‘Classical Jazz’ at the Wilshire Ebell

Composer and guitarist Christopher Caliendo, along with special guests including jazz French hornist Richard Todd, clarinetist Gary Gray, accordion player Frank Marocco, pianist Delores Stevens and members of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, will perform an evening of “Classical Jazz” tonight at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre.

Caliendo, who has been asked by the Vatican for the second year in a row to conduct a new orchestral piece for its annual Festival of Contemporary Sacred Music in Rome, will use tonight’s concert as a fund-raising event to support the completion of his new work and his travels to Italy in September. Caliendo, 32, is the youngest and only American to be invited to conduct at the festival.

Tonight’s program includes four compositions: “The Classical Jazz Quartet” for clarinet, violin, cello and piano; “In Memories” for cello and piano; “The Classical Jazz Trio” for violin, guitar and double bass,” and “The Classical Jazz Suite No. 1” for French horn, accordion, guitar and strings.

The program will also feature contemporary poetry readings by actor Ron Perlman, and appearances by actress Linda Hamilton.

Tickets are $15-$30.