Brigham Young University Women’s Chorus is a large ensemble honoring the elegance of the female voice through focused technique and well-rehearsed sound. Comprised of more than 160 members, Women’s Chorus is a collection of university students gathering from all over the United States as well as diverse nations around the world.
Women’s Chorus continues to garner attention from domestic and international audiences as it showcases a harmonious blend of voices and depth of sound. Under the direction of Dr. Sonja Poulter, the choir empowers the divine attributes of women alongside the skillful creation of music to engage its singers and audiences in peace-finding and faith-promoting experiences.
Women’s Chorus uses repertoire from all eras and styles to spotlight beauty in word and music. Diversity of genre and voice allows the choir to produce a range of musical experience from soothing reverence to full-bodied resonance.
Women’s Chorus is one of four prestigious auditioned choirs at Brigham Young University. Women’s Chorus welcomes aspiring singers from all majors with significant choral experience. Auditions are held annually.
Dr. Sonja Poulter is an adjunct faculty member in the Choral Conducting and Ensembles Division and was named director of BYU Women’s Chorus in 2019. A native to Germany, Dr. Poulter previously received undergraduate degrees in Music Education, Musicology, and English at the University of Music and Performing Arts and Goethe Universities in Frankfurt Germany. She obtained her Master of Music degree and Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance, having studied under Dr. Barlow Bradford and Prof. Kiersten Gunlogson at the University of Utah.
Before her appointment at BYU, Dr. Poulter maintained a large vocal studio and remains a highly sought-after vocal instructor and diction coach. She is a choral clinician and adjudicator for secondary school choirs and community ensembles in great demand.
As the founder and conductor of the Kammerchor Vocalis, an acclaimed ensemble of Latter-day Saint Young Single Adults in Europe, she has performed all over Germany, and in cities such as Salzburg, Paris, London, Copenhagen, Prague, Budapest, and Zurich. She co-founded the AMAVI Chorale, a project-based chamber ensemble with highly trained and experienced choral singers from along the Wasatch Front. The ensemble has established a reputation of innovative programming, refined sound, and expressive artistry. She presently serves as the conductor and artistic director.
Additionally, Poulter enjoys a career as a mezzo-soprano, performing as a soloist as well as a member of various choral ensembles, including the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
Dr. Poulter serves on the Hymnbook Committee of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and cheerfully resides in Draper, Utah with Cameron, her husband and a BYU Men’s Chorus alumnus, and their son, Samuel.
Women’s Chorus is an auditioned choir, held at the beginning of each fall/winter semester. BYU Women’s Chorus’s mission is to provide meaningful artistic and spiritual experiences for its singers and audiences. Women’s Chorus highlights the elegance of united female voices in singing repertoire from all eras and styles for the worship and love of God. Rehearsals, activities, and performances engage expressive music for singers and audiences to build faith, foster divine potential, and to HEAR HIM.
Are you interested? Find more at BYUChoirs.com/auditionsSorry, you’ve reached the beginning of time.
