ETSU Chorale to accompany Gjeilo and Belledin

East Tennessee State University’s music department has an excellent track record with respect to putting on great shows. I had rather high expectations for their Big Fall Show (featuring 10BucsWorth and 10 Times a Lady) last semester.

Much to my surprise, I underestimated ETSU’s chorale groups. My expectations turned out to be well below the capabilities of our music program.

ETSU’s chorale groups are capable of performing in a variety of settings (including their largely a cappella performance in their Big Fall Show). ETSU’s music department will host Ola Gjeilo and Ted Belledin.

The concert, titled “Modern Master: The Music of Ola Gjeilo,” features Norwegian artist Ola Gjeilo.

The first part of the show will highlight Gjeilo’s own compositions that arose from his studies at the Norwegian Academy College of Music in Oslo, the Royal College of Music in London and Julliard School in New York City.

Gjeilo will be improvising on the piano, as well as performing with a string quartet and guest saxaphonist Ted Belledin.

Belledin studied at the Eastman School of Music and hails from Arizona. Belledin is a member of both the Shining Star Band and Dennis Rowland’s Jazz Experience.

A multitalented musician, Belledin is also accomplished with the clarinet and the piano.  According to the ETSU PlanIt website, Belledin has performed in a multitude of musical albums alongside Kinch, Stan Sorenson, The Trophy Husbands, Ray Riendeau, Joe Morris, Azz Izz, Adam Clark and Jodi Light.

Gjeilo and Belledin will perform together with a guest string quartet on Saturday, March 2 from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

The ETSU Chorale will accompany Gjeilo and Belledin on Sunday, March 3 from 3-5 p.m.  Both shows will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Johnson City.

General admission is $10 at the door and $5 for students with an ETSU student ID.