Harmonizing Excellence
The Sonus Chamber Choir operates as a premier recording ensemble, bringing the finest choral music to life through professional recordings and selective live performances. With a mission to innovate and elevate the art form, the choir fosters a deep appreciation for choral music by blending exceptional artistry with thoughtful programming and exciting new music.
Where it all began
Sonus Chamber Choir debuted in July 2023 with Eric Whitacre and Charles Anthony Silvestri's The Sacred Veil at St. Peter’s Church in Kansas City. This emotionally profound work, exploring the thin boundary between life and death, was chosen by Artistic Director Kolby Van Camp for its personal resonance and universal themes of loss and hope. The performance set the foundation for Sonus’ mission to deliver transformative choral experiences that challenge and inspire.
Rooted in Kansas
Based in Topeka, Kansas, Sonus Chamber Choir blends the talent of professional singers from the Midwest and across the nation. This unique ensemble brings together local artistry and national expertise to create an unparalleled musical experience. Singers range from local Kansas natives to out-of-state artists traveling from as far away as South Carolina to enhance the choral scene in the Capital City and beyond.
Mission Statement
Sonus Chamber Choir strives to elevate and inspire through the art of choral music, creating exceptional recordings and performances that connect audiences to the beauty and innovation of the vocal ensemble tradition. Committed to artistic excellence, the ensemble routinely commissions and performs new works, championing the voices of today’s composers. By blending timeless repertoire with bold, contemporary creations, Sonus seeks to enrich the cultural landscape and foster a deeper appreciation for choral music.
Our vision for growth
Sonus Chamber Choir is dedicated to establishing itself as a cornerstone of choral excellence, and we are actively working toward achieving non-profit status by the end of 2025. This milestone will enable the ensemble to expand its impact, foster new collaborations, and bring even more transformative music to our audiences. As a non-profit organization, Sonus will continue to focus on artistic innovation and accessibility, ensuring our mission resonates for years to come.
Meet the Director
Kolby Van Camp, the founder, conductor, and artistic director of Sonus Chamber Choir, is a multifaceted artist and voice in the choral world. A graduate of Kansas State University, Kolby holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Music Composition and Music Education, as well as a Master of Science in Mass Communications. His diverse career spans sports broadcasting, content creation, and professional musicianship, reflecting his dedication to artistic excellence across disciplines.As a classical baritone, Kolby has performed at esteemed venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Mormon Tabernacle and with acclaimed ensembles like the Tallgrass Chamber Choir, KC VITAS, and others. His experience as a composer and conductor informs his visionary leadership of Sonus Chamber Choir, where he is dedicated to advancing the ensemble’s mission of producing high-quality recordings and innovative performances. Passionate about fostering the next generation of choral artistry, Kolby leads Sonus with a commitment to creating impactful, inspiring musical experiences.
Leadership
Sonus Chamber Choir thrives under the leadership of a dedicated team committed to artistic excellence and organizational growth. The ensemble is directed by Kolby Van Camp, Founder and Artistic Director, alongside Executive Director Oliver Hutchison and Logistics Director Ryan Hernandez.Supporting the ensemble is a talented and experienced board of directors, including President Tracy Van Camp, Vice President Ben Rauth, Secretary Erin Larsen, and members Linda Uthoff, Nick Homburg, Dawson Wagner, John Larsen, and Jeremy Gigot. Collectively, the board brings decades of expertise in non-profits, arts organizations, and innovative ventures, ensuring that Sonus remains a dynamic and impactful force in the choral world.
Composer in Residence
The Sonus Chamber Choir is passionate about the commissioning, recording, and performing of new music, collaborating with living composers to bring innovative works to life. By fostering these partnerships, we aim to champion contemporary voices and expand the choral repertoire for future generations.We are thrilled to introduce our Composer in Residence, Jesse Kaiser, a South Carolina-based composer, conductor, violinist, and vocalist. Born in 2000, Jesse has established a diverse body of work that spans styles and techniques, creating music for a wide variety of performing forces. He is the founder and artistic director of the Jesse Kaiser Ensemble and a regular performer with the South Carolina Philharmonic. Jesse’s compositions include recent works such as Angelus ad pastores ait and "Hope" is the thing with feathers, which highlight his versatility and creative vision.Through Jesse’s residency, Sonus is proud to create and share compelling new works that reflect the vibrant artistry of today’s composers. Together, we are dedicated to shaping the future of choral music with innovation and excellence.
Contact Us
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