The Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association is excited to announce that our Board of Directors has named Nicholas Hersh as our next music director! Nick will be the ninth music director in our 93-year history, and we are eager to see Nick’s artistic vision and passion for music education raise the MSOA and our programs to new heights!
Our search for a new music director began in 2018, attracting more than 200 applicants. “The process of selecting a new Music Director has been an inspiring experience for the MSOA Board of Directors,” says Board Chairperson Steve Pallios. “Careful deliberation, coordination, and planning went into choosing our next artistic leader. Nick has a passion for producing high-quality performances and enhancing our community’s quality of life through music. The Board and I are looking forward to Nick‘s ambitions for the MSOA through innovative and collaborative programming and understanding of what our community needs.”
Nick’s debut as the MSO’s music director will be this October and he will conduct our entire Classics Series. He has already begun completing this season’s programming, taking into consideration the talents of our orchestra and guest artists to ensure a captivating experience for our audiences.
“I am beyond thrilled that my first music directorship will be in such a vibrant, music-loving city as Modesto,” says newly appointed MSOA Music Director Nicholas Hersh, “There was a certain electricity in the Gallo Center when the MSO musicians and I collaborated last year, shared not only onstage but with the audience as well; together we'll grow that energy, creating bespoke artistic experiences for the entire Modesto community and cementing the role of music education for all ages as a driver of social good. I can't wait to be back in Modesto this October for Tchaikovsky's blazing Piano Concerto No. 1 with Alessio Bax, whose inventive musicianship I've long admired, as well as a season full of both new discoveries and fast favorites!”
“Nick immediately impressed us with his thoughtful consideration of our entire organization, collaborating with our staff, and connecting with our musicians and audiences,” says Caroline Nickel, President and CEO. “We invited Nick to join us last season due to his reputation and notable conducting engagements, but after working with him in November, his personality and enthusiasm for orchestral performances and music education shined through. I had the opportunity to reconnect with him, and I knew he would be a great fit for our organization and the values that we strive for. We’re excited to welcome him on board, and we can’t wait to see him lead our orchestra in his Music Director debut this October.”
See Nick in Action with the MSO!
The MSOA is excited to enter this new era with Hersh and bring innovation not only on stage but in our community. Join us in welcoming Nicholas Hersh as he leads the MSO in the following programs:
