Artists announced for the Sonus Chamber Choir 2026 call for scores, “Voices of the Prairie”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Kolby Van Camp Artistic Director, Sonus Chamber Choir
director@sonusks.org | +1 (785) 806-0882 | https://sonusks.org
TOPEKA, Kan. (November 12, 2025) — Sonus Chamber Choir, Kansas’s professional vocal ensemble dedicated to recording and performing new choral works, is proud to announce the selected composers for its inaugural Voices of the Prairie call for scores. This initiative marks a significant moment in the ensemble’s mission to elevate Kansas-connected composers and champion contemporary choral artistry rooted in the region’s identity, history, and imagination.
After receiving an exceptional group of submissions, Sonus Chamber Choir has selected three works for performance and professional recording during its 2026 season:
Aiden Levendofsky — Horizon
Sam Kauffman — The Wind in the Wheat
James Keller — Red Maples
Each of these works reflects the spirit of Kansas in distinct ways, through landscape, memory, folklore, or the lived experience of the composers whose artistic identities were shaped by the Sunflower State.
A New Platform for Kansas Voices
The Voices of the Prairie call for scores invited composers with personal ties to Kansas, whether by birth, education, or residence, to submit original works inspired by the region’s cultural and geographic heritage. Submissions were reviewed by a panel including Artistic Director Kolby Van Camp, Composer-in-Residence Jesse Kaiser, and external professional composers Andrew Bell and Alan Bell, both doctoral students in music composition at the University of Kansas.
“The purpose of Voices of the Prairie isn’t just to select pieces,” said Kolby Van Camp, Founder and Artistic Director. “It’s to build a cultural ecosystem, one where Kansas composers feel seen, supported, and celebrated. These works represent both the artistic dignity of our state, the potential of new choral music nationwide, and our committment to championing the heritage of the great state of Kansas.”
Composer-in-Residence Jesse Kaiser added, “We’re building a home for creativity here. These composers brought forward music that is thoughtful, imaginative, and steeped in cultural heritage. Sonus Chamber Choir is committed to giving composers a platform worthy of their craft.”
Performances and Recording
The selected works will be featured in the Spring 2026 concert, “Voices of the Prairie,” and will be professionally recorded for digital release. These recordings will mark the beginning of a long-term effort to establish a growing catalog of new choral works originating from Kansas and performed by professional artists.
In addition to these premieres, Sonus Chamber Choir’s 2026 season includes:
Give Me Your Stars to Hold — A summer program blending choral sound, space-inspired visuals, and immersive storytelling.
Where the Light Lingers — A winter concert exploring spiritual stillness, renewal, and the quiet luminosity of sacred spaces.
Additional venues, ticketing information, and recording release dates will be announced in early 2026. More information can be found at https://sonusks.org/concerts
About Sonus Chamber Choir
Sonus Chamber Choir is a professional choral ensemble and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Topeka, Kansas. The ensemble is dedicated to commissioning, recording, performing, and educating through exceptional choral music. With a focus on contemporary works, regional storytelling, and artistic innovation, Sonus Chamber Choir is establishing Kansas as a rising hub for forward-thinking choral artistry.