David Helfand - "Where Moses Meets Merlin"

David Helfand composes and performs original and traditional music on Celtic Harp, mandocello, guitar, keyboards and percussion. Many of David's compositions were born through improvisation and drawn on the inspiration found in the power of music from many wondrous cultures. Since 2000, David has augmented his repertoire of original and traditional compositions with Israeli and Middle Eastern influenced music and has composed many pieces based upon his journeys to Israel and Britain. Since 1997, David has recorded and released three solo CDs.

In 1997, David released his debut solo CD "Callings from the Quiet Grove" and in the summer of 2000, released his second solo CD, "Beyond the Sea of Reeds." The creation of "Beyond the Sea of Reeds" was inspired by his journey to Israel and the magical city of Jerusalem.

In the Spring of 1997, David co-composed music for the multimedia theater/dance performance "Return to Avalon" which toured Oregon. "Return to Avalon" was performed at the Florence Events Center, Newport Performing Arts Center, Hult Center-Soreng Theater and the Elsinore Theater in Salem. Several pieces from "Callings from the Quiet Grove" were featured in this production.

David has shared the stage and performed with Shanachie recording artist and solo mandolinist, Radim Zenkl, the Celtic Rock group Tempest, composer and pianist Michael Allen Harrison, balladeer David Nigel Lloyd and has opened for Scottish master musician, storyteller, and founding member of the Incredible String Band, Robin Williamson.

David and his wife live in Eugene OR, and are personal friends of Ceridwen and Sybok of the Order of the Mithril Star.