The musicians who participated in the July 15th, 2023 inaugural concert:

Helen Belangie, Alicja Blanquart, Jelil Romano, Calvin Lewis, Hervé Blanquart (click on name for bios)

Helen Belangie
A native of Montana, Helen Belangie began studying the cello at the age of eleven under the tutelage of Christine Ranf Sopko, and later, Fern Glass Boyd. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where she studied with Irene Sharp and Jennifer Culp. While a student at the conservatory she soloed with the orchestra and with the San Francisco Classical Philharmonic.
During high school and college, many summers were spent away studying at festivals. These include; Interlochen, Idyllwild , Aspen, Zephr chamber festival in Italy, the Banff Institute, and the International Musicians’ Seminar at Prussia Cove. After graduation, she was a contracted member of several Bay Area symphonies and at this time very much enjoys teaching and playing chamber music in the Los Angeles area. More information about her studio can be found on : http://www.cellolessonslosangeles.com.

Alicja Blanquart
Alicja Blanquart was born in Warsaw, Poland . She graduated from Eastman School of Music and earned her Masters Degree in Cello Performance at the University of Southern California. She is an avid chamber musician who has collaborated with distinguished artists including , Sarah Chang . In the summer 2011 , 2014 Alicja was a guest artist in a solo performances at the Chopin to Gorecki Festival in Warsaw Conservatory in Poland. She currently freelances with several orchestras in California and
maintains a thriving cello studio in Long Beach. More information about her studio can be found on http://www.longbeachcello.com

Calvin Lewis
Calvin Lewis graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Music. He is a member of Santa Barbara Symphony, Fresno Philharmonic, Santa Rosa Symphony, and the Reno Philharmonic. His passions include cycling, craft beer, spending time with his son and oddly enough, practicing the violin.

Jelil Romano
Organist and pianist , is the director of Music Ministry at the May Star of the Sea parish. Jelil was born and raised in Los Angeles , California. He began working at Mary Star of the Sea Church in 1996 as part of the music Ministry. Jelil plans and coordinates all music for the Masses alongside the cantors, choirs and soloists. In addition, he oversees and plans the music for all weddings, funerals, and special Masses throughout the year. He also works with the school to provide music for their Masses.
Prior to coming to Mary Star of the Sea, Jelil was the Music Director at St. Vibiana’s Cathedral for 20 years. Jelil had the honor to play and direct music for many dignitaries including Saint Pope John II, president Bill Clinton, governors Brown and Davis.

Hervé Blanquart
Bass Hervé Blanquart started singing professionally at age 11 as a soprano soloist of the Paris boys choir. Hervé is currently the cantor and schola director for the 7:15AM traditional Latin mass at the St JPII Polish Center in Yorba Linda, and maintains a website with resources to learn liturgical chant (www.longbeachchant.com).