Press & Media
Reviews
“The orchestra is conducted by Kalena Bovell, who displays emotional as well as physical grace in her direction.”
—Matthew J. Palm| Orlando Sentinel
“Kalena Bovell led a pleasantly flowing account of the score, as if it were an extended dance rather than a story punctuated by musical numbers.”
— Joshua Barone | The New York Times
“Also significant was Kalena Bovell’s taut conducting and the effervescent playing from the orchestra, even in more routine passages of this uneven score.”
— David Patrick Stearns | The Philadelphia Inquirer
“Conductor Kalena Bovell. She led the musicians with grace and authority, adeptly achieving both the lightness of a period chamber orchestra and the heft required for an operatic ensemble.”
— Gail Obenreder | Broad Street Review
“Kalena Bovell led the ensemble with a sincere commitment, in a direction combining precision and emotional suggestiveness.”
— Frédéric Cardin | PANM360
“The sounds of new and old within the orchestra are kept under careful watch by Bovell’s firm hand.”
— Catherine Kustanczy | The Globe And Mail
“Panamanian-American conductor, Kalena Bovell, graces viewers with flawless music by way of an orchestra throughout the entire show.
— Osobe Waberi | now.
“Now that you've found her, never let her go.”
— David Nice | the arts desk
The globally acclaimed Panamanian-American conductor will be the first Black woman conductor in Canadian opera history and will lead the first all-Black orchestra for the nation’s history in Toronto.”
— Osobe Waberi | now.
“Kalena Bovell, was a
communicative leader in this concert, with clear baton technique and visual expressiveness with the players.”
— Timothy Robson | bachtrack
Featured Interviews
WRTI Spotlight
Kalena Bovell Took a Winding Path to the Podium, Where She Shines
A conversation about Kalena's journey to conducting, artistic philosophy, and career.
TRILLOQUY | Loki Karuna and Scott Blankenship
Opus 43
A Conversation about Kalena Bovell’s journey to the podium, artistic influences, and love of metal music.
Listen to Interview
Chapman University
Career Q&A
Discussion on career development, leadership, and navigating the profession.
Awards and Recognition
2025-2027 San Diego Symphony Conducting Fellow
2024 Sphinx Medal of Excellence Awardee
2022-2024 Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship Awardee
Selected Recordings
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor – Ballade in A minor, Op. 33
Chineke! Orchestra • Kalena Bovell, conductor
Released on Coleridge-Taylor (Decca / Chineke! Records, 2022)
▶ Listen to Part 1
▶ Listen to Part 2