Fairview-born flutist brings Latin American sounds to States
By Charles Cassady
Insights
Published Dec. 20, 2006

Flutist Katherine Calvey will be at the Rocky River Nature Center Saturday, Dec. 23.

Interesting reading may be found in the guest register at the Rocky River Nature Center in North Olmsted, in the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. In those pages, visitors from all over effusively praise the hiking trails, streams, gorges, barns and bridges outside, as well as the nature displays and programs inside.

Katherine Calvey, a resident of Chihuahua, Mexico, was not writing in the guest book when she said this, but she may as well have: “I was born and raised in Fairview Park, Ohio. In fact, I lived in the same home all my life until I went away for college and then onto my international professional career in music. I spent a lot of time in the Metroparks in the Fairview Park area. I can honestly say after traveling to some 20-plus countries, the Metroparks are a gem unlike any other place on Earth.”

This Saturday at 2 p.m., you can browse the Nature Center guest book for similar sentiments - and then go inside the auditorium to hear the well-traveled Katherine Calvey herself, in a special, free Christmas musical event. It’s one of a pair; she also performs in Cuyahoga County’s northeastern Metroparks on Friday, at the North Chagrin Nature Center at 7 p.m.

The University of Michigan graduate and Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory alumna is an award-winning maestra of the flute. In addition to teaching, she performs regularly with the Chihuahua Philharmonic Orchestra in Mexico, and has played both as a soloist and with the Acapulco Philharmonic Orchestra, the Monterrey Symphony Orchestra and the Mineria Symphony Orchestra in Mexico City.

“I still call Fairview ‘home’ and probably always will,” she said. “I remember the students of Parkview School were offered the opportunity to take music classes and play in the band. When I tested the instruments, I found the flute was the most difficult one from which to produce a sound. I think that made me determined to choose it. 

“My mother also thought the flute would be pretty. Perhaps she also thought it would be a lot easier to carry than a trombone too! Well, the person who came to deliver the flute to my home made me keep returning to the mirror until I got a sound out. I remember the thrill of running back and forth to the bathroom mirror and to the kitchen until I finally succeeded. I believe that was a key point in attracting me to the instrument. From then forward I got into the habit of practicing hours and hours to perfect the music. Then to perform that for someone, whether parents or a large audience, and have them appreciate those sounds, was all the more delightful.”

Her weekend concert at the Rocky River Nature Center will find Calvey joined by local guitarist Chris Ellicott, a member of the musical faculty at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood. Together, they will try to get the audience into the seasonal spirit.

“I will perform holiday music, the majority of which will be from my Christmas CD of flute and guitar, called ‘Silent Night.’  There will be traditional favorites - such as ‘Silent Night’ - for which audiences will be invited to sing along. There will be songs for children such as ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.’  I will also perform a few Latin American songs to bring a little south-of-the-border flavor into the concert.”

Those still gift-shopping should know that her recordings will be in stock; not only “Silent Night” but also “Flute Fantasia” and “Canyon Echo,” the latter consisting of “solo flute recorded live in Namurachi Canyon Mexico, with live natural sounds.” The CDs can also be purchased on Calvey’s website, http://kc.manifestwitness.com.

Katherine Calvey has been living for more than eight years in Mexico, and described a Latin American Noel. “Acapulco was certainly the warm beach climate. I remember stringing popcorn and making Christmas ornaments while sunbathing by the pool before Christmas. Christmas time here, though, in Chihuahua is unbelievably cold! Chihuahua is a desert region and therefore has extreme temperature changes. In the summer, 104 is a common temperature.

“Just a few nights ago it snowed, but nothing compared to Cleveland. Most homes or offices here do not have central heating - or, for that matter, insulation - so it gets quite cold. The warmth comes from the wonderful, fun-loving people here. The Christmas ‘fiestas’ are more commonly called “Posadas” with Mexican food, dancing and gifts.

“While my time in Mexico and Latin America has been eventful and successful, I truly hope 2007 will be a year of more performances back home in the USA for me. I plan to audition for some orchestras, college teaching positions and search for musical opportunities in the States. There is no place like home.”

One more question: what is the proper terminology, ‘flutist,’ or the rather more traditional `flautist?’

“I think most flutists call themselves ‘flutists,’ since it sounds more friendly and less self-important than ‘flautist.’ I play the ‘flute,’ in English. In Spanish it is “flauta” and Italian it is “flauto.” Here

in Mexico I am a “flautista.”  Nevertheless, when in the States, it’s fun to be presented as a “flautist.” Or better yet, ‘flautist extraordinaire.’

“Basically, I will answer to both, so my listeners can call me either one. I am just happy they are interested in the beautiful sounds of the flute.”

For more information and directions, call the Rocky River Nature Center at (440) 734-6660.