The Mass has played an integral role in Ellen Soukup’s life. It is in church that she is most inspired. Through the years she has sung with various groups and performed solo at various events, but the church setting is one that she fells most at home. “The Holy Spirit sings through me and I sometimes feel I don’t have control over what will happen with a song next,” said Ellen. “I completely surrender myself to God’s plan for my music. Many times when singing a very emotional or spiritual song, I just feel a surge of power running through me and I am literally shaking when I am done.

Raised a Nebraska farm girl, Ellen eventually married and became a stay-at-home mother of two, roles she feels very happy starring in. Up to now, her singing career has mainly taken place in church choirs, weddings, funerals or at special events. “God has given me this gift and if it can make that wedding a little more special or a particular event more exciting or memorable, then that’s very gratifying,” said Ellen.

She has been married to her husband, John, for 14 years and her children, Carolyn and Paul, are 8 and 6 respectively. Ellen has been Music Director at St. John the Apostle Church in Lincoln the last five years and directs two choirs…a small Christian contemporary adult choir and a teen choir. She plays piano and leads the congregation in song each weekend. She also teaches voice to several high school students. 

Ellen recorded her first CD, entitled Ellen…Thy Will Be Done, in the fall of 2000. In just under one month, over 1200 CD’s and cassettes were sold. “Throughout the entire recording process, I would pray to the Holy Spirit to help me select the right music and convey the right message to the listeners,” said Ellen. “Because of those prayers, the whole experience was very inspiring and when it was over, I cried tears of gratitude.”

Since that time, Ellen has recorded a Christmas CD called Ellen…What Shall We Give, and she has just released a CD named: Ellen…The Truth is There, featuring original compositions that proclaim her faith in Jesus Christ.