JENNIFER bellor, Composer
Jennifer Bellor is hailed by Textura as “that rare composer whose music manages to be instantly listenable and emotionally resonant without any compromise to its sophistication.” Her compositional style, marked by a fusion of influences drawn from imagery, literature, and personal experiences, showcases a melodic richness underscored by jazz and pop-infused harmonies. Whether crafting pieces for soloists or mixed instrumental chamber ensembles, voice, big bands, percussion quartets, orchestra, wind ensemble, dance or theater, Bellor’s music resonates with evocative storytelling and expressive nuance.
Bellor’s music has been presented widely throughout the U.S. and abroad and her three albums of original compositions have garnered widespread acclaim. Her debut album, Stay (2016), celebrated for its eclectic blend of musical styles rooted in poetry, received accolades from NewMusicBox, earning a spot on their 2016 Staff Picks list. Praised for its distinctive identity and genre-defying approach, tracks like “Chase the Stars” captivated listeners with their dazzling fusion of opera, hip-hop, and jazz, showcasing Bellor’s multifaceted talents. Following Stay, Bellor’s release, Reflections at Dusk (Innova Recordings, 2019), showcases introspective instrumental compositions inspired by Nevada sunsets. Dubbed by Jazz Weekly as possessing “evocative musical imagery,” and lauded by KFJC 89.7FM AArbor for capturing the magic of twilight, the album affirmed Bellor’s prowess in crafting atmospheric sonic landscapes.
Bellor’s collaboration with the percussion quartet Clocks in Motion from 2018 to 2022 culminated in the release of her album Oneira(Aerocade Music, 2022). Her quartet compositions, particularly praised for their arresting simplicity and intricate beauty, were hailed by Textura as “rousing and infectious,” characterized by a distinct expressive signature transcending traditional genre boundaries. Music from the track, also titled Oneira, served as the soundtrack to an animation created by Christine Banna. The music video was featured on I Care if You Listen, and it received screenings at multiple film festivals.
In anticipation of her forthcoming album, Long These Days, slated for release on August 16, 2024, through EMITHA’s prestigious label, Lexicon Classics, Bellor continues to push artistic boundaries. Collaborating with soprano Olivia Yokers, bass singer Norman Espinoza, and electric guitarist Tasos Peltekis, the album promises a captivating journey from dawn to night. Inspired by the timeless poetry of Christina Rossetti and Pablo Neruda, the album’s thematic depth is enriched by instrumental interludes crafted by Bellor on piano and Peltekis’ improvisations on electric guitar.
In addition to summer composition projects, Bellor is serving as one of the resident faculty composers for the 2024 Alba Music Festival.
A native of northern NY, Bellor earned a PhD in music composition at Eastman School of Music, a Master of Music degree in composition at Syracuse University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in music at Cornell University. She is Assistant Professor of Music Composition at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she is Artistic Director of the contemporary music series, Nextet. For more information, visit www.jenniferbellor.com.