Search - Christopher Caliendo :: Chamber Jazz

"Chamber Jazz" an original style of music composed by Christopher Caliendo was created to unite the elegance and sophistication of European chamber music with the rhythmic excitement of American Jazz. The seven piece stellar ensemble utilizes flute, clarinet, two violins, cello, double bass and guitar. Their mastery of classical music enables them to enjoy the challenge of the dynamic influences that have shaped "Chamber Jazz." Band Members: Christopher Caliendo/Guitarist, Composer Born in Queens, New York City, Christopher started playing jazz guitar professionally at the age of 9 with the Mike Morris Quintet. At 16 he developed his first quartet "The Enchanted Pilgrimage" which performed his original jazz fusion compositions through out the New York and Long Island area. A chance discovery by legendary drummer Charles Moffit led to performances with his group and first record recordings on the CAT label. After completing his Masters degree in classical composition Mr. Caliendo chose to concentrate his artistic time on the development of original works, both orchestral and chamber that combine classical and jazz influences. His latest recording, "Torbellino", combines the classics, jazz and pop idioms all within the tango. Sheridon Stokes/Flutist Mr. Stokes has pursued an active career as a Soloist, Professor (UCLA 1972-present), Clinician, Author ("Illustrated Method for Flute", endorsed by Rampal), Composer, and Hollywood Studio Musician (performing in hundreds of movies, TV and record sessions including 9 that won an Oscar for best score). In 1993 he won the coveted MVP Emeritus Award in flute from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Mr. Stokes currently divides his time between his home at Bodega Bay in Northern California, recording commitments in Los Angeles and various solo appearances and master classes. Rachel Robinson/1st Violinist is currently Assistant Concertmaster of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. She has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra , Long Beach Symphony, Opera Pacific, Los Angeles Opera and the Capistrano Symphony. Before moving to California, Ms. Robinson studied with William Steck, Concertmaster of the National Symphony at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. As an active studio musician, Ms. Robinson has recorded music for motion pictures, television and records. Jean Hugo/2nd Violin Jean Hugo was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she attended the University of Utah on full scholarship. She has studied with Eudice Shapiro and Peter Marsh. Ms. Hugo has been soloist with the Utah Symphony, The Seal Beach Festival Orchestra. She has also recorded with Brazilian jazz artist, Moacio Santos. Ms. Hugo is currently playing for the Los Angeles production of Miss Saigon. She works extensively in the motion picture and television industries along with phonograph recordings. Sebastian Toettcher/Cellist In 1971 Mr. Toettcher came to the U.S. from Berlin, Germany on a grant to continue his studies in cello performance. He was awarded the Performers Certificate from Indiana University and also received the Hammer/Rostropovich Award at USC. He has been assistant principal cellist with the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra and has given recitals in the U.S. and Europe. Mr. Toettcher has recorded extensively for German radio and on the Bay Cities label. He is currently teaching at Loyola Marymount University and works as a recording artist for the motion picture industry. Amanda Walker/Clarinet has performed extensively as a soloist both in the Los Angles area and England. She is currently a freelance player and has performed with various groups including the Los Angeles Opera Company, Pacific Symphony and a the Santa Barbara Symphony. Ms. Walker has appeared on various Chamber Music Series including Bach Camerata and the Henry J. Bruman Summer Chamber Music Series. Her recent studio recordings can be heard on such movies as City Slickers II and Blown Away. David Young/Double Bassist is currently principal bassist with the Long Beach Symphony, Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra, the Japan America Symphony Orchestra, Long Beach Opera and the Opera Orchestra of Los Angeles and active in the recording studios. He avidly teaches bass at the Colburn School for Performing Arts and is an adjunct teacher at USC. Impassioned to bring the joy of music to children, Mr. Young continues to produce videos about music for children and narrates concerts for children in effort to improve their understanding of music and the arts.