BELLA VOCE, (Italian for beautiful voice) has been
known for quality performance of both classical and
contemporary music for women's voices, for more
than 20 years.  The ensemble was founded and
nurtured to maturity by Dr. Michael Cleveland, UNR
Music Department Chair.  When Dr. Cleveland
retired from the group in 1997, the ensemble
became more independent, developing its own
management and fiscal activity.  Jennifer Tibben
was hired as Artistic Director, and initial success at
grant applications and fund-raising activities has
allowed the group to grow more independent.   



For the last several years the ensemble has
received grants to present outreach performances
and to commission a work by a favorite
contemporary composer. The composer always
attends the performance of the premiere.  To date,
Bella Voce has commissioned 7 new works for
women’s choir.



Besides its traditional holiday and spring concerts,
the twenty-five women of BELLA VOCE have
performed Stabat Mater by Pergolesi with the Reno
Chamber Orchestra as well as Holts’s The Planets
with the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra.  



Known for excellent vocal technique and a beautiful
sound, this ensemble has earned a unique place
among performing vocal groups in northern Nevada,
truly worthy of its new name, BELLA VOCE.