Nicholas Hersh has been named the new Music Director of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra.

Hersh will be the ninth Music Director in the orchestra’s 93-year history.

Regarding his new position, Hersh said, “I am beyond thrilled that my first music directorship will be in such a vibrant, music-loving city as Modesto. 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!”

In a statement, Board Chairperson Steve Pallios said, “The process of selecting a new Music Director has been an inspiring experience for the MSOA Board of Directors. 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.”

Hersh’s debut as the MSO’s music director will be this October when he will conduct the entire Classics Series. He has already begun completing the season’s programming.