Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Announces Nicholas Hersh as Principal Conductor for 2025 BSO Academy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Whitney Clemmons Brown
Director of Communications
wbrown@BSOmusic.org

(Baltimore, MD) — The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) welcomes back former Associate Conductor Nicholas Hersh for a three-year appointment as its first-named Principal Conductor of the BSO Academy, beginning with the 2025 Academy season.

Hersh, who currently serves as Music Director of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, is a frequent presence at the BSO Academy and is known for his dynamic conducting style and innovative programming, Hersh is eager to lead the side-by-side rehearsals and collaborate closely with Academy participants, BSO musicians, and the education team.

“I am honored to deepen my connection with the BSO Academy as its Principal Conductor,” Hersh said. “The Academy is a unique and inspiring program that brings together musicians of all levels for a week of immersive learning and artistry. I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence and community that makes this program so special.”

Described as a “versatile and energetic conductor” by The Baltimore Sun, Hersh is recognized for his innovative approach to orchestral programming and education. In addition to his leadership in Modesto, he has guest-conducted notable ensembles including the National Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, and Colorado Symphony.

During his previous tenure with the BSO, Hersh led subscription concerts, created the BSO Pulse series, and served as Artistic Director of the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras. His symphonic adaptation of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody achieved viral success, showcasing his talents as an arranger. Hersh holds degrees from Stanford University and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. He currently resides in Philadelphia with his family.

About the BSO Academy
The BSO Academy invites passionate adult instrumentalists to participate in a weeklong program of rehearsals, performances, and workshops alongside BSO musicians. Participants engage in full orchestra and chamber ensemble experiences, receive one-on-one instruction, and attend masterclasses and seminars led by renowned faculty. This year’s program will take place from June 20–28, 2025, at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

2025 BSO Academy Key Dates:

• December 10, 2024: Registration opens
• January 15, 2025: Deposit deadline
• March 15, 2025: Tuition balance due
• June 20–28, 2025: Academy week

For more information and to register, visit https://www.bsomusic.org/education-families/education/academy/

Download high-res headshots and bios for Nicholas Hersh here.

About the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

For over a century, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has been recognized as one of America’s leading orchestras and one of Maryland’s most significant cultural institutions. The orchestra is internationally renowned and locally admired for its innovation, performances, recordings, and educational outreach initiatives including OrchKids.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs annually for more than 275,000 people throughout the State of Maryland. Since 1982, the BSO has performed at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, and since 2005, with the opening of The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD, the BSO became the nation’s first orchestra performing its full season of classical and pops concerts in two metropolitan areas.

In September 2023, Jonathon Heyward officially launched his tenure as Music Director, bringing fresh energy and vision to the BSO. His appointment marked a historic moment as he became the first African American to lead the orchestra, following Music Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder Marin Alsop. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.

More information about the BSO can be found at BSOmusic.org.

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