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
The Roaring Holidays
Coleridge-Taylor, Christmas Overture
arr. Farnon, Winter Wonderland
arr. Powers, The Christmas Waltz
Shugar, Hannukah Overture for Clarinet and Orchestra
arr. Powers, At the Christmas Ball
arr. Hemmer, Jingle Bells
Duke Ellington, The Nutcracker Suite (After Tchaikovsky)
arr. Stephenson, Holiday Sing-Along
Gershwin, By Strauss
arr. Powers, Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Leroy Anderson, Sleigh Ride
Arr. Powers, I Wonder as I Wander
arr. Custer, O Holy Night
Leroy Anderson, A Christmas Festival
Caroline Goodwin, vocalist
Lane Harden, vocalist
Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra
Victory Theatre
Pops Series: Peppermint Pops
arr. Jackfert, I Saw Three Ships
Barbara Streisand, Jingle Bells
John Debney, Theme from Elf
Trad, Mary Did You Know?
arr. Forrest, The First Noel
Celine Dion, O Holy Night
arr. Sheehan, Evansville at Christmas
Hayman, Here We Come A-Caroling
Memley, O Magnum Mysterium
Eder, Here Comes Santa Claus/Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Leroy Anderson, Sleigh Ride
Starr, Theme Man with the Bag
Howard Blake, Walking in the Air
Avalon, Jesus Born on this Day
arr. Goeller, A Christmas Sing-Along
arr. Bass, We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Rachel Potter, vocalist
Evansville Philharmonic Chorus
Evansville Children’s Choir
North High School Huskettes
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.”
