HISTORY
“Bel Canto meaning beautiful singing, in a lush and vibrant style…they do merit the name.” – Napa Valley Register
Bel Canto was created in the fall of 2015 when several local singers sought to form a select chamber vocal ensemble that would provide them, and others like them, an opportunity to perform innovative, challenging, and primarily, a cappella repertoire in acoustically rich settings.
At their urging, Ted von Pohle handpicked 20 of the Napa Valley’s finest singers, most who have had collegiate level experience, and many who have had private vocal training.
Ted Von Pohle: “When I was encouraged to create a small, select vocal ensemble, I had little idea what that would require. I had imagined simply finding a suitable rehearsal space in a school or church music room, getting together weekly for rehearsals, and then performing primarily for our family and friends. Little did I know that we would have to form a non-profit business in order to even rent a rehearsal space.
As I was working on Bel Canto’s by-laws with Don Fann, (the gracious husband of one of our early singers, and providentially, a non-profit executive), he encouraged me to think bigger. In addition to performances, how else could we give back to the community?
It was in our third season that we began collaborating with other non-profits to create themed programs that would help raise money for charitable organizations.
Then in 2023 we started the StAR Scholarship directed toward supporting high school students interested in pursuing musical programs, which offers financial aid and an opportunity to intern for a semester with Bel Canto.
This is where we are today, but our vision is expansive. There is more to come.”