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Sarah Quartel is a Canadian composer and conductor who has gained international recognition for her choral compositions. She was born in 1982 in Ottawa, Canada, and grew up in a musical family. Her mother was a music teacher, and her father was a professional musician who played the trumpet. Quartel began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and sing in choirs. Quartel attended the University of Western Ontario, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in composition and theory. She later earned a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Toronto. During her studies, Quartel was awarded numerous scholarships and awards for her compositions, including the SOCAN Foundation Young Composer Award and the Karen Kieser Prize in Canadian Music. Quartel's compositions are known for their intricate harmonies, rhythmic complexity, and use of text. She often sets poetry to music, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources, including classical literature, contemporary poetry, and folk songs. Her music has been described as "lush and evocative" and "emotionally charged." One of Quartel's most well-known works is "Snow Angel," a five-movement choral suite that was commissioned by the Toronto Children's Chorus in 2009. The piece is based on the theme of winter and features texts by a variety of poets, including Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson. "Snow Angel" has been performed by choirs around the world and has been praised for its beauty and emotional depth. Another notable work by Quartel is "Wide Open Spaces," a choral piece that was commissioned by the Canadian Chamber Choir in 2014. The piece is based on the poetry of Canadian writer and environmentalist Don McKay and explores themes of nature and the environment. "Wide Open Spaces" has been performed by choirs across Canada and has been praised for its powerful message and evocative music. In addition to her work as a composer, Quartel is also an accomplished conductor. She has conducted choirs in Canada, the United States, and Europe and has been praised for her ability to bring out the best in her singers. Quartel is currently the artistic director of the Oakville Children's Choir in Ontario, Canada. Quartel's music has been performed by some of the world's leading choirs, including the National Youth Choir of Canada, the Elora Festival Singers, and the Vancouver Chamber Choir. Her compositions have been featured at international choral festivals, including the World Symposium on Choral Music and the American Choral Directors Association National Conference. Quartel's music has also been recorded and released on several albums. Her debut album, "My Heart Soars," was released in 2013 and features performances by the Elora Festival Singers and the Canadian Chamber Choir. The album includes several of Quartel's most popular works, including "Snow Angel" and "Wide Open Spaces." In addition to her work as a composer and conductor, Quartel is also a sought-after clinician and workshop leader. She has led workshops and masterclasses for choirs and conductors around the world and is known for her engaging and inspiring teaching style. Quartel's music has been praised for its beauty, emotional depth, and powerful message. Her compositions have touched the hearts of audiences around the world and have earned her a place among the most respected and admired composers of her generation.

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