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 minimalist, cross-genre compositions with classical music and healing music therapy.

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 the 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 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. Their free concerts focus on accessible concerts, developing community and support for those experiencing stress and isolation.

As 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) & the finalist award 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. The immersive 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.