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MANHATTAN, Kan. — A recent graduate of Kansas State University and founder of the Sonus Chamber Choir, is making waves in the classical music world with his innovative approach to choral music. Kolby Van Camp, in a recent interview on Wildcat 91.9's Morning Mix-Up, shared insights into his artistic vision, the challenges of running a professional recording ensemble, and details about the choir’s upcoming album, Sanctuary: Choral Music for Sacred Spaces.
Van Camp founded Sonus Chamber Choir in July 2023 with a groundbreaking performance of Eric Whitacre’s The Sacred Veil. The concert was critically acclaimed and set the tone for the ensemble’s mission: preserving choral music through high-quality recordings while commissioning new works.
"We want to bring something new into the world," Van Camp said. "Our latest recording project includes three pieces of music that have never been recorded or performed before."
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Funding remains a significant hurdle, as traditional recording projects for choral ensembles can be prohibitively expensive. To address this, Van Camp looks to eventually adopt a self-sufficient model inspired by artists like Dr. Dre. "We’re investing in our own recording equipment so we can reduce recurring costs and maintain stability," he explained. Scheduling is another obstacle, as many of the choir’s members are high-level musicians and educators with demanding commitments.
Despite these difficulties, Van Camp is focused on expanding Sonus’ reach beyond Northeast Kansas to represent the state’s rich musical heritage at a national level. He emphasized the importance of leveraging digital platforms to make world-class choral music accessible to broader audiences, not just "highbrow aficionados."
The choir’s upcoming album, Sanctuary, exemplifies this vision. Scheduled for release in Spring 2026, the album will feature an eclectic mix of sacred choral works, including newly commissioned pieces by composers Jesse Kaiser, Nicholas Paradas, and Dr. Bragi Þór Valsson. Van Camp described the project as blending timeless beauty with fresh perspectives, saying "About 75% to 80% of the album is music that has never been heard before."
Van Camp also reflected on his unconventional path in the classical music world. While many choral conductors follow an academic trajectory toward faculty positions, he has prioritized artistry over credentials. "You don’t have to be the most academically decorated person in the room to make exquisite music," he said, encouraging young musicians to pursue their visions with confidence and creativity.
Looking ahead, Van Camp hopes Sanctuary will resonate with listeners on multiple levels, whether as a celebration of sacred traditions or simply as an expression of beauty for its own sake.
"There’s something eternal about bringing recordings into the world that make a statement," - Kolby Van Camp
For more information about Sonus Chamber Choir and their initiatives, visit sonusks.org or follow them on Instagram at @SonusChamberChoir.
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