David Bowden
Former Columbus Indiana Philharmonic Artistic Director David Bowden, who has directed the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra since 1997, has announced his retirement as artistic director in Terre Haute effective next year.
And he will be replaced by Roger Kalia, the former music director of the mostly volunteer Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Kalia’s latest musical visit to Columbus came in May when he guest conducted the local Philharmonic at its annual SALUTE! concert for veterans. He is the only conductor to have led both local ensembles in concert.
Bowden’s retirement will be June 30, 2025, completing 28 years of service to the Terre Haute community. He served as the leader of the local Philharmonic from its inception in 1987 to 2022 — a 35-year span that is a rarity in today’s orchestral world.
That Columbus tenure was filled with national programming awards, guest conducting worldwide, plus leading national workshops. Plus, he built an orchestra from scratch on a small budget and gradually nurtured it into the national spotlight with performances on programs such as NPR’s Pipedreams.
“It has been my great pleasure to share the joy and power of music with so many people in Terre Haute and the greater Wabash Valley community,” Bowden said. “I am especially excited about the future of the THSO because of the transitional process to a new conductor that has been implemented by our board of directors.“
The Terre Haute Symphony Association Board of Directors has appointed as artistic director-designate. He will begin his tenure as artistic director on July 1, 2025.
“Dr. Kalia was David’s first choice for a substitute conductor when David had a family conflict arise in November 2022,” said Barbara Hagerman, board president. “Dr. Kalia stepped in and made an immediate connection with the musicians and audience with his musicality and natural charisma.
“Following David’s recent decision to retire, the board discussed Kalia’s potential appointment with the musicians. Following their input and further discussion, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Roger Kalia artistic director-designate.”
“In Dr. Kalia, we have the great privilege of securing an inspiring and exciting conductor, a superb community engagement advocate, and simply a great human being to assume the artistic director role for our 2025-2026 season and lead us into the future.”
A native of New York State, Kalia holds degrees from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, the University of Houston, and SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music. Kalia is currently the music director of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphony New Hampshire, and Orchestra Santa Monica.
He is also Co-Founder and Music Director of the Lake George Music Festival in upstate New York. Roger has guest conducted many orchestras across the United States, including the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, Chicago Sinfonietta, Louisiana Philharmonic, Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, and the Long Beach Symphony among many others.
Kalia is married to musicologist/violinist Christine Wisch.
“I had a great experience with the THSO when I stepped in to conduct a concert with the orchestra in November 2022,” Kalia said. “As artistic director-designate, I am excited to work with the musicians and board of directors to lead this orchestra into a new chapter while continuing the tradition of excellence established by David Bowden.”
To honor Bowden, the Terre Haute orchestra leaders will designate him as the ensemble’s Conductor Laureate and Principal Guest Conductor upon his retirement.
