An award-winning cellist & sought-after recording artist, David Downing studied classical performance at the Interlochen Arts Academy, the Harid Conservatory of Music and the

Cleveland Institute of Music. After extensive studies, David walked away

from the classical orchestral world - and the cello. Thanks to loving,

supportive family and friends, and his passion for creating music, David

started performing again - and never looked back.

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Downing's work spans a number of musical styles from world, folk,

bluegrass, and hip-hop to classical crossover. As a recording artist, David

has worked with Nas, Little Brazil, Flowers Forever, as well as the Omaha-based

Americana band, Ragged Company, recording several albums.

David's work has also been featured on NET's The Nature of Stories, and

in several other film productions.

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His depth of classical experience ranges from regular solo appearances to orchestral and chamber performances with his chamber collaborative, Bel Canto Duo. BCD won Outstanding New Artist in 2022 at the Omaha Entertainment & Arts awards. Their album, Angel's Share includes Four Cather Tableaux, an original commissioned work by The National Cather Center which the duo expanded into a documentary. The pair's 2nd album, Willa Cather: Breaking the Mold, a documentary by The National Willa Cather Center that features extensive interviews with American filmmaker Ken Burns. BCD will be the featured Artists in Residence at Chesterwood - the home of American sculptor, Daniel Chester French.  

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David is a Nebraska Arts Council Touring Artist has collaborated with the national touring Broadway production, Hadestown & Omaha-based visual artist, Sarah Rowe. David is currently working on his third solo album with BCD's Angel's Share & Willa Cather soundtrack dropping in 2023 & 2024 respecitvely.  David's solo discography includes UNPAVED ROAD, CELLO & CELLO REMASTERED. David plays on an Anton Krutz cello.