester Mercury Challenge Cup as the overall champion choir. Unfortunately Sharon had to leave the choir in early 2006 due to family commitments, and was succeeded by our current director, Linda Gourlay.