Pacific Symphony is striking a high note with the welcoming of Pola Benke as its new assistant conductor. The new lead is not only an esteemed conductor and cellist, but she’s also known for shaking up the orchestral scene with her transformative leadership and for bringing a modernized approach to symphonic repertoire. In her new role, she’ll take the baton for Pacific Symphony’s Farmers & Merchants Bank Family Musical Mornings and Youth Concerts, and direct the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, infusing every performance with fresh perspective. To help share the news, Reveille partnered with Culture OC’s Paul Hodgins on an in-depth feature that chronicles Pola’s inspiring journey from the cello to the podium.

Meet Pola!