Lifelines collide – brought together by friends, an open mic & a shooting star, Bel Canto Duo was founded in 2016 by looping artist & cellist, David Downing, and multi-instrumentalist, Darci Gamerl. 

Bel Canto Duo's  mission is to create meaningful community & connection through their evocative, cross-genre  classical crossover music. Their compositions combine lyrical, poignant lines with healing music techniques - creating a rich orchestral-inspired sound. 

BCD's film, Four Cather Tableaux, highlights  the masterful work of American author,  Willa Cather and provides a live, immersive music experience. Originally commissioned by the National Willa Cather Center, the evocative suite combines  imagery of the Great Plains paired with Cather's texts, and Bel Canto's original music to create a mesmeric & powerful experience for audiences of all ages.

Darci & David have created a unique niche writing compositions that highlight American culture & heritage - including film scores for Nebraska Flatwater & Willa Cather: Breaking The Mold featuring commentary by documentarian & director Ken Burns. The film's executive director is Ashley Olsen of The National Willa Cather Center. Editor & Producer Ingrid Holmquit.  

In the words of producer Ingrid Holmquist, 'Bel Canto Duo lifted this film into another realm. Their ethereal, moving and magical music brought Willa Cather's story to life in "Willa Cather: Breaking the Mold." She's alive in their notes and rhythms.'

Members of the Nebraska Arts Council Touring Artist Roster, the pair received the Outstanding New Artist (2023) award by Omaha Entertainment Awards, Best Wedding Music by Nebraska Wedding Day (2023, 2024) & the finalist award for the American Prize in composition & the Ernst Bacon Prize for the performance of American music (2023).