Dana Zimbric, a multi-award-winning orchestral conductor, and visionary music educator. With an unwavering commitment to diversify the classical music landscape, Zimbric strives to elevate the art form to new heights.

Since 2010, Zimbric has held the prestigious position of Artistic Director and Conductor at the helm of the California Chamber Orchestra in the heart of Murrieta, CA. Under her dynamic leadership, the California Chamber Orchestra has garnered accolades and grants from prestigious institutions like the California Arts Council, Women's Philharmonic Advocacy, and Partners in Performance, a foundation founded by the illustrious violinist, Midori.

An annual highlight in Zimbric's career is her annual December spectacle—conducting Tchaikovsky's iconic "The Nutcracker" with the world-class ballet company Golden State Ballet Company at the Civic Theatre in downtown San Diego. This spectacular production, featuring the San Diego Symphony, has become the region's grandest holiday tradition.

In her role as the Artistic Director and Conductor for Classics 4 Kids and the Classics Philharmonic Orchestra, Zimbric commands a fully professional adult orchestra, delivering over 30 captivating concerts each year to nearly 30,000 schoolchildren throughout San Diego County via the Classics 4 Kids program. Her tireless dedication extends beyond the stage, encompassing in-school assemblies, immersive workshops, engaging virtual "Musician Meet & Greets," and captivating livestreams.

Zimbric's extraordinary contributions to music education were celebrated when she received the prestigious 2017 California Music Educators Association-Southern Border Section's Fortissimo Award for Music Industry Leadership. Furthermore, Classics 4 Kids received the coveted California Music Educator's State-level Music Industry Leadership Award in 2021 for its innovative virtual programs during the challenging pandemic-induced school closures. Recognized as a finalist for the 2019 San Diego Magazine's Woman of the Year Award, Zimbric has also been a featured presenter at the 2024 SCSBOA Professional Development Conference, the Arts MEGA Conference in San Diego and the Association of California Symphony Orchestra's Annual Conference.

As guest conductor, Ms. Zimbric has directed performances for the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, La Jolla Symphony, San Diego State University Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Youth Symphony, and numerous Honor Orchestras throughout southern California. In the spring of 2024, Zimbric will serve as cover conductor for Music Director Diane Wittry and the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. Zimbric frequently imparts her expertise as a coach, judge, and esteemed guest conductor at festivals and institutions across Southern California.

Zimbric holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Wisconsin, a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and has completed coursework toward a Master of Arts in Teaching degree through Point Loma Nazarene University.