July 2, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Music Director Roger Kalia Renews Contract With Orchestra Santa Monica for Another Three Years

“I am grateful and honored to continue and deepen my relationship with Orchestra Santa Monica for the next three years,” Kalia says

By Staff Writer

Orchestra Santa Monica’s Roger Kalia has renewed his contract with the organization for another three years.

“I am grateful and honored to continue and deepen my relationship with Orchestra Santa Monica for the next three years. Santa Monica is a city that is filled with dedicated audiences who are passionate supporters of the orchestra. I am immensely proud to be part of the OSM family, and I am looking forward to making music with our wonderful musicians in the years to come. It is a true privilege to work with our musicians, staff, and board, and I am particularly excited about our upcoming ten-year anniversary season,” Kalia said. 

Joining the organization in 2018, Roger Kalia has brought tremendous energy and new ideas to Orchestra Santa Monica (OSM). In addition to adventurous concert programming (e.g., Beethoven & Broadway, MindTravel & Beyond), Kalia has introduced activities such as Symphony Happy Hours at local restaurants/bars and readily pivoted during the pandemic to present virtual programs such as Classical Music Watch Parties, a presentation on the art of conducting, and interviews with musicians and community members. Under Kalia’s guidance, OSM commissioned new music by Derrick Skye, had its first ever studio recording in 2021, and in spring 2022 had its official on-line release of the film We Gather: Black Life in Santa Monica told through Music, Visuals, and Narrative.

“Roger has a very creative vision for each performance and delivers it in the most outstanding way”, said OSM board member Ali Mogharei. And according to board member Maggie Kharrazi, “Roger is such a joy to work with. He is magic on stage and is very much loved and respected by OSM musicians, board and staff members.”

For more information on OSM and Roger Kalia, visit OrchestraSantaMonica.org

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