Joël Belgique

About Joël

Born in Lansing, Michigan, and raised in Salt Lake City by French parents, Joël studied at the Interlochen Arts Academy, did undergraduate work at the Eastman School and earned his degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Joël has been principal violist of the Oregon Symphony since 1997 and he also frequently performs and records as a guest with the Portland-based band Pink Martini, appearing with them at Carnegie Hall, Disney Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, Seattle and on Late Night with David Letterman. As a teacher, Joël works with many of the area's finest violists, young and old, and is on the faculty of Portland State University. Already receiving praise, just this year, along with pianists Cary Lewis and Tomas Svoboda, he has released his first solo CD titled Mid Century Modern—four sonatas for viola and piano.