Genesis Miranda
Staff Writer
Kristen Caliendo, a student from Claremont Graduate University, held a small concert on Tuesday in Kresge Chapel at the Claremont School of Theology.
Musicians Caliendo, her husband Christopher Caliendo and Wendy Caldwell performed music from various composers and genres.
The concert consisted of four compositions, including one which featured the husband and wife as a duo.
“I loved the duet she played with her husband,” Lolita Pierce, community member, said. “He writes beautiful music for her to play.”
Kristen Caliendo is currently working on her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Flute Performance at Claremont Graduate University.
This concert was part of her fulfillment for the doctorate of music degree.
“It has been a joy being at Claremont Graduate University,” Kristen Caliendo said. “This is the seventh college I have attended and I am glad to finish here.”
Christopher Caliendo, has composed and published over 550 world music compositions including three concertos, 11 sonatas, 47 flute and guitar duets, and numerous chamber works commissioned by various artists.
The concert was the premiere of Christopher Caliendo’s Norwegian sonata.
“I love performing Christopher’s new works,” Caldwell said. “I have played four of his sonatas and had the opportunity to premiere three of them.”
Kristen Caliendo’s compositions include instruments such as the piano, flute and guitar.
Each piece was expressive and well executed.
“I am beyond deep pleasure,” Christopher Caliendo said. “The diversity of the music between sonatas is so vast, but overall the performance level was great.”
The last composition was inspired by Spain and featured Kristen Caliendo on flute and her husband on guitar.
“The guitar and flute I thought were beautiful together,” Cheryl Kugler, Claremont resident, said.
“The last composition was very lovely,” Jacek Kugler, political science professor at Claremont Graduate University, said.
“It was very moving to see a husband and wife couple playing together,” said Robert Zappulla, chair of the music department at CGU.
After the concert Kristen Caliendo’s parents and friends went up to congratulate her on a great performance, handing her bouquets of flowers.
“I would like to thank my parents who have been at every one of my performances, rain or shine,” she said at the end of the concert.
The concert was promptly followed by a small wine and cheese reception in Mudd Theater.
“It was great to see the premiere of his Norwegian sonata,” Zappulla said. “I hope concerts like these gain momentum.”
Genesis Miranda can be reached at genesis.miranda@laverne.edu.
