On today’s episode of Orchestrating Change, we welcome Mélisse Brunet, who is serving as our guest conductor for MasterWorks VI: Brahms' A German Requim and is also a CSO Music Director finalist for the 2026-2027 season.

Renowned for her “uncommon emotional intensity” and commanding presence on the podium, conductor Mélisse Brunet is gaining international recognition across the U.S. and Europe. A Paris native with Spanish and Italian roots, she currently serves as Music Director of the Lexington Philharmonic—the first woman to hold the role—and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. Brunet is also featured in the documentary Maestra, which follows her journey at the La Maestra competition and earned 2nd place in the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival Audience Award for Best Documentary, alongside widespread acclaim from major media outlets.

Orchestrating Change is available on all podcasts platforms. Visit www.orchestratingchange.com for more episodes, or visit cantonsymphony.org to learn more about the Canton Symphony Orchestra.

On today’s episode of Orchestrating Change we welcome Lighthouse Ministries Executive Director, Darin Nissley, who has been a longtime supporter and friend of the CSO.

Lighthouse Ministries has been serving the youth of Southeast Canton since 1996, providing a safe and supportive environment for children to learn, grow, and thrive. What began as a simple vision - a basketball court and teen center next to First Mennonite Church - quickly grew into a vibrant community program offering after-school care, tutoring, youth ministry clubs, summer enrichment, and service opportunities. Today, Lighthouse impacts dozens of children daily through its programming and is supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, continuing its mission to invest in the lives of young people and strengthen the community.

Learn more about Lighthouse Ministries at https://cantonlighthouse.org/

Orchestrating Change is available on all podcasts platforms. Visit www.orchestratingchange.com for more episodes, or visit cantonsymphony.org to learn more about the Canton Symphony Orchestra.

On today’s episode of Orchestrating Change, we welcome Roger Kalia, who is serving as our guest conductor for MasterWorks IV: Orchestral Kaleidoscope.

Praised for bringing a “fresh view to classical music” (The Republic), Indian American conductor Roger Kalia is a versatile communicator who brings unique and unmistakable energy to the podium. Recently profiled by Symphony Magazine in recognition of his innovative programming, Kalia has been hailed as“leading with passionate intensity and a clear beat” as well as being “one to watch” (Long Beach Gazette). Kalia is now in his fifth season as Music Director of the Evansville Philharmonic, his sixth season as Music Director of Symphony New Hampshire, and in his seventh season with Orchestra Santa Monica. He was most recently appointed Artistic Director Designate of the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra for the 2024-25 season, and he will assume the role of Artistic Director during the 2025-26 season. The recipient of several awards from the Solti Foundation, including an Elizabeth Buccheri Opera Residency with Lyric Opera of Chicago and five Career Assistance Awards, Kalia has been praised for his “extraordinary leadership” (Courier & Press).

Orchestrating Change is available on all podcasts platforms. Visit www.orchestratingchange.com for more episodes, or visit cantonsymphony.org to learn more about the Canton Symphony Orchestra.