On Sunday, October 6, 2024, the Peoria Center for Performing Arts will host a special event that promises to be a highlight in Arizona’s musical landscape—CAFE Odyssey: A Musical Adventure, featuring a performance by the talented CAFE Flutes ensemble and a live appearance by renowned composer Christopher Caliendo. He will conduct his special composition, “Happy Anniversary,” a lively and whimsical tribute to the ensemble’s 10th anniversary.
The Rebirth of CAFE Flutes
To understand the significance of this concert, it’s important to look at the history of CAFE Flutes. The group, under the visionary leadership of Leslie Etzel, was revitalized in 2014. Initially formed in a previous iteration that disbanded in 2012, the ensemble returned with a fresh focus and an ambitious goal—to showcase the finest blend of flute choir music in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Leslie’s passion and discernment led her to assemble seven expert flutists who meshed beautifully musically and connected on a personal level. Today, four of the original seven members continue to play with the group, making it a tight-knit yet dynamic ensemble that has consistently enriched the community. Their commitment to bringing high-quality music to the Arizona community has grown steadily over the past decade, culminating in the ensemble becoming a 501c3 nonprofit organization in 2021.
A Special Gift from Christopher Caliendo
Christopher Caliendo
CAFE’s tenth anniversary has brought the ensemble recognition from local supporters and a surprise gift from the internationally celebrated composer Christopher Caliendo. This connection between Caliendo and CAFE Flutes has been nothing short of serendipitous.
Caliendo, whose impressive career spans over three decades, is known for his ability to blend various musical genres, from jazz to classical, tango to gypsy music, creating a distinctive sound. In addition to his innovative compositions, he has a rich history of conducting and composing for major projects, including work with Hollywood giants like Henry Mancini and commissions from the Vatican.
As a gift to celebrate the ensemble’s ten-year journey, Caliendo composed “Happy Anniversary”—a playful, dramatic piece based on Rossini’s William Tell Overture, infused with Caliendo’s own unique flair. The composition highlights peppy melodic variations and unexpected twists, a piece that both honors the original and surprises audiences with its fresh, energetic take. Premiered at CAFE’s July 26 concert at Friendship Village in Tempe, “Happy Anniversary” was conducted by Caliendo himself, marking the tenth time CAFE had performed at Friendship Village.
Composer/Arranger Christopher Caliendo conducting his “Happy Anniversary” dedicated to CAFE Flutes’s 10th Anniversary
Before conducting his piece, Caliendo spoke to the audience about the importance of this milestone. His words reflected both the admiration he holds for CAFE Flutes and the significance of their long-standing contributions to Arizona’s musical community. “CAFE’s tenth anniversary is important,” he remarked. “It offers an opportunity to reflect on their memories, their journey, and their achievements as a performing organization. I like to subtitle this arrangement, ‘CAFE’s Jubilant Ride,’ because it encapsulates their energy, excitement, and dedication to their craft.”
The score itself has a personal touch—its cover features Leslie Etzel and is dedicated to CAFE Flutes for their decade-long commitment to serving the community through music. The score is available for purchase through Caliendo World Music Publishing, further spreading the ensemble’s musical impact.
Christopher Caliendo: A Composer for All Seasons
cover of “Happy Anniversary”
Christopher Caliendo’s appearance at the CAFE Odyssey: A Musical Adventure concert adds even more prestige to an already exciting event. His illustrious career has made him one of the most versatile composers of our time, blending musical genres while maintaining a deep respect for both popular and classical traditions. His experiences working with figures like Henry Mancini and composing for films, sacred music, and concert halls around the world have given him a unique perspective that appeals to a wide range of audiences.
Born in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York, to Italian immigrants, Caliendo’s musical journey began with formal training that took him to prestigious institutions like UCLA and the New England Conservatory of Music. A pivotal moment in his early career was winning the Henry Mancini Film Scholarship, which eventually led him to Los Angeles, where he worked on iconic television shows like “Dallas” and “Knott’s Landing.” His accomplishments range from being the first American composer commissioned by the Vatican to score sacred music, to being honored with a decorative scroll from the city of Los Angeles for his contributions to the arts.
Today, Caliendo is the CEO of Caliendo World Music Publishing, celebrating 25 years of success. His compositions, including those for flute and guitar, are known for their technical complexity, emotional depth, and cultural richness. His ability to fuse styles such as tango, gypsy music, and jazz has made him a favorite among musicians and audiences alike.
Looking Ahead: A Jubilant Future for CAFE Flutes
CAFE Odyssey flyer
The upcoming CAFE Odyssey: A Musical Adventure concert marks a continuation of CAFE Flutes’ inspiring journey. Over the past decade, the ensemble has been a beacon of musical excellence and community engagement, and with Christopher Caliendo’s enthusiastic support, their future looks even brighter.
The concert will not only feature the Arizona premiere of “Happy Anniversary” but also other pieces that highlight the group’s versatility and artistic range. For CAFE, this concert serves as both a celebration and a springboard for their next decade of music-making, promising new collaborations, commissions, and performances that will continue to enrich Arizona’s cultural landscape. As Caliendo remarked, this is truly CAFE’s Jubilant Ride and the best is yet to come.
Peoria Center for Performing Arts
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About CAFE Flutes
CAFE enriches, enlightens, and inspires Central Arizona residents by presenting interactive concerts and educational programs that showcase the flute family’s diverse instruments.
The 7-member group offers interactive concert programs that feature various musical styles: show tunes, patriotic, folk, oldies, pop, and classical. They demonstrate all their instruments, including the 10-foot-long contrabass flute, and introduce each piece with interesting tidbits about the music and composer.
The flutists take it a step further during the concert by passing around demonstration flutes and piccolos, allowing the audience to experience the instruments firsthand.
Since 2014, they have performed over 250 concerts, including Desert Botanical Garden, Mesa Art Center, senior communities libraries, art galleries, Tempe History Museum, Arizona Broadway Theatre, and Peoria Center for Performing Arts.
With a music library of over 150 pieces, CAFE Flutes can customize their concert to fit the occasion. Themed programs include a selection of Patriotic, St. Patrick’s Day, Summer, Show Tunes, Singalong, Mother’s Day, and Winter Holiday melodies.
Are you looking for a fun, educational experience? “Fascinating Flutes” is a 2-person demonstration of flutes worldwide through live performance, storytelling, videos, photos, and sound clips. Diverse flutes are sent around the room for listeners to examine up close in this 1-hour presentation.
Music creates community while activating memories, movement, and emotions all at the same time! Research confirms that listening to live music, especially with others, enhances overall health. CAFE harnesses the power of music to connect people in our community.
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