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. “
Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra
Tilson Auditorium
Plucked: Mandolin Journeys from Bluegrass to Brahms
Michael Abels, Delights & Dances
Shay, Fischer, Goodwin/arr. Powers, When You’re Smiling
Trad/arr. Powers, Turkey in the Straw
Earl Scruggs/arr. Powers, Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Rafael Hernandez Marin/arr. Powers, El Cumbanchero
Brahms, Symphony No. 2
Solly Burton, mandolin
Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra
Victory Theatre
Classics Series: Classical Jukebox
Mozart, I. Molto allegro from Symphony No. 40
Haydn, II. Andante from Symphony No. 94, “Surprise”
Brahms, III. Poco allegretto from Symphony No. 3
Beethoven, IV. Allegro from Symphony No. 5
Verdi, Overture to Nabucco (joined by former EP Principal musicians)
Handel, “La Rejouissance” and “Minuets I & II” from Royal Fireworks Music
Barber, Adagio for Strings
John Williams, “The Jedi Steps and Finale” from Star Wars: The Force Awakens
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.”
