Reineke named pops maestro in Modesto

Cincinnati conductor Steven Reineke has been named principal pops conductor of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, the California orchestra will announce today.

Reineke will begin a three-year appointment in September as that orchestra's first-ever pops conductor. He'll conduct four outdoor conducts on the grounds of the E. & J. Gallo Winery and three indoor shows at Modesto's Gallo Center for the Arts.

The Gallo Company Headquarters is based in Modesto.

Reineke, a protégé of Erich Kunzel and a graduate of Miami University, is music associate and principal arranger and composer for the Cincinnati Pops. His 100-plus arrangements have helped create the signature sound of the Cincinnati Pops, and he's considered an emerging talent on the podium.

The orchestra has a six-concert classical season conducted by David Lockington and an annual budget of $1.5 million.

Some say Reineke is the heir apparent to Kunzel, if and when the Popsmeister ever retires. What do you think?