Bel Canto (band)

Bel Canto is a Norwegian band, originally formed in 1985, who are considered pioneers of the dream pop and ethereal wave genres. They are known for their blend of electronic music, jazz, and world music elements, combined with the distinctive vocals of Anneli Drecker.

The band's original lineup consisted of Anneli Drecker (vocals, keyboards), Geir Jenssen (programming, synthesizers), and Nils Johansen (guitar, violin, accordion). Jenssen left the band in 1991 to focus on his ambient project Biosphere, and Johansen departed later, leaving Drecker as the central figure.

Bel Canto gained significant recognition in the late 1980s and early 1990s with albums such as White-Out Conditions (1987) and Birds of Passage (1990). Their music is often characterized by lush soundscapes, intricate arrangements, and Drecker's captivating vocal delivery. They have toured extensively and have a dedicated international following.

Later albums, such as Magic Box (1996) and Dorothy's Victory (2002), saw the band exploring more diverse musical territories while retaining their signature ethereal sound. After a period of relative inactivity, Bel Canto returned with the album Radiant Green in 2009. They continue to perform and record music.