MEDIA CONTACT
Janelle Kruly 
714.858.0945
janellek@reveilleinc.com 

New Assistant Conductor Pola Benke presents a season of magical adventures for the whole family

Dancing sweets, a sorcerer’s apprentice, and a boy who outsmarts a wolf await at Pacific Symphony’s 2025-26 Family Musical Mornings, presented by Farmers & Merchants Bank. This four-concert series, led by Assistant Conductor Pola Benke, offers engaging live orchestral concerts with multimedia, guest performers, and interactive elements designed especially for young listeners and their families.

“Orchestral music holds a unique ability to unite, inspire, and awaken the imagination of people of all ages,” said Pola Benke, assistant conductor of Pacific Symphony. “Through Family Musical Mornings, we hope to cultivate a lifelong love of classical music by choosing popular pieces that everyone will enjoy. The 45-minute concerts offer families and children a welcoming way to explore orchestral music together, while creating lasting memories.”

This year’s Family Musical Mornings kicks off with “Disney’s Fantasia in Concert Live to Film.” Scenes from Fantasia and its sequel Fantasia 2000 are projected on a large screen above the orchestra, which performs classical selections from the films including Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” and Dukas’ “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” featuring Mickey Mouse! Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. ©Disney

Next, the annual “Nutcracker for Kids” invites audience members along Clara’s enchanting journey through Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday ballet, brought to life with narration and dazzling dancers from the American Ballet Theater William J. Gillespie School. 

Then, children and families can discover Prokofiev’s timeless musical tale in “Peter and the Wolf,” where each instrument represents a character in young Peter’s thrilling adventure.

Finally, everyone’s friend, Leopold appears in “Leopold & The Magic Flute: Opera for Kids,” a family-friendly adaptation of Mozart’s opera, “The Magic Flute.”

Pacific Symphony’s Family Musical Mornings concerts take place at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. Special activities for children are offered in the concert hall lobby and align with the theme of the concert. Activities include coloring, crafts, photos, S.T.E.A.M. projects and more, and take place from 9-9:45 a.m. for 10 a.m. concertgoers, and from 12:15-1 p.m. for 11:30 a.m. concertgoers.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799, or visit PacificSymphony.org.

About Assistant Conductor Pola Benke
Pola Benke is a distinguished conductor and cellist, celebrated for her innovative approach to orchestral leadership and her commitment to standardizing diverse programming in the modern symphonic repertoire. Joining Pacific Symphony as Assistant Conductor in 2025-26, Benke also serves as the Music Director and Conductor for the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, the premier training orchestra of Orange County, recognized as one of the most outstanding youth orchestras in the country. 

In addition, Benke holds the position of Music Director of the Santa Monica Symphony. Previously, she served as Assistant Conductor for both the Long Beach Symphony and the Riverside Philharmonic, where she earned a reputation for her clarity, musicality, and ability to foster meaningful connections with musicians and audiences alike.

Born in Poland, Benke began her musical journey as a cellist and holds master’s degrees in both cello performance and orchestral conducting. Her dual expertise gives her a rare perspective combining the analytical insight of a conductor with the empathy of a performer. Whether leading a full symphony or an intimate ensemble, she brings warmth, clarity, and a deep sense of purpose to every rehearsal and performance.

At the core of Benke’s artistry is her dedication to diverse programming that reflects the world’s rich cultural tapestry. She believes that music has the power to unite and inspire, and she is committed to curating concerts that showcase voices from underrepresented communities while reimagining the classics through fresh interpretations. Her leadership style is marked by kindness, collaboration, and the ability to inspire musicians of all generations to perform at their best. Whether leading a large-scale symphonic work or rehearsing an intimate chamber ensemble, Benke brings energy and precision that elevates every performance.

Benke’s professional path has been shaped by collaborations with leading conductors and ensembles, including Maestro Neeme Järvi, Sian Edwards, and Paavo Järvi. Her participation in prestigious programs like the Järvi Academy in Estonia, the Dartington Music Festival in England, and the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music has further refined her craft, earning her recognition as a forward-thinking and impactful conductor.

Influenced by composers like Krzysztof Penderecki, Igor Stravinsky, and Jennifer Higdon, Benke embodies a modern approach to conducting—honoring the past while boldly shaping the future of orchestral music.

About Pacific Symphony
Pacific Symphony is the largest orchestra formed in the United States in the past 50 years and is ranked among the top orchestras in the U.S. by the League of American Orchestras. Founded in 1978, the Symphony has been led for 35 years by Carl St.Clair who is honored with the title of Music Director Laureate starting in the 2025-26 season. In 2024, Alexander Shelley was named Artistic and Music Director Designate for the 2025–26 season and will begin his full-time tenure in the 2026–27 season, marking a bold new chapter in the Symphony’s artistic evolution. 

With a purpose to lift the human spirit through the power of music, the Symphony is a cornerstone of the cultural landscape of Southern California, enriching lives and bringing communities together through creative and diverse programming. As the resident orchestra of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, the Symphony presents more than 100 concerts and events each year and a rich array of education and community engagement programs, reaching more than 300,000 residents of all ages.

###