Polish conductor Pola Benke brings her heritage to the stage in a FREE concert featuring one of Chopin's greatest masterworks!
🎹 PROGRAM
• Ludwig van Beethoven — Symphony No. 1
• Fryderyk Chopin — Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11
📅 WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM
📍 WHERE: John Adams Middle School Performing Arts Center
🏛️ ADDRESS: 1630 Pearl Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
💰 ADMISSION: FREE — All are welcome!
🇵🇱 ABOUT POLA BENKE
Pola Benke is a Polish conductor who serves as Music Director of the Santa Monica Symphony. Born and raised in Poland, she brings her deep connection to Polish musical traditions to every performance. She also holds a role with the Pacific Symphony in Orange County.
This concert, titled "Scenes from Life: Identity," explores how cultural heritage shapes artistic expression — with Benke's Polish roots at the center.
🎵 ABOUT CHOPIN PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1
Composed when Chopin was just 20 years old, this concerto is one of the most beloved works in the piano repertoire. Its soaring melodies and virtuosic passages showcase the genius of Poland's most famous composer.
🎶 ABOUT SANTA MONICA SYMPHONY
Founded in 1945, the Santa Monica Symphony is one of the oldest community orchestras in California. ALL concerts are FREE, making world-class classical music accessible to everyone.
A perfect evening for our Polish community — come hear Chopin performed under the baton of a Polish maestro! 🇵🇱🎹
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