Randy Calistri-Yeh: Solo Cellist
Book a concert or request more information here.
I typically provide a one-hour performance, but I can adjust between 45 and 90 minutes to fit your needs. I play solo cello music with a fun mix of many styles of music. I also tell interesting stories and background anecdotes about each piece of music. I am available for both daytime and evening performances, and I can work with you to find a good fit for your calendar and budget. My programs are very popular with people of all ages and backgrounds. Audiences love the diversity of the program, and they often tell me how much they enjoyed the stories about the music. One of the most frequent questions I get is "when can you come back and play again?".
Solo Cello Concerts
My "Cello Sampler" concert is my original unique concert approach, and still the most popular choice. This isn't your typical cello recital. Yes, there's always classical music on the program. But Bach, Debussy, and Tchaikovsky might be joined by Scott Joplin, Glenn Miller, and the Beatles. Irish ballads might pair up with a Sousa march. A Broadway show tune might be followed by a Bulgarian folk dance. I often use a microphone looper to play duets with myself, including all 4 parts of Pachelbel's Canon live on one cello. And I'll give you the inside scoop on all the music with fascinating stories and little-known facts. It's a different combination every time, and there's always something for everyone. I can also make a "custom blend", pulling specific pieces from the other programs listed below.In addition to these "sampler" concerts, I also offer special theme-specific recitals. They follow a similar style: a one-hour performance of solo cello music (mostly arranged by myself) and stories about each composition. The difference is that each concert focuses on a single topic, with the music and the stories connecting to provide an overall historical and cultural overview of that topic. These themed concerts are both entertaining and educational. It is also possible to mix-and-match from different programs.
- Around the World with a Cello: Music of Argentina, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, France, Hungary, Bulgaria, Russia, and China. [also available as a violin-cello duet concert]
- Bach for the Cello: Bach cello suites #1 and 2, plus some other Bach music that you would never expect.
- Baroque Cello: Bach cello suites, all 4 parts of Pachelbel's Canon played simultaneously on one cello, and baroque music depicting a particularly gruesome surgical procedure.
- Cello Sampler: see above.
- Classical Comparisons: Music by Bach, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, and Debussy. I explain the different periods of classical music and show how the same composer can take very different approaches in his music. Some of this music is originally for the cello, some is for the cello's little-known mutant offspring, and some is for full orchestra.
- Dance! : 250 years of dance music from Europe, South America, and the United States. Stately gavottes, passionate tangos, and everything in between! [also available as a violin-cello duet concert]
- Fun with a Looping Cello: How can one cello play an entire quartet? Explanations, demonstrations, and great music using an acoustic cello and a microphone looper to play duets (and more) with myself. Includes classical, Broadway, Beatles, Tangos, and more.
- Irish Cello Music: Traditional Irish folk tunes and Irish-American songs. You don't have to wait for St. Patrick's Day to enjoy some great Irish music!
- Music of the Big Apple: Cello arrangements of music relating to New York City. Songs by Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Antonin Dvorak, Billy Joel, and plenty of Broadway hits.
- Patriotic Music for Cello: Sousa marches, official and unofficial national anthems, Armed Forces marches, and more. Perfect for Memorial Day, July 4, or Veterans Day.
- Romantic Cello: Not love songs, but music from the Romantic period. Debussy, Faure, Tchaikovsky, and more. [But if you do want love songs, see the "Amore" duet concert below]
- Stage and Screen: Special cello arrangements of songs from Broadway, opera, and movies. [also available as a violin-cello duet concert]
- Songs of War: Special arrangements of music associated with military conflicts from the Revolutionary War to 9/11. Stories describe the various ways that music has been used in wartime and connect each song to its historic context.
- Winter Celebration: Songs and Stories of the Season: Favorite Christmas and Hanukkah songs, selections from Handel’s “Messiah” and Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker”, and music for the winter solstice. [also available as a violin-cello duet concert]
Violin / Cello Duet Concerts
- Amore: Classical and Contemporary Songs of Love: We explore musical ideas of love over the past 400 years (roughly 1580-1980). In addition to our usual violin/cello duets from classical and Broadway, we will also play some Renaissance love songs with a viola d'amore, and we will have at least one passionate tango.
- Around the World in 60 Minutes: Classical and traditional music spanning six continents (sorry Antarctica). [also available as a solo cello concert]
- Dance! : Classical, traditional, and folk dance music from different styles and different cultures spanning 4 continents and 500 years. [also available as a solo cello concert]
- Music of Eastern Europe: Classical music and lively folk dances from Hungary, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Russia.
- Sampler Platter: See above. [also available as a solo cello version]
- Stage and Screen: Special duet arrangements of songs from Broadway, opera, and movies. [also available as a solo cello version]
- Winter Celebration: Songs and Stories of the Season: Favorite Christmas and Hanukkah songs, selections from Handel’s “Messiah” and Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker”, and music for the winter solstice. [also available as a solo cello concert]
Book a concert today!