Taking Flight: The 8th Wonder of the World

Taking Flight: The Eighth Wonder of the World is an immersive documentary and original live film score by Bel Canto Duo that celebrates the awe-inspiring migration of the Sandhill Cranes along Nebraska’s Platte River. Rooted in Bel Canto Duo’s NeuroArts approach, the project integrates original music intentionally composed to support stress reduction, emotional regulation, and improved wellbeing.

Performed live by oboist Darci Gamerl and cellist-composer David Downing, the score creates a sonic environment that encourages physiological calming, grounding, and a shift toward restorative states. When paired with sweeping environmental imagery, Taking Flight becomes more than a film — it becomes a health-supportive experience designed to improve wellness outcomes through intentional sound, focused attention, and moments of connection.

By weaving artistry, ecology, and healing science into a unified experience, Taking Flight invites audiences to slow down, breathe, and feel part of something larger. It honors the cranes’ ancient journey while reminding us that beauty, nature, and purposeful music can offer powerful tools for reducing stress and enhancing human resilience.