Nicholas Hersh, Music Director

American conductor 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.

Hersh’s 2024-25 season includes guest conducting engagements with the Nashville, Madison, Omaha, and Tucson Symphony Orchestras; and the Florida and Apollo Orchestras. He continues to enjoy regular relationships with the NY Philharmonic, Baltimore, Houston, National, and Colorado Symphony Orchestras; and Budapest Festival Orchestra. 

Recent engagements include the Detroit, Grand Rapids, New World, North Carolina, Phoenix, Portland (ME), Richmond, Utah, and Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestras; Louisiana and Rochester Philharmonics; and the Sarasota 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, including the celebrated Academy for adult amateur musicians. 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 frequently in demand as an arranger and orchestrator, with commissions from orchestras around the globe for adaptations of everything from classical solo and chamber music to popular songs. His orchestration of Beethoven’s Cello Sonata Op. 69 was premiered by the Philharmonie Zuidnederland in January 2022, while his symphonic arrangement of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody continues to see worldwide success as a viral YouTube hit. He also serves as arranger and editor for the James P. Johnson Orchestra Edition.

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 Caitlin and their two cats, and in his free time enjoys baking (and eating) sourdough bread.

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Website: http://www.nicholashersh.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063225878694

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholashersh/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NicholasHersh

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Upcoming Performances

Jonathan Flaksman, assistant principal cello

Jonathan Flaksman, born in Akron, Ohio in 1981, started playing the cello at five years of age. His first regular teacher was Madalena Burle-Marx. He studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music with Richard Aaron and at the Juilliard School with Fred Sherry. He graduated from Mannheim University in Germany in the class of his father Michael Flaksman and completed an artist diploma in orchestral studies. He has had master classes with Harvey Shapiro, Siegfried Palm, Bernard Greenhouse, Youngchang Cho, Jens Peter Maintz, Frans Helmerson, and Ralph Kirshbaum among many others. He attended Interlochen Arts Camp and music festivals in Aspen, Schleswig-Holstein, Cividale (Italy), Łancut (Poland), and Aurora Chamber Music in Sweden. He played in the orchestra of the National Theater Mannheim, and as principal cellist of Pfalztheater Kaiserslautern and La Folia Baroque Orchestra. As soloist and chamber musician he has traveled the United States, Europe, and Asia. He attends the Ascoli Piceno Festival annually and performed as soloist with the Bari Symphony at the Carl Orff Festival in Putignano. He has given masterclasses in Italy and in California and has served on the jury of various competitions. He currently lives in Los Angeles, is active as a composer and arranger, and records for tv and film. He plays with the Pasadena Symphony, is Assistant Principal Cellist of Santa Barbara Symphony, New Mexico Philharmonic, and Vallejo Symphony, and is a member of the Long Beach Symphony. Starting in 2025, he is a core member of the Hawai’i Symphony. He has played with Modesto Symphony since 2017, and was appointed Assistant Principal Cellist in May 2024.

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Website: hhttps://jonathanflaksman.com/

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Kathleen Balfe, principal cello

Kathleen Balfe has lived in Spain since 2003, where she has built a multifaceted career and developed a variety of styles as a soloist and as a member of various ensembles. A principal cellist of the City of Granada Orchestra between 2007 and 2022 and principal cellist of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra since 2024, she also has been a guest principal cellist with the Royal Orchestra of Seville and the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra.

Kathleen has performed as a soloist on numerous occasions including the premiere of the opera La Bella Susona by Alberto Carretero with the ROSS, the premiere of Kammerkonzert no.2 by Miguel Gálvez-Taroncher with the OCG conducted by José Ramón Encinar, Sinfonia Concertante by Prokofiev with the New World Symphony conducted by Alasdair Neale, and the arrangement/reconstruction of Debussy’s Suite para Violonchelo by Sally Beamish with the OCG conducted by Joseph Swensen.

As a founding member of the Ensemble NeoArs Sonora, she  performed in numerous festivals such as Córdoba XX Festival de Música Contemporánea, Festival de Música Española Manuel de Falla en Cádiz, Festival de Música Clásica en el Escorial, Festival de Bernaola, Quincena Musical de San Sebastián, Jornadas de Música Contemporánea de Sevilla, el Ciclo de Música Contemporánea del Centro Guerrero y el Festival Internacional de Música y Danza de Granada.

