July 18, 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

<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...