A Sacred Classic Revisited: The Story Behind Our 10,000-View Piano Duet
Niccole and Brent Modell. The siblings are a sought-after duo for high-end events from Santa Barbara to Westlake Village.
It is a rare and humbling experience when a performance transcends the recital hall to reach a global audience. I am honored to share that our piano duet of "The Holy City" has recently surpassed 10,000 views on YouTube.
"The Holy City," composed by Stephen Adams in 1892, remains one of the most beloved sacred anthems in the classical repertoire. It is a work of immense dramatic contrast—moving from the quiet, somber reflections of old Jerusalem to the triumphant, soaring vision of the "New Jerusalem."
A Performance from the Faculty Recital
This particular rendition was captured during a faculty recital at California Lutheran University, where I serve as an Adjunct Professor of Music. Performing alongside my brother, Brent Modell, we chose this arrangement to explore the specific tonal colors and powerful resonance that a collaborative piano duet offers. Brent is a gifted pianist and a frequent collaborator of mine; it was a joy to bring this sacred staple to the university stage together and share it with our colleagues, students, and the community.
The Artistry of the Academic Professional
While many of my clients know me through my work with Just Brilliant Music—where I often perform alongside Brent for weddings and private events in Ventura County and Santa Barbara—my role at CLU allows me to stay deeply rooted in the technical and historical side of the craft.
I find that the lifelong musical shorthand I share with my brother allows us to bring a unique level of precision and heart to both the concert stage and the wedding aisle. Whether I am performing a high-stakes concert piece in a sanctuary or a delicate processional for a garden ceremony, the commitment to musical excellence and emotional depth remains the same.
Thank You for Listening
To the thousands of you who have watched, commented, and shared this video: thank you. Your appreciation for this sacred classic keeps the tradition of live, virtuosic performance alive and thriving.
Watch the performance below.
To inquire about booking Niccole and Brent as a piano/flute duo for your next event, visit https://www.justbrilliantmusic.com/contact