Chamber Choir Sonor Ensemble
Chamber Choir SonorEnsemble was founded by conductor Hanna Remes (b. 1973) in 2002, and has at the moment about 20 devoted members. The aim of the choir is a sonorous sound and vocal harmony, as well as an expressive performance. The repertoire is versatile, ranging from classical music to pop/jazz genre. In 2022, the choir celebrated its 20th anniversary.
SonorEnsemble’s annual traditions include the Christmas concert in the St. Paul’s church and the Summer Concert in the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum in Helsinki. The choir also performs abroad and has participated in international choir competitions e.g. in Malaga and Corfu.
The choir has been involved in Hanna Remes’ artistically oriented doctorate in the DocMus programme at the University of the Arts Helsinki.
Major project in 2023 was an Easter passion drama Samaan aikaan toisaalla together with Kilven Kuoro, Helsingin Laulu, and four vocalists. In March 2024, SonorEnsemble performed a brass band version of Karl Jenkins’ Stabat Mater together with The Helsinki Police Symphonic Band, Kilven Kuoro and two vocalists.
Although the ambitions are high, the members also want to relax, enjoy music and travel together.
Conductor Hanna Remes
Hanna Remes (b. 1973) graduated from University of the Arts Helsinki Sibelius Academy with a Master of Arts (MA, music) degree in choral conducting and vocal studies at the department of Church Music in 2001. In 2004, she completed her level A choir conducting examination and, in 2006 attained her second MA degree in choral conducting, this time at the Degree Programme in Conducting. She completed her doctoral studies (Doctor of Music degree) in April 2021 in the DocMus programme at the University of the Arts Helsinki. Additionally, Remes has graduated from Conservatory of Central Finland as a music pedagogue.
Hanna Remes founded the Chamber Choir SonorEnsemble in 2002 and has been the conductor of the choir ever since. Additionally, Hanna Remes conducts mixed choirs Helsingin Laulu (since 1998), Kilven Kuoro (since 2000), and the Choir of The Assocation for Finnish Mixed Choirs (since 2019). She works as an executive secretary in the Diocese of Helsinki. Besides these activities, Hanna Remes is an artistic director of The Assocation for Finnish Mixed Choirs and a member of the artistic committee of The Finnish Amateur Musicians’ Association.