Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Nicholas Hersh is Music Director of the Modesto Symphony, having been appointed in August 2023. Across the country, Nicholas has earned critical acclaim for his innovative programming and natural ability to connect with musicians and audiences alike, and he was the unanimous choice of the search committee in Modesto. In addition to his work in Modesto, Nicholas was named Principal Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Academy, the BSO’s celebrated program for adult amateur musicians.  

Hersh’s 2026-27 season includes debuts with the Seattle, New World, and Greenville Symphonies as well as the Naples Philharmonic; and return engagements with the Baltimore, New Jersey, Omaha, and Phoenix Symphonies. In demand as a guest conductor, recent seasons have included engagements with the New York, Rochester, Reno, and Louisiana Philharmonics; Colorado, Detroit, Ft. Worth, Grand Rapids, Houston, Madison, Nashville, National, North Carolina, Richmond, Tucson, Utah, and Virginia Symphonies; and the Florida and Sarasota Orchestras. He continues to enjoy a regular relationship with the Budapest Festival Orchestra.  

Over a remarkable tenure as Associate Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Hersh created the BSO Pulse series, through which he brought together indie bands and orchestral musicians in unique collaborations; he led the BSO in several subscription weeks and concerts in and around Baltimore; and he directed the BSO’s educational and family programming. Hersh also maintains a close relationship with the National Symphony Orchestra, leading concerts throughout Washington, D.C. He stepped in to replace an indisposed Yan Pascal Tortelier, on subscription, to great acclaim.  

Hersh is also in demand around the world as an arranger and orchestrator, with a diverse portfolio of adaptations ranging from classical solo and chamber repertoire to popular songs (such as his orchestration of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which continues to see success as a viral YouTube hit). Recent commissioners include the Cleveland Orchestra, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Budapest Festival Orchestra, New World Symphony, and Boston College. Hersh serves as arranger and editor for the James P. Johnson Orchestra Edition, as part of his commitment to amplifying works by underrepresented and overlooked composers.  

Hersh grew up in Evanston, Illinois, and started his musical training as a cellist. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Stanford University and a Master’s Degree in Conducting from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Hersh is also a two-time recipient of the Solti Foundation Career Assistance Award. Nicholas lives in Philadelphia with his wife, son, and two cats, and in his free time enjoys cooking and baking for family and friends.