Alex Francesco Caldiero

Alex Caldiero, the Sicilian-born American poet, polyartist, and sonosopher, passed away on February 9, 2026, at the age of 76, following a heart attack. Caldiero was a distinctive voice in the avant-garde arts, known for his innovative approach to language, sound, and performance. His passing marks the end of a prolific career that spanned decades, leaving behind a rich legacy of artistic exploration and cultural preservation.

Born Alissandru Francesco Caldiero in Licodia Eubea, Sicily, in 1949, he immigrated to the United States at the age of nine, settling in Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York. His early artistic development was shaped by apprenticeships with sculptor Michael Lekakis and poet-bard Ignazio Buttitta, and he attended Queens College. These formative years instilled in him a deep appreciation for both his Sicilian heritage and experimental artistic practices.

Caldiero was a true polyartist, coining the term "sonosophy" to describe his unique blend of poetry, sound, and philosophy. His work often transcended traditional artistic boundaries, appearing as language, pictures, music, and immersive performances. He was also a passionate advocate for his cultural roots, co-founding Arba Sicula, a society dedicated to the preservation of the Sicilian language and traditions.

In 1980, Caldiero moved to Utah, where he resided for the remainder of his life and became a senior artist in residence at Utah Valley University. His contributions to the arts were widely recognized, earning him a National Endowment for the Arts grant, the Utah Performing Arts Tour award, the Best Poetry Award from the Association for Mormon Letters, and the Salt Lake City Mayor's Award for Literature. He was also featured in "A Dictionary of the Avant-Gardes."

Throughout his career, Caldiero collaborated with various artists and was the subject of the 2010 documentary "The Sonosopher: Alex Caldiero…in Life, in Sound." His album "Sound Weave," created with Theta Naught, further showcased his innovative integration of word and music. Alex Caldiero's profound impact on the literary and performance art worlds, particularly in Utah, will be remembered and celebrated by those who experienced his unique vision.