Nicholas Hersh stands as a modern conductor with a multifaceted career that embodies both tradition and innovation. Currently the Music Director of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, Hersh has forged a path filled with diverse projects, from guest conducting at major symphonies to creating new musical experiences that redefine what a concert can be. His journey, which started as a young cellist in the public schools of Evanston, Illinois, has led him to stages across the United States, and beyond, all while pushing the boundaries of classical music.

Born to a non-musical immediate family, Hersh found his passion for music early, driven by the exposure his parents provided to classical performances in Chicago. He chose to play the cello in third grade, a decision that became the first step toward a lifelong journey in music. “I was really lucky to have access to music programs in elementary school,” Hersh reflects. His early music education was instrumental in setting the course for his professional life. After attending Stanford University, initially planning to study a wide array of subjects, Hersh’s devotion to music took over, and he pursued a degree in music exclusively. This led him to complete a master’s in conducting at Indiana University.

One of the most pivotal moments in Hersh’s career was his first major conducting job as the assistant conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, working under the legendary Marin Alsop. “Marin is one of those people who, once she's in your corner, she stays there,” Hersh shares. He speaks fondly of her mentorship, which helped him gain confidence in his own artistic identity and navigate the pressures of the conducting world. Alsop’s advice to “be yourself and be confident in who you are, even when things get tough” has been a guiding principle for Hersh as he’s grown into his role as a conductor.

Hersh has also made a name for himself with his creative and entrepreneurial approach to orchestral programming. During his time with the Baltimore Symphony, he launched a concert series called “Pulse,” which brought together indie bands and orchestra musicians in a collaborative, boundary-pushing format. This series exemplifies his belief in rethinking the concert experience to make classical music more relevant and engaging for contemporary audiences. “I want each of our performances to be seen as a new experience, not just another concert,” Hersh says of his current work with the Modesto Symphony. This philosophy drives his programming, which often includes unique pairings and cross-genre collaborations aimed at attracting both loyal subscribers and new audiences.

A recent example of his innovative programming is the Modesto Symphony’s reimagined Four Seasons, where each of Vivaldi’s seasonal movements is presented through different musical perspectives. “We start with Vivaldi, then move to Richter’s recomposed version for ‘Autumn,’ continue with Ysaÿe's ‘Winter Song,’ and conclude with Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, ‘Spring,’” Hersh explains. This “mixtape” concept reflects his desire to create experiences that show the vibrancy of music across genres and time periods.

Hersh’s ability to adapt to unexpected situations has also played a key role in his career development. One of his most memorable performances came in 2018 when he was called upon at short notice to conduct the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., after their scheduled conductor collapsed during rehearsal. Hersh had to quickly step in with minimal preparation time, yet delivered a compelling performance. “I didn’t have time to overthink it,” he recalls. “I had to trust myself and the musicians, and it turned out to be one of the most exciting and inspired performances of my career.”

Currently, Hersh has an exciting lineup of guest conducting engagements, including appearances with the Colorado Symphony and the Nashville Symphony. In Colorado, he recently worked with renowned mandolinist Chris Thile on a new concerto that blends multiple genres into a narrative performance. “Chris is an incredible artist, and I’ve admired his musicianship for a long time. This project is both a concerto and a storytelling piece, which is exactly the kind of challenge I love,” Hersh shares enthusiastically. Later this season, he will conduct Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in Nashville, a work he recently led with his orchestra in Modesto. “It’s about building on past experiences and bringing something new each time,” he adds.

Hersh’s vision for the Modesto Symphony involves more than just musical innovation; it’s about creating a vibrant cultural hub that serves the entire community. He emphasizes the importance of making concerts feel like immersive experiences that can reach people who might not typically attend classical performances. “We need to consider our performances as unique experiences that can appeal to both dedicated music lovers and people who might be more interested in something like jazz or indie music,” Hersh says. His goal is to create an inclusive environment where everyone can feel the power of live orchestral music.

When it comes to building his own visibility, Hersh admits that social media is not his strong suit, though he recognizes its importance. “I understand its impact, and I know I need to use it more,” he says candidly. Instead, he prefers to let his projects and performances speak for themselves, focusing on the narratives that connect music to broader cultural and human experiences. “Every concert tells a story—whether it’s through the composers, the genres, or the themes—and those are the connections that resonate with audiences,” he notes.

Looking forward, Hersh aims to expand his career to include more opportunities in Europe, where he’s intrigued by the different approach many orchestras take to music. “It’s a different mindset compared to the American style, and I’d love to experience that firsthand,” he says. He’s eager to bring those insights back to his work in the United States, fostering an exchange of ideas that can broaden his own artistic perspective and enrich the orchestras he leads.

When asked about his legacy, Hersh takes a humble view. “Legacy is such a big word,” he says. “What matters to me right now is inspiring those in the moment—creating performances that are kind, interesting, and meaningful for everyone involved, whether they’re longtime symphony-goers or first-time audience members.” He hopes to be remembered as someone who made rehearsals engaging, concerts inspiring, and who approached his work with kindness and authenticity.

Outside of music, Hersh enjoys baking sourdough bread—a passion that began long before the pandemic—and has a fascination with languages, currently learning Italian on Duolingo. His interest in linguistics mirrors his love for finding connections, whether between words or musical ideas, and speaks to his belief in the power of stories to connect us all.

Nicholas Hersh is more than just a conductor; he is a creative force dedicated to making classical music accessible, relevant, and deeply engaging. His journey is one of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to breaking down barriers—both within the world of classical music and between the music and its audience. With his forward-thinking approach, Hersh is not only shaping the future of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra but also redefining what it means to be a conductor in the 21st century.

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