Jean Belland

Belland, Jean

Jean Belland. Cellist, teacher, b Le Mans, France, 16 Jun 1895, d Montreal 7 Jan 1965; premier prix cello (Cons du Mans) 1911, premier prix cello (Paris Cons). After studies in his native city, he entered the Paris Cons in 1914. Before graduating he served 1915-18 in the Corps expéditionnaire d'Orient. When armistice was declared he settled in Constantinople, where he taught at the conservatory and gave many concerts, especially for the entourage of the Sultan of Turkey, who awarded him the distinguished decoration of the Medjidié.

On his return to Paris, in 1919, Belland resumed cello study at the conservatoire with Louis R. Feuillard. He gave recitals at the Salle Gaveau and the Trocadéro and became known as an artist of distinction and a master of his instrument. For four years he was principal cellist for the Association des concerts spirituels of the Sorbonne. He also was a member of the Pelletier String Quartet.

At the suggestion of the pianist Edmond Trudel, Belland moved in 1926 to Montreal, where he taught at McGill University and played in both the first McGill String Quartet, ca 1930, and the second one, 1939-42. In addition he was principal cellist of the Montreal Orchestra 1930-41, the CSM 1936-40, and the Little Symphony of Montreal 1939-46. Belland gave many recitals in Canada on CBC radio and TV. He also taught 1946-60 at the CMM. Among his pupils were his son Ary, Jean Charbonneau, Raymonde Martin, André Mignault, Suzanne Perrault, and Brahm Sand.