Roger Kalia
"Kalia led with passionate intensity and a clear beat…He’s one to watch”
About
Praised for bringing a “fresh view to classical music” (The Republic), Indian American conductor Roger Kalia is a versatile communicator who brings unique and unmistakable energy to the podium. Recently profiled by Symphony Magazine in recognition of his innovative programming, Kalia has been hailed as “leading with passionate intensity and a clear beat” as well as being “one to watch” (Long Beach Gazette).
WNIN PBS presents Any Road with Brick Briscoe: Roger Kalia
The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra picks a new director for the first time in over 30 years.
WNIN PBS presents Any Road with Brick Briscoe: Roger Kalia
The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra picks a new director for the first time in over 30 years.
“Roger Kalia…emerges to my ear as the festival’s secret weapon. His enthusiasm and positivism, at least from my vantage as an observer, is unbounded. His leadership, impressive. “
Orchestra Santa Monica
Eli and Edythe Broad Stage
Gomez & Brahms
Jason Anthony Gomez, TBA (World Premiere commissioned by OSM)
Vaughan-Williams, Oboe Concerto
Brahms, Symphony No. 1
Ryan Roberts, oboe
Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra
Victory Theatre
Pops Series: Halloween Spectacular
Lloyd-Weber, Phantom of the Opera Overture
Danny Elfman, “This is Halloween” from The Nightmare Before Christmas
Bernard Hermann, Suite from Psycho
Michael Jackson, Thriller
Kyle Dixon-Michael Stein, Stranger Things: Main Theme
Kate Bush, “Running Up That Hill” from Stranger Things
Saint-Saens, Danse Macabre (side-by-side with EPYO)
Mussorgsky, Night on Bald Mountain (side-by-side with EPYO)
Gounod, Funeral March of a Marionette
John Williams, “Hedwig’s Theme” from Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone
John Williams,. “Devil’s Dance” from The Witches of Eastwick
arr. McKenzie, I Put a Spell on You
Danny Elfman, Beetlejuice Main Theme
Bobby Pickett, Monster Mash
Humperdinck, “The Witch’s Ride” from Hansel and Gretel
Richard O’Brien, Time Warp
Evansville Philharmonic Chorus
Evansville Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
News & Press
Evansville Living
May the Score Be With You
Roger Kalia is a New York native, not-so-secret nerd, and Radiohead fan, and music lovers have seen traces of each in the programs he’s arranged as Evansville Philharmonic’s music director since 2020. Kalia and his musicologist wife, Christine Wisch, officially made Evansville their home in 2023 and welcomed their son, Adrian, in June 2025. Kalia has plugged into the community and celebrated the Philharmonic’s history — and is expanding its horizons.
"Beethoven’s 'Seventh Symphony' heated up the entire second half of the program. Conducting without a score, Roger Kalia displayed both his love of the symphony and his careful attention to the symphony’s many musical challenges. And it was worth it…A thrilling performance of which Kalia and the orchestra should be proud.”
