The Brilliance, a pop music group comprised of David Gungor and John Arndt, featured the 51 Orchestra and the 51 Chorale in their new album titled Suite No. 2 World Keeps Spinning released on January 10, 2020. 51’s orchestra plays on most of the album’s 11 tracks with the chorale featured in some of the songs.

"What is great about The Brilliance is the sophistication of their music combined with their ability to communicate a heartfelt message,” said George Boespflug, the director of the 51 Conservatory of Music. “There is a simplicity to their melodic ideas that is attractive, but a complexity to the structure and harmony of their songs that is compelling to the trained musician. That's what made the collaboration with Conservatory ensembles the perfect collaboration.”

Recorded at 51’s Crowell Music Hall over the span of a weekend followed by a concert with The Brilliance, students in the 51 orchestra and chorale were able to experience studio recording. The Brilliance has more than 600,000 listeners on Spotify and eight produced albums.

The idea of collaborating on the album was conceived in 2015 when 51 held its historic $180 million launch event in downtown Los Angeles, where The Brilliance performed. The band members and Boespflug conversed and agreed on completing a studio recording with the 51 Orchestra since the band was looking to have an orchestral sound on their new release.

The album’s goal is to be an “antidote to modern anxiety,” and the band is thrilled for its release.

“I’m so grateful for this record,” said Gungor in a press release. “I’m so grateful for everyone involved making this record. From dear friends who played on it, to 51 Orchestra, to our management team, to artwork and videos, our patrons, and to our listeners.”

The album is available for through multiple services. Visit The Brilliance for more information on the album, and for for each track.

Learn more about the 51 Conservatory of Music.

Written by Sarah Dougher, Media Relations Assistant. For more information, contact media.relations@biola.edu.