Kaleb’s mission is to connect with audiences through entertaining, educating, and enriching performances.
Kaleb Benda is an American conductor driven by an artistic mission to connect with audiences through entertaining, educating, and enriching performances. Through dynamic score interpretations, a charismatic presence on the podium, and innovative programming, Benda has made classical music relevant with communities and lead ensembles to new artistic levels. He currently serves as Music Director of the Oklahoma Chamber Symphony, Music Director of the Oklahoma Community Orchestra, Assistant Conductor of the Enid Symphony Orchestra, and Music Director of the Chamber Orchestra at Oklahoma Christian University.
Having conducted across the United States and in Hungary, Kaleb Benda primarily performs with the Oklahoma Chamber Symphony and the Oklahoma Community Orchestra. His multi-faceted career also includes serving at the Resident Orchestra Conductor of the Leyenda Foundation, conducting staged performances at the Centre Theatre of the Arts as Music Director, and regular appearances with the annual Cool Classics Series where he conducts the OK Strings ensemble. Other conducting positions include Assistant Conductor for the University of Central Oklahoma’s 2019 operatic production of Così fan tutte, and guest conducting engagements with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Gwinnett Symphony Chamber Orchestra, Texas Chamber Symphony, the Medomak Symphony Orchestra, and the Centennial (TX) Symphony Orchestra.
A proponent of new music, Benda has given world premieres and regional premieres of compositions from composers such as Nico Muhly, Clint Williams, Dr. Daniel Adams, and more. He regularly features new music on programs. In 2021 Benda and Oklahoma Chamber Symphony commissioned Clint Williams’ Greenwood, Archer & Pine, a piece commemorating the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre. He created a Composer in Residence program with the Oklahoma Chamber Symphony. He frequently collaborates with composers in guest residencies.
An educator and advocate for young musicians, Benda is conductor of the Oklahoma Christian University Chamber Orchestra and has led initiatives such as the Oklahoma Chamber Symphony’s annual student play-in concert, offering underserved students the chance to rehearse and perform alongside professionals. As Resident Orchestra Director of the Leyenda Foundation, Benda conducts rehearsals, masterclasses, and performances of guitar concertos, collaborating with up and coming international soloists making their orchestral debuts. With the Enid Symphony Orchestra, Kaleb Benda has performed Carnegie Hall Link Up concerts for elementary audiences. In the concert hall, Benda regularly shares insight with the audience and pairs music with other artistic collaborations or elements to create a more enhanced concert experience.
Kaleb is a selected conductor in the 2025 Antal Dorati International Conducting Competition. Recognized as a Next Gen under 30 award winner, Benda was honored for his efforts with the Oklahoma Chamber Symphony to make classical music accessible to the community. A graduate of the Oklahoma Arts Council’s Arts Leadership program, he completed the biennial initiative that equips 30 individuals from across the state to become arts leaders and advocates. Benda also earned third prize in The American Prize for Conducting and Programming.
Bendsa studied music in Hungary and is pursuing a Doctorate of Music in Conducting at the University of Oklahoma with Dr. Jonathan Shames. He holds a Master of Music in Conducting from Oklahoma City University, and a Music Education degree from the University of North Texas. His mentors include Alexander Mickelthwate, Jeffrey Grogan, and Douglas Newell.