Roberto Kalb believes music can tell stories uniquely and powerfully. He draws from this belief to skillfully pull together narratives that captivate his listeners and transport them to a world of imagination and emotion. As the new and first Mexican to take on the role of conductor at the Detroit Opera House, he will shape the orchestra’s musical identity by selecting the performance repertoire for the season—only the second person in this role after the company’s founder, David DiChiera.
“I am thrilled that Roberto is joining the team at Detroit Opera,” says Associate Artistic Director Christine Goerke. “His obvious love for the genre fuels his passionate conducting, one that facilitates the storytelling and drama of every work. He is an incredibly fine musician who is always able to be open to the ebb and flow of the work while also being a pillar of strength and model of leadership on the podium.”
Born and raised in Mexico City, Kalb is experienced and trained in composition and conducting. Not only is he breaking new ground as the first music director to lead the orchestra in person, but he is also breaking cultural barriers. It means a lot to me because I can be an example to people, especially in this community,” Kalb said.
Kalb made his Detroit Opera conducting debut in the 2017–18 season with Ricky Ian Gordon’s 27, for which he also arranged a reduced orchestration. His most recent appearance was in April 2022, when he led Sharon’s reverse-chronology production of La bohème. In addition to his work with Detroit Opera, Kalb has roots in Detroit and the state of Michigan: he holds a degree from the University of Michigan and previously worked as cover assistant conductor for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
Moved by being able to tell stories in a medium that includes many art forms, Kalb says, “We get to tell stories with costumes, makeup, lighting, drama, music, and beautiful singing. I love making music for other people”, Kalb said.
As part of its commitment to being present in Detroit’s communities, Kalb will be presenting the concert, Beyond The Pit, on December 16th at Western High School in Southwest Detroit that will include Mendelssohn’s-Hebrides Overture, Mozart’s “Mandina Amabile, and Verdi’s Romanze, to name a few. It will be the first of its kind to be performed.
The concert is open to the Latino community and features five resident artists at the Detroit Opera House: two baritones, one tenor, one soprano, and one mezzo.
As for the repertoire in this concert, Kalb is thrilled about all the musical pieces and has programmed them accordingly. Looking ahead, other exciting things will also come later in the season at the Detroit Opera House.
“It’s a real privilege to come up with an orchestra like the one we have. And I think I’ve said to other people before, but it feels like you’re making magic on the spot,” Kalb said.
Beyond the Pit. December 16th , 7:30 pm. Western International High School (located across the street from Clark Park) 1500 Scotten St, Detroit, MI 48209
Free to the Public: https://detroitopera.org/season-schedule/beyond-the-pit/
Amber Ogden is a freelance writer born and raised in Detroit. She has published work in Forbes, Chevy in the D, Model D, and Rachel Ray Every Day. She enjoys art, culture, and eating through the city in her free time.
This story was made possible by the Race and Justice Reporting Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to build trust between the news media and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities and strengthen representative democracy.
