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. “
Lake George Music Festival Orchestra
The Carriage House
"Grand Finale"
Anna Clyne | Restless Oceans
Saint-Saëns | Piano Concerto No. 2
Kilar | Orawa
Beethoven | Symphony No. 4
Maxim Lando, piano
Redlands Bowl Festival Orchestra
Redlands Bowl
Grand Finals of the Redlands Bowl Young Artists Concerto Competition
featuring Thomas Hooten
Ravel | Tzigane - Natalie Xu, violin
Tchaikovsky | Violin Concerto (1st movement) - Aaron Liu, violin
Khachaturian | Violin Concerto (1st movement) - Isabela Diaz, violin
Elgar | Cello Concerto (4th movement) - Ninah Chan, cello
Rossini | "Una voce poca fa from The Barber of Seville - Estefani Lopez, mezzo-soprano
Chapi | “Carceleras” from Las Hijas del Zebedeo - Estefani Lopez, mezzo-soprano
Collaboration with Thomas Hooten, trumpet (guest artist):
John Williams | "With Malice Toward None" from Lincoln
Haydn | Trumpet Concerto
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.”
