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. “
Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra
Victory Theatre
Young People's Concerts: "Musical Passport"
John Williams| The Cowboys Overture
Michael Giacchino| Music from Coco
Ravel| "Laideronnette" from Mother Goose Suite
Ludwig Goransson| Black Panther
J. Strauss| Radetzky March
Reena Esmail | Ram Tori Maya
Falla | Ritual Fire Dance
Lin Manuel Miranda | Moana
Mussorgsky/Ravel | "Great Gate of Kiev" from Pictures at an Exhibition
Kensington Eck, narrator
Emily Durcholz, actor
Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra
Victory Theatre
Pops Series: “Bollywood and Beyond: A Symphonic Celebration of India"
A celebration of Indian culture via a history-spanning symphonic performance of Bollywood songs reimagined in their first-ever arrangements for Western instruments.
Anuradha Palakurthi, vocals
Anish Pandit, vocals
Bollywood Dancers
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.”
