Orchestra Santa Monica

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OSM Mission and Background

OSM Mission and Background

Original OSM Founder, Allen Robert Gross [on far left], with Musicians (2013)

Background: Orchestra Santa Monica (OSM) was founded in 2012 by Dr. Allen Robert Gross who served as the orchestra’s Music Director for six years.  After his retirement in May 2018, Roger Kalia was selected as OSM’s new Music Director (about Roger Kalia).

Roger Kalia, OSM Music Director as of Summer 2018

OSM Mission: To build a strong community of classical music lovers of all ages and make a positive impact on the quality of people’s lives.  OSM creates and shares life-enriching experiences through accessible, educational, and inspirational live performances of classical music.

OSM Performances and Musicians: OSM performs several full orchestra concerts per season and a number of chamber music concerts in a variety of local venues.  It keeps its musical programming varied, presenting both standard repertoire and less-traditional works, and introducing culturally diverse composers and soloists as well as new and exciting contemporary pieces.  Categorized as an “urban orchestra”, OSM’s breakdown of musicians for a typical full orchestra performance is 44% professional hires (Union players), 28% non-Union hires (emerging professionals), and 28% auditioned volunteer players. (meet some of our OSM Musicians)

OSM Outreach Activities: In addition to our standard orchestra concerts, other OSM performances and activities take place at a variety of locations throughout Santa Monica and the Los Angeles area.  To learn about more about our outreach activities, please see OSM Outreach.

OSM Concert at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica

OSM frequently presents its full orchestra concerts at the Moss Theater (New Roads School at the Herb Alpert Educational Village). With the hall’s wonderful acoustics, thrust-designed stage, and intimate size, audience members can feel an especially close connection with the orchestra musicians during the performance. This picture is from our “Bohemian Rhapsodies” concert where we performed works by Kodály, Shostakovich, and Dvorak.

OSM Performs at Zipper Hall, Colburn School

In the summer, OSM accompanied piano soloists from the Steinway Academy in concerto works by Mozart and Chopin. These amazing young pianists have trained at some of the most prestigious piano schools in the world, including the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Middle School and the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music Middle School in China.

OSM Outdoor Performances

OSM musicians present free pop-up solo and small ensemble performances at Reed Park.

OSM Performs at The El Rey Theatre

The El Rey Theatre, located in the Miracle Mile district of Los Angeles, provided the perfect ambiance for the “MindTravel and Beyond” experience.  OSM performed works by Philip Glass, Wojciech Kilar, and Murray Hidary.  Photo courtesy of MindTravel.

OSM Outreach to the Community

The OSM Piano Trio performing a free community outreach program at the Santa Monica Public Library Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium.  The trio played works by Dvorak, Mozart, and Piazzolla.

OSM Social Events

Pre-Concert “Symphony Happy Hour” events were introduced by Music Director, Roger Kalia, and are a wonderful way for OSM musicians and guest artists to interact with music lovers outside the concert hall.  Kalia presents an audio/visual based talk for the upcoming concert program and everyone has a fun and engaging time.

OSM at the Community “Y”

The OSM String Quartet presents the gift of music at a holiday concert in the Santa Monica Family YMCA.

OSM Ensemble Performs in Laemmle Live Series

Roger Kalia introduces the OSM Clarinet Quintet for a matinee concert at the Monica Film Center.