Sangeeta Kaur, Richard Carpenter Honored in Long Beach

“Her list of credits since that time is incredible,” said Talberg. “She has produced five albums, performed on world tours, and has original works that range from contemporary songs in multiple genres to full operas,” he added.

“It’s been a joy to watch her career blossom and to see her transition from a driven, hardworking, talented, extremely kind, and very respectful college student to a performer of the first order,” the Choral Director said. 

In addition, Talberg said Kaur has produced her own PBS special and collaborated with legendary musicians like Jon Anderson, Ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro, and Stewart Copeland of the Police. 

Kaur, a 2006 graduate, also thanked her professors for giving her the inspiration to succeed. 

“It is a very rare occasion for an Arts Dean to meet one of his longtime heroes,” said Smith, “but I feel honored and privileged to do that tonight.”

“I had my first taste of their musical magic as a young boy with my 45-rpm record,” he said.  

Smith said he could never forget the lyrics of the Carpenters hit, ‘Close to You, which embraced a sense of “kindness and compassion” that a world coming out of immense conflict needed more than ever.” 

“Their work contributed to the collaborative environment that was, and continues to be, a hallmark of the College of the Arts,” the Arts Dean said.

“Dr. Carpenter embodies the frontline musicianship and behind-the-scenes support,” said Smith, through production, arranging, and composition that has elevated the musical careers and accomplishments of others in equal measure.” 

Carpenter’s career accomplishments include 14 studio albums, two live albums, 16 compilation albums with the Carpenters, and three solo albums, one of which included contributions from Dusty Springfield, Dionne Warwick, Scott Grimes,” said Smith.  

“His time and treasure have contributed to this amazing facility that we are in this evening,” he said. Overall, Carpenter is credited with over 100 million records sold worldwide. 

“Dr. Carpenter’s support of the students and professional excellence, make him a most worthy recipient of our inaugural College of the Arts Award for Exceptional Achievement in the Arts,” said Smith.

 Carpenter applauded the advances in technology and music skills in recent years.

“Music has changed so much for the better since I was a music major,” said Carpenter, standing at a podium in the Performing Arts Center that today bears his name and that of his late sister Karen. 

 “Not only the variety has changed,” said Carpenter, “but so has the musicianship of all the groups that my wife Mary and I have had the pleasure to listen to on this magnificent night.” 

“I just want to say thank you to everyone involved. I never thought I deserved this, but it is very nice,” he said, clutching the bronze medal now hanging around his neck.

As a special tribute to the Carpenters, students from the Conservatory’s music program performed a special arrangement of the Carpenter’s hit, “Rainy Days and Mondays.”                

After the ceremony, Carpenter wistfully stood for quite a while near the “silver flake” drum set bearing Karen Carpenter’s name which is permanently encased in glass in the building’s lobby.