In Memoriam: Jorge Calandrelli
(31 Dec 1939 – 4 May 2026)

Dear ASMAC Family,

I am at a loss for words learning that my wonderful friend, the extraordinary arranger and composer, Jorge Calandrelli, passed away on May 4th. His presence, dignity, gentleness, respect for others, was second to none! Jorge’s musical sense was perfect. What a gift to have been his harpist throughout the years and have the joy of playing his glorious arrangements for so many artists. Our music world has lost one of the all-time “greats” in our industry.

Jorge, thank you for the gift of you and for all the beauty you have given to us. I am so grateful that ASMAC had the joy of honoring you with our Golden Score Award. I will miss you, dear friend.

Sending my deepest condolences to his beautiful, loving wife Marcia Hatcher Calandrelli.

My hugs to all of you,
Gayle Levant, ASMAC President

1. Watch the 8-minute medley of Jorge Calandrelli arrangements, first shown at the 2014 ASMAC Golden Score Awards.
2. Watch the 2-part Masterclass with Jorge Calandrelli, Ballads to Bossa: Arranging Across Different Styles from 30 April 2016.
   • Part 1 and Part 2. ASMAC members have access.
   • Write-up with photos from the 30 April 2016 Masterclass.
3. Here are some of the articles from Argentina about Jorge’s passing:
   • Infobae: Murió Jorge Calandrelli, el músico argentino que brilló junto a Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga y Elton John y ganó 6 premios Grammy
   • La Secretaría de Cultura, Argentina: Falleció Jorge Calandrelli, referente mundial de la música argentina, La Secretaría de Cultura despide al destacado compositor y músico.
   • La Nacion: Murió Jorge Calandrelli, el compositor y arreglador argentino radicado en Estados Unidos y ganador de 6 Premios Grammy
   • El Argentino: Jorge Calandrelli y el arte de la excelencia: el adiós al gran director que conquistó Hollywood

Jorge Calandrelli receiving the 2014 ASMAC Golden Score Award.

John Altman, Jorge Calandrelli, Johnny Mandel, Jimmy Haskell — ASMAC 75th Anniversary

Ira Hearshen, Tim Simonec, Larry Blank, Jorge Calandrelli, John Altman — ASMAC 75th Anniversary

Jorge Calandrelli — ASMAC Masterclass — Ballds to Bossa: Arranging Across Different Styles, 30 April 2016