Joined the RPO in 2005
Bassist Eric J. Polenik was drawn to the instrument’s low sound at age 16 after hearing Beethoven for the first time. While studying at Duquesne University, he served as principal bass of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra. In Rochester, Polenik continued his studies with former Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra principal bassist Robert Zimmerman, and has since joined the RPO’s bass section. He was a founding member of the NEO Chamber Orchestra, a student-operated ensemble based in Rochester. He is also a member of Gibbs & Main, a chamber music ensemble performing in Rochester, N.Y.