Belford Hernandez is an accomplished director, arranger, and composer with a diverse background in working with vocalists, choral groups, and instrumentalists. Also, he has showcased his talent as a featured artist in numerous piano recitals in Venezuela, Colombia, Jamaica, Ecuador, Canada, and the United States.
In addition to his solo performances, Belford has served as a piano collaborator for professional choirs and instrumental ensembles. His expertise in accompanying and supporting these groups demonstrates his versatility and understanding of different musical contexts.
Belford’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the Adventist University of Colombia. He furthered his studies by pursuing a Master’s degree in Choral Music Education from the VanderCook School of Music in Chicago, Illinois. He also holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University Chicago, a program designed to develop educational scholars and leaders in teaching and learning.
At present, Belford holds several positions within the music community. He serves as a Music Faculty/Choir Director at Willowbrook High School, Illinois, and as the Concert Choir Director at Benedictine University. Additionally, he is the Music Director at Cantores Community Choir, an ensemble focused on community engagement and musical excellence. Belford also serves as the Music Director at Hinsdale United Methodist Church in Illinois, overseeing the church’s musical activities and directing their musical ensembles.
Brian D. York is a Chicago-based composer whose work navigates the evocative landscapes of the Western classical tradition. Drawing deep inspiration from the textures of Impressionism and the rigor of Neo-classicism, Brian’s style echoes the legacies of Maurice Ravel, Igor Stravinsky, Darius Milhuad, and Alan Hovhaness, while maintaining a distinctly contemporary voice.
A classical guitarist and choral singer, Brian’s music is informed by a tactile understanding of performance and a keen eye for narrative. His portfolio spans diverse settings, from guitar quartets, chamber ensembles, to choirs. He has composed original scores for a variety of media, including short films, a feature-length documentary, and a pilot TV episode, showcasing a versatile ability to enhance visual storytelling through sound.
Brian continues to refine a harmonic language that is both structurally rich and emotionally resonant. While primarily rooted in acoustic traditions, he occasionally enriches his palette with experimental electronic textures, blending the warmth of traditional ensembles with the subtle possibilities of digital synthesis.