Bel Canto of Columbia was founded in 2012 by Shawn Smith-Robinson who envisioned a musical ensemble that would preform diverse genres preforming twice a year during Christmas and Easter Concerts. Bel Canto of Columbia became a nonprofit 501© 3 organization in 2012.  The organizations mission is:

 

Bel Canto of Columbia promotes music education and the preservation of music history by assisting participants in their aspiration and educational endeavors, while upholding the respect and reverence for diverse genres and artists.

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 In 2017 a musical scholarship was developed, purposed to invest in a student’s aspirations supporting their desire to pursue educational endeavors and contributing to the growth of their gift. Bel Canto of Columbia ensembles is constituted to serve as a music catalyst for students between high school and college.

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Bel Canto of Columbia Ensemble has been blessed to perform on numerous occasions at various venues, a few comprised of   WLTZ Songs of the season in 2013,2014, 2015.  Also, has been embraced by Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Saint George, S.C., Greenview First Baptist Church, Jones Memorial AMEZ Church, Mount Pisgah Baptist Church Ridgeway First Northeast Baptist Church, Ephesus SDA Church, Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, Keenan Auditorium, and the Richland County Library Northeast, rendering uplifting sacred selections at each engagement.  Bel Canto has received several musical accolades from our inception and admirations have continued formally under the direction of Dr. Benjamin Dixon 2013-2021, Jada Hooker 2021-2022, and presently Ms. Esther Jones-Brown, who in 2019, was awarded our first music scholarship.

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Bel Canto remains active within the community through the efforts of providing reading and school materials to youth to promote education, encouraging creativity, and stimulating mental imagination while proffering the therapeutic gift of music, allocating the importance of cultivating everyone’s gift.

 

Most recently held a Books and Balloons event at Trinity Apartments in Camden S.C. May 21 2022.

 

Bel Canto of Columbia continues to formulate and maintain musical relationships, supporting local artists gifts in particular the Columbia Community Orchestra, and Ms. Louise Smith musical gifts.

 

Bel Canto of Columbia pursues to welcome future partnership opportunities with schools of learning and additional entities such as Central Carolina Foundation in fulfillment of our mission.

 

We welcome all new members or volunteers who desire to join us in pursuit and support of our mission.