Ms. Balfe has collaborated as a chamber musician with the Benaïm Quartet, the Quantum Ensemble, Messiaen Ensemble and the Taller Atlántico, among others. Currently she is a founding member of the Íkaro String Quartet on the island of Tenerife where she is based.

Kathleen Balfe can be heard on Verso, Bis y RCA Records as a member of different groups.

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Website: https://cellobalfe.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cellobalfe/

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Hiram Rodriguez, trombone

Trombonist, composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, Hiram Sebastian Rodriguez is known for his versatility as well as his enthusiasm for all genres of music. As an instrumentalist, Hiram has been recognized for his expression, engaging programming, and musical creativity. His recital programming often juxtaposes disparate styles including works from the Classical era, the avant-garde, Romanticism, jazz, and commercial. 

An experienced orchestral musician, Hiram currently holds positions as principal trombonist of the New West Symphony and second trombonist of the Modesto Symphony. He has also played with esteemed groups such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Santa Barbara Symphony, Santa Monica Symphony, and the Civic Orchestra of Los Angeles. Regarding solo work, Hiram was the winner of the Aspen Music Festival’s Concerto Competition in 2022, alternate for the International Trombone Festival’s 2021 and 2022 Frank Smith Competitions, and received a full-ride scholarship to the Alessia Seminar Asia in 2019 where he was a finalist in its solo competition. Hiram was a recipient of the Graduate Opportunity Fellowship program at UCLA for his master’s degree from 2020 to 2022 and attended Vanderbilt University from 2016 to 2020. Hiram is also a dedicated jazz and commercial musician in the Los Angeles area and was one of eight jazz musicians chosen to perform for the SEC Jazz Septet for the 2018 SEC Football Championship.

As a composer and a performer, Hiram is a dedicated advocate of contemporary music. Hiram commissioned Lila Meretzky for a piece for trombone and electronics entitled Tennessee Air. As a composer, Hiram was commissioned by Rachel Miles Oboe Quintet for oboe and string quartet, and Shapes of a Daughter for soprano and piano with text by poet-soprano Isabella Bruzzese.

On the days when his schedule isn’t packed with music Hiram enjoys reading, watching films, and is a poet/writer.

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Samuel Wamhoff, principal trombone

A native of Fresno, California, Samuel Wamhoff grew up in a musical family, with his father serving as a dedicated music teacher. This early exposure to the arts laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for music. Samuel earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from San Jose State University in 2016, where he honed his craft as a trombonist under the guidance of distinguished mentors.

Samuel’s professional journey began as the Acting Second Trombone of the San Diego Symphony during the 2017–2018 season. This role showcased his exceptional talent and led to an opportunity to serve as a Trombonist in the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West from 2018 to 2023. During his time with the USAF Band, Samuel performed across the country, captivating audiences with his artistry and precision while representing the Air Force’s proud musical tradition.

In 2022, Samuel joined the Stockton Symphony as Second Trombone, where his skill and dedication earned him a reputation as a cornerstone of the orchestra’s low brass section. In 2024, he was appointed Principal Trombone of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, a role that highlights his commitment to artistic excellence and leadership within the ensemble. The very next day, Samuel also became Second Trombone of the San Francisco Opera, where he contributes to one of the nation’s premier opera companies, performing in critically acclaimed productions.

In addition to his orchestral work, Samuel has extensive experience performing with renowned ensembles, including the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra and other symphonies throughout California. His versatility as a performer spans classical masterworks, contemporary compositions, and chamber music, making him a sought-after collaborator and educator.

Outside of the concert hall, Samuel builds custom trombones, combining his craftsmanship with his deep understanding of brass performance. He is also an active mountain biker, enjoying the thrill of exploring rugged trails and staying connected to nature. Samuel is passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians and draws from his father’s legacy as a music teacher to cultivate creativity and dedication in his students.

Samuel is honored to serve as Principal Trombone of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra and Second Trombone of the San Francisco Opera, dedicating his artistry to both organizations’ rich legacies of musical excellence.

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