The arts are a specialty in Lakewood, which is no less evident in the performance and presentation of English classical music at the Lakewood Public Library on March 8.
“Bringing out local music and artist performances enriches the community,” audience member Demian Steele said. “It lets the community see the diversity within it. It’s a great time to come out. Have fun, relax, enjoy.”
The concert was performed by flutist Katherine Calvey, who was accompanied by a backing track of period instruments. A simple setup that delved into the history and composition of the music being performed.
Calvey began playing the flute at age 12 and traveled the world, performing concerts across Europe with the American Waterways Wind Orchestra. Having grown up in Fairview Park, Calvey told her story of how she traveled the world.
“I have one called ‘How the Flute Will Travel,’” Calvey said. “And I tell my story of how I started in Fairview Park, Ohio, and then traveled around the world performing.”
The music performed mainly consisted of compositions by English composers of the 16th and 18th centuries. The music was accompanied by informational slides that described the history of the pieces and the history uncovered during Calvey’s recent trip to England.
The performance was not just a concert but also a lecture and exhibition of British history during this era. Throughout the event, they discussed the history of the compositions, dance, architecture, and other social aspects of British history.
Calvey put a lot of effort into this concert, drawing on her travel experience in London to showcase the country’s rich arts history.
“It was night-and-day research. I stayed up pulling all-nighters, researching everything,” Calvey said. “I also researched how to say things in Old English for that period.”
Prior to the event, librarian Gabby Murray helped set up and coordinate lights, audio, and the slideshow. They helped make this event the best it could be before it began.
“I stayed for almost two hours after my shift, trying to figure it out, workshop it, and do what we needed to do,” Murray said.
The presentation lasted about an hour and included performances and slides, beginning promptly at 2 p.m.
Calvey began her performance with a collection of 18th-century songs. She performed pieces from the Baroque court of Louis XIV. Notable pieces included a Gavotte by François Joseph-Gossec and a Minuet.
“I need to understand that I can introduce real, true classical music,” Calvey said. “Music that makes people want to become involved—like when you’re listening, you want to participate.”
Calvey did an outstanding job entertaining the audience by involving them continuously. During Baroque pieces, she brought audience members on stage and gave quick lessons on how courts of the era would have danced.
“Bringing history with participation and movement—hoping to keep them entertained with videos and photos in the background,” said Calvey.
After the show concluded, the audience was left to mingle as the lights turned on and people began to trickle out.
A show like this represents not just Cleveland’s different and unique subcultures but also Lakewood’s artistry and cultural diversity. Few neighborhoods in the state would consider hosting such a niche event.
Events many would call strange show the extra steps our community takes to support local artists, making Lakewood a special place to live.
Calvey performed multiple shows at libraries in and around Cleveland. In the coming weeks, performances will be held in Lorain, North Ridgeville, and Sheffield Lake on March 14, 15, and 16, respectively. Calvey will also perform an age 55+ show at the Westlake Senior Center on March 17.
“So, it’s awesome,” Murray said, “because it’s always different and keeps me on my toes—I never know what I’m going to do. That’s exciting.”
