Sarah Ponder, mezzo-soprano enjoys a busy career as a soloist and ensemble singer in Chicago.  Hailed as “Deeply expressive” (Chicago Sun Times) and a “first-class soloist” (Chicago Classical Review), some of Sarah’s recent favorite performances include two featured solo appearances with the Grant Park Music Festival, starring as Julia Child in Lee Hoiby’s one-woman opera, Bon Appétit! and a rousing trio rendition of “Row, Row Your Boat” with Yo-Yo Ma at Children’s Memorial Hospital as part of her ongoing work with the Citizen Musician Initiative.  Through her outreach at Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sarah has also “beguilingly” (Chicago Tribune) performed several solo concerts with famed Maestro Riccardo Muti at the piano.  A passionate educator, Sarah holds a teaching position at Loyola University and maintains a large private studio in addition to supporting young composers in workshops throughout the city.  She also recently finished recording works from Carnegie Hall’s Lullaby Project partnered with the CSO, assisting young mothers to create original lullabies.