Roger Kalia Renewal Contract with Pacific Symphony Press Release

Pacific Symphony has extended the contract of its assistant conductor, Roger Kalia, for two additional years, providing for him to continue in his current role through June 2019. It's been two years since the Symphony first announced Kalia as its second in command (under Music Director Carl St.Clair), with his position beginning at the start of the 2015-16 season. In addition to assisting St.Clair with conducting duties, Kalia has played-and will continue to play-a vital role in the Symphony's education initiatives. These include programming and conducting the Farmers & Merchants Bank Family Musical Mornings series, which introduces children ages 5-11 (and beyond) to the exciting world of orchestral music through engaging and educational concerts.

Kalia will also continue in his role as music director of Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra (PSYO), a premier training orchestra for instrumentalists in grades 9-12. Additionally, Kalia's duties include welcoming more than 12,000 elementary school children to the concert hall at the end of each of the next two school years for the Class Act Youth Concerts.

"I am absolutely thrilled to continue my work as assistant conductor with Pacific Symphony for the next two years," says Kalia. "Working with Maestro St.Clair, the staff and the wonderful musicians has been inspiring and memorable. I have already had the privilege of meeting and working with incredible people across Orange County, and I'm looking forward to being part of the many exciting future concerts and projects. Just having this opportunity is extraordinary-and a big deal! I am so grateful for being part of this very special organization."

"Roger has made a tremendous musical contribution to Pacific Symphony," says Maestro St.Clair. "In very short order, he gained the respect of the musicians and also the staff with whom he works so very closely. Offering Roger a two-year extension will give all of us some important stability for the near future. He is most deserving!"

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