Lifelines collide - brought together by friends, a shooting star & an open mic night, Bel Canto Duo was

founded in 2016 by looping artist & cellist, David Downing and English horn specialist, Darci Griffith Gamerl. Bel Canto’s mission is to create meaningful connection by providing world-class classical crossover music in an entertaining & engaging format. The group combines their classical roots with minimalist, cross-genre compositions and healing music modalities.

'Your music speaks to my soul' - Reviewers have described Darci & David's performances as 'magical', 'the best sermon in town', 'a unique and emotive sound' with 'electric chemistry'. 

Past clients & commissioners include KANEKO, Lincoln Arts, the International Double Reed Society, the National Music Museum, the National Willa Cather Center & the

Durham Museum.

BCD's first album, Angel's Share  features original work with a focus on research-based healing music modalities, and their work for film. Sacred Waters was commissioned for the documentary, Nebraska Flatwater & the Four Cather Tableaux for Willa Cather, (release date spring 2024). 

Darci & David's focus on community building continues with their Summer Concert Series. They have partnered with St. Paul Benson to continue offering free concerts with a focus on accessibility, developing community and support for those experiencing stress and isolation.

Members of the Nebraska Arts Council Touring Artist Roster, the pair received Outstanding New Artist (2023) by the Omaha Entertainment Awards, Best Wedding Music by Nebraska Wedding Day (2023) with finalist placement for the American Prize in composition & the Ernst Bacon Prize for the

performance of American music (2023).

Four Cather Tableaux was commissioned by the National Willa Cather Center in celebration of the great American author, Willa Cather. Now available as an immersive suite, the suite features selected texts from A Lost Lady, April Twilights & Other Poems, One of Ours & Nebraska: The End of the First Cycle. The performance pairs music with the author's work,  paired with powerful imagery of the Great Plains that inspired so much of the notable author's work.