Conductor
Pola Benke is a distinguished conductor and cellist, recognized for her dynamic approach and deep commitment to musical excellence. Currently serving as Assistant Conductor for both the Long Beach Symphony and the Riverside Philharmonic, she has quickly risen in the world of conducting, combining her talent and dedication with a profound understanding of musical intricacies.
Born in Poland, Pola's early immersion in music led her to pursue Master’s degree in cello performance and later, orchestral conducting. This solid foundation, coupled with her passion for music, has shaped her unique artistic vision.
Her early career was marked by significant opportunities, including selection for a prestigious summer program with Maestro Neeme Järvi. This experience was a key milestone, allowing her to further hone her craft. She was also invited to the Dartington Music Festival in England as a Fellow Conductor, where she worked under Sian Edwards, and participated in the esteemed Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, collaborating with Cristian Macelaru. Her recent participation in the Järvi Academy in Estonia, under the direction of Paavo Järvi, further solidified her reputation as a rising star in the classical music community.
As an accomplished cellist, Pola Benke understands the intricacies of musical performance and how to communicate with musicians to achieve the desired artistic interpretation. Her background as a musician has also given her the ability to analyze and interpret scores with a high level of detail, enabling her to lead ensembles with precision and nuance. This knowledge and experience are invaluable assets in the craft of conducting and allow her to bring a unique perspective to her work as a conductor. ”Her leadership results in performances that are both precise and emotionally compelling”.
Pola is also a passionate advocate for contemporary music and frequently collaborates with living composers to premiere new works. She is committed to promoting female artists and often features their compositions in her programs. Her musical influences include Krzysztof Penderecki, Igor Stravinsky, Thomas Adès, Jennifer Higdon, and the renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Cellist
Pola Benke, an esteemed cellist hailing from Poland, commenced her musical journey with the cello at the tender age of eight. She debuted as a soloist with the University orchestra in 2007, rendering a captivating performance of Grave by Lutoslawski. Her quest for musical excellence led her to earn a Master’s Degree in orchestral training from The Boston Conservatory, and later, to pursue postgraduate studies under the tutelage of the acclaimed Marek Szpakiewicz in Los Angeles.
Pola's exceptional talent has earned her numerous scholarships, enabling her to study under several renowned cellists such as Dominik Polonski, Rhonda Rider, Sato Knudsen, Stanislaw Popov, Lynn Harrell, Aldo Parisot, Ko Iwasaki, and Astrid Schween. Her prowess in the realm of modern classical music has won her an invitation to perform at many prestigious music festivals across Europe and the United States, including the InterHarmony Music Festival in Germany and the Aspen Music Festival.
Pola has a rich portfolio of performances as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestra member. Her collaboration with eminent musicians in both Europe and the United States is testimony to her exceptional skill and versatility. Specializing in modern classical music, Pola has premiered and recorded numerous contemporary pieces. Her association with the world-renowned chamber orchestra, Sinfonietta Cracovia, patronized by the legendary composer Krzysztof Penderecki, has further bolstered her reputation in the music world.
In addition to her many accolades, Pola also served as the director of the International Cello Festival "Hello- Cello." Presently, Pola resides in Los Angeles, California, where she continues to enthrall audiences with her remarkable musicianship performing with local orchestras, OC Trio, Romantica Piano Quartet and a Floocello duet with a dear friend, Antonina Styczen.