Darci Griffith Gamerl. Photo submitted.
Darci Griffith Gamerl is an award-winning orchestral and chamber musician who also composes and arranges music. “Music enriches my life personally in so many ways. I love to explore new repertoire, writing music and exploring new textures. Playing is also very cathartic for me and performing is a beautiful way of weaving a story for the listener,” she said.
Growing up in northern British Columbia, she came about her love of music at an early age, starting in first grade on the recorder and singing in choir, then moving on to the clarinet and eventually to the oboe. She now plays both oboe and English horn.
“My Grandpa Reid played violin in the Vancouver Symphony. He had paid a trapper to teach him in exchange for lessons. He would always send us tape cassettes and video recordings of orchestral music to listen/watch. (I didn't realize how much it impacted me until I was in college as a music major and had all the major violin concerti memorized), Gamerl said. “He was a huge influence and inspiration as he played his entire life both in orchestras and in chamber groups.”
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Master's degree in Oboe Performance. In addition to playing the oboe and English horn, she is also a studio musician and website designer, and she teaches at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
This is her 19th year performing with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra, as Assistant Principal Oboe. She also currently plays with the Sioux City Orchestra (2nd Oboe/English horn); Lincoln Symphony Orchestra (3rd Oboe/English horn); South Dakota Symphony (3rd Oboe/English horn); and Omaha Symphony Orchestra (regular substitute).
Bel Canto
Gamerl is a founding member of the music ensemble, Bel Canto Duo, with her husband, looping artist and cellist David Downing. She said “Bel Canto Duo specializes in writing and performing original, classical music with immersive elements such as our Four Cather Tableaux with our original film. It really evokes the beauty of the prairies especially when paired with Willa Cather's beautiful writing. We will be exhibiting the Tableaux at the Joslyn Art Museum in January of 2025,” she said.
The film highlights Cather’s personal life and body of work with extensive commentary by American filmmaker, Ken Burns.
“Playing music in Bel Canto Duo with my husband. has been rewarding on so many levels . . . There is so much that is communicated when you are performing with someone. The nonverbal communication goes very deep and is really phenomenal to experience. Performing closely with David has been fascinating, and we have both learned a lot from each other as we continue to grow as a chamber ensemble,” she said.
Gamerl in rehearsal for Courageous Lights with Dirk Meyer and the Augusta Symphony Orchestra. Photo submitted.
Courageous Lights
DSSO Music Director Dirk Meyer will be at the podium for Courageous Lights. (Photo Hillary Odom)
The DSSO will be performing the piece entitled English Horn Concerto: Courageous Lights at their upcoming concert on October 26 with Gamerl as the oboe soloist. She was also the Consortium Leader of the piece.
Dirk Meyer, DSSO Music Director, said, “Darci approached me a while back about supporting a new commission to James Lee III, and I was excited about it right away. James’ music is very interesting and colorful, while at the same time approachable and beautiful.”
“In addition, I thought it was a great and worthwhile idea to write about courageous women activists,” Meyer said. “We performed the world premiere together last season with the Augusta Symphony Orchestra, and it was a great success. I’m looking forward to bringing this work to the Twin Ports audience.”
He added, “Besides her wonderful musicality and virtuosity, Darci brings a wonderful energy and passion for innovation to our group, as can be seen in this project, which only came to fruition thanks to her efforts.”
Composer James Lee III was inspired to write Courageous Lights by the stories of three remarkable women. Photo submitted.
Composer of Courageous Lights James Lee III
“This is a concerto based on three outstanding women activists. The title is derived from how these women have courageously sought to be a light and inspire positive change in their sphere of influence,” Lee III said.
He explained the first movement Amanda’s Ascent “is inspired by American poet and activist Amanda Gorman's poem, ‘The Hill We Climb’ for President Joseph Biden's inauguration. Specifically, the movement is inspired by themes of light and unity.”
The second movement is named for Zitkála-Sá's Song. He said, “This movement is inspired by Zitkála-Sá's activism as she advocated for American Indians to receive full citizenship in the United States. The music in this movement reflects her passion for change and the uplifting of her people.”
Lee III stated, “This last movement is inspired by Malala Yousafzai and her activism in striving for the education of girls. She has advocated for safe and free education and worked to bring forward the voices of women and people of color.”
“I have enjoyed working with Darci because of her enthusiasm and dedication in bringing my concerto alive! She has a wonderful and beautiful sound when she performs my music,” Lee III added.
Collaborative Project
Gamerl has enjoyed the collaborative process of working with Lee III and Dirk Meyer. She is looking forward to the Minnesota premiere of Courageous Lights with the DSSO.
“James has a very special gift for communicating, and he does so in a powerful way through his music! We worked closely on the commission and the thematic material used in each movement. We had a lengthy discussion about the impact of three phenomenal women: Amanda Gorman, Zitkala-Ša (Red Bird/Gertrude Bonnin) and Malala Yousafzai, Gamerl said.
She explained, “All three women were so inspiring to me as each faced adversity, prejudice, and oppression. Yet each persisted and were able to enact long lasting change . . .their lights light the path to a brighter future for us all.”
She acknowledges the difficulties of this score. “This piece is a marathon, a tour de force! It is extremely technically challenging and written largely in the highest tessitura of the English horn. James writes beautifully intricate music that is equally difficult for the orchestra due to the intricacy of his harmonic language. It is a joy to put together but coordinating and balancing with the solo English horn is a challenge!”
She concluded, “As I approach my 20th season with the DSSO, I find myself incredibly grateful to my wonderful colleagues, the warmth of Duluthians, and how very welcome I feel in the community. Finally, the artistry and vision of Music Director, Dirk Meyer. He was the true driving force behind the Courageous Lights commission! “
Information On Masterworks Concert 2 Courageous Lights
Darci Gamerl, oboe soloist
October 26, 7:00 pm. DECC Symphony Hall
The DSSO’s Masterworks Concert 2 will include classics of the repertoire, alongside a brand-new work, written for DSSO oboist, Darci Gamerl. Composer James Lee III has been a rising star over the past few years, with performances by major symphony orchestras around the globe. The DSSO co-commissioned him to write Courageous Lights, a concerto for orchestra and English Horn, celebrating three outstanding female social activists. This performance marks the Midwest premiere of Courageous Lights.
The orchestra will frame this inspiring new work with two symphonies: the short, yet sparkling Paris Symphony (No. 31) by Mozart, and Felix Mendelssohn’s dramatic Symphony No.1, written when he was just 15 years of age.
Tickets at dsso.com or call or visit the DECC Ticket Office - 350 Harbor Drive (Box Office Hours: Mon-Sat 10am to 5pm) 218-727-4344 (check out the auditorium seating chart at www.decc.org).
