Baltimore Symphony Academy Appoints Principal Conductor

News Brief: From the League of American Orchestras

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has appointed former associate conductor Nicholas Hersh as principal conductor of the BSO Academy, beginning with the 2025 Academy season. At the BSO Academy, adult instrumentalists participate in a week of rehearsals, performances, and workshops alongside Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians. Participants engage in full orchestra and chamber ensemble experiences, receive one-on-one instruction, and attend masterclasses and seminars. Hersh is currently the music director of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, where he was appointed in August 2023. In addition to Modesto, Hersh’s 2024-25 season includes conducting engagements with the Nashville, Madison, Omaha, and Tucson orchestras; and the Florida and Apollo orchestras. He has guest-conducted ensembles including the National Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, and Colorado Symphony. Recent engagements include the Detroit, Grand Rapids, New World, North Carolina, Phoenix, Portland (ME), Richmond, Utah, and Winston-Salem orchestras; Louisiana and Rochester philharmonics; and the Sarasota Orchestra. Hersh grew up in Evanston, Illinois and started 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 a two-time recipient of the Solti Foundation Career Assistance Award.