Listen and Stream
About the recording
Valsson: Missa Cappella is a contemporary setting of the Mass for unaccompanied choir, composed by Icelandic composer Bragi Þór Valsson, recorded by Sonus Chamber Choir, and conducted by Kolby Van Camp. Written entirely a cappella, the work draws on centuries of sacred tradition while speaking unmistakably in a modern musical language.
At its core, Missa Cappella is an exploration of purity of sound. Voices alone, resonating in shared space, unmediated and exposed. Valsson’s writing is at once restrained and expressive, allowing clarity of line, harmonic color, and textual meaning to guide the listener through the familiar arc of the Mass Ordinary.
This recording presents the world premiere recording of the complete work.
The music
Rather than relying on orchestral color or instrumental weight, Missa Cappella places its expressive power entirely in the human voice. The score balances luminous consonance with moments of tension and release, inviting singers and listeners alike into an experience that is contemplative, intimate, and deeply resonant.
Sonus Chamber Choir approaches this work with an emphasis on warmth of tone, transparency of texture, and expressive restraint, allowing the music’s architecture to speak without excess. The result is a recording that rewards close listening, revealing new layers of detail with each return.
The ensemble
Sonus Chamber Choir is a professional vocal ensemble dedicated to artistic excellence through innovative programming, new music, and refined performances. Based in Topeka, Kansas, Sonus Chamber Choir brings together professional singers from across the Midwest and beyond, united by a shared commitment to musical clarity, depth, and expressive honesty.
This recording reflects Sonus Chamber Choir’s core artistic values: precision without sterility, richness without heaviness, and a deep respect for both tradition and the living composer.
Credits and Release Information
Composer: Bragi Þór Valsson
Ensemble: Sonus Chamber Choir
Artistic Director & Conductor: Kolby Van Camp
Soloists: Oliver Hutchison and Samantha Georgiana
Recording Engineer: Paul Sedler
Producer: Kolby Van Camp
Label: Infinite Nebulous Sounds
Recording Venue: Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Topeka, Kansas
℗ & © Sonus Chamber Choir, 2025. All rights reserved.
