Experience cellist and composer David Downing performing a powerful solo set and a captivating collaboration with Jake Charkey at the Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival 2025. This performance features live looping, lush cello textures, and spontaneous musical conversation—showcasing how classical tradition and innovative looping technology create an immersive soundscape. 🎶 Highlights: • Live looping cello performance • Original compositions & improvisations • Collaborative set with multi-instrumentalist/composer Jake Charkey • Recorded at Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival 2025 📌 Discover more about David Downing and Bel Canto Duo: 🔗 cellodave.com 🔗 belcantoduo.com David Downing is an award-winning cellist and composer known for his innovative fusion of classical training with diverse musical genres. He studied at the Interlochen Arts Academy, the Harid Conservatory of Music, and the Cleveland Institute of Music. After initially stepping away from the classical orchestral world, Downing returned to music with a renewed passion, embracing a wide array of styles including world, folk, bluegrass, hip-hop, and classical crossover. Downing has collaborated with artists such as Nas, Little Brazil, Flowers Forever, and the Omaha-based Americana band Ragged Company, contributing to several albums. His work has also been featured in film productions, including NET’s “The Nature of Stories.” In addition to his solo performances, Downing is a member and co-founder of the Bel Canto Duo, alongside oboist Darci Gamerl. The duo has released albums like “Angel’s Share” and “Willa Cather: Breaking the Mold,” the latter featuring interviews with filmmaker Ken Burns. They have also been Artists in Residence at Chesterwood, the home of American sculptor Daniel Chester French. Downing’s solo discography includes “UNPAVED ROAD,” “CELLO,” and “CELLO REMASTERED.” He performs on an Anton Krutz cello and incorporates effect pedals and looping stations to layer multiple parts, creating rich, textured soundscapes. His music is deeply inspired by nature and healing music science. David continues to perform, compose, and collaborate, bringing a unique voice to the contemporary music scene 📌 Discover more about Jake Charkey: 🔗 jakecharkey.com Jake Charkey is an acclaimed cellist with a strong background in both Western classical music and Hindustani music. He is also an eclectic improviser, drawing from his extensive training in both Eastern and Western musical traditions. ​ He is a sought-after studio recording artist in the film, television, and music industry in both India and the USA. ​ He is a disciple of the renowned violinist Padmabhushan Dr. N. Rajam in the rare Gayaki Ang style and is one of the few cellists in the world performing Indian music on the cello.

David Downing - Cello Dave' laying down a new song - Saudade, a nostalgia, longing for something - In this case, his second home, and the inspiration for much of his music - Venezuela.

David Downing performing Unpaved Road live at a soundcheck @gallery1516@gallery1516 - 2019 David Downing, a classically trained cellist, studied 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 orchestra world - and the cello. Thanks to loving and supportive family, and friends, and his passion for creating music, David started performing again, and never looked back. Downing's work spans a number of styles from world, folk, bluegrass, and hip-hop. 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, Gallery 1516's Nebraska Flatwater. David's depth of classical experience ranges from solo to orchestral and chamber music performance. His self-titled CD has won critical acclaim for his ability to use space and near-silence to his advantage” and his creation of "a colorful universe” - www.Beachsloth.com. Unpaved Road released in 2016 with Angel's Share (2023) with classical crossover ensemble, Bel Canto Duo. Other accolades include Outstanding New Artist by the Omaha Entertainment Awards & the American Prize finalist standing for chamber music composition & the Ernst Bacon Award for the performance of American music. Downing, member & co-founder of Bel Canto Duo has performed/ partnered with the National Music Museum, the National Cather Center, the International Double Reed Society, KANEKO, The Durham Museum, Lincoln Arts, Omaha Fashion Week, Omaha Under the Radar, and the Blue Barn Theater 30th Anniversary Celebration. David’s recordings are available for purchase at @. David plays is an Anton Krutz performing artist.