Press Release: Modesto Symphony Orchestra Appoints Nicholas Hersh as Music Director
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association (MSOA) is excited to announce that the Board of Directors has named Nicholas Hersh as the organization’s next Music Director. Hersh is only the ninth music director for the Modesto Symphony Orchestra and he will lead the MSOA’s 93rd season. Hersh’s artistic leadership will bring innovative, captivating, and exciting ideas and programs into our community and his passion for music education will help guide our existing education programs to new heights.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
(209) 523-4156
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL:
August 22, 2023 at 10:00 AM PST
(Pictured: Nicholas Hersh, MSO Music Director–photo by Stephanie Nolt; Nicholas Hersh performing with the MSO, November 2022–photo by Brad Ancheta)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Appoints Nicholas Hersh as Music Director
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association (MSOA) is excited to announce that the Board of Directors has named Nicholas Hersh as the organization’s next Music Director. Hersh is only the ninth music director for the Modesto Symphony Orchestra and he will lead the MSOA’s 93rd season. Hersh’s artistic leadership will bring innovative, captivating, and exciting ideas and programs into our community and his passion for music education will help guide our existing education programs to new heights.
MSO’s Music Director search began in 2018 with an initial response of over 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.”
In his first season with the MSOA, Hersh will lead the entire 2023-24 Classics Series. Hersh will work with the MSOA to complete each program and ensure it complements the orchestra and guest artists while being exciting and captivating for the community as well as meeting his artistic standard. The Modesto Symphony Orchestra will also be Hersh’s first Music Directorship.
“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 both 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.”
Hersh, an American conductor and a rising star in the world of classical music, brings to Modesto an array of talents and accomplishments. During his tenure as Associate Conductor with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO), he led the symphony in numerous concerts and directed Baltimore’s education and family programming as well as serving as Artistic Director of the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra. Hersh created the BSO Pulse series, through which he brought together prominent indie bands and orchestral musicians in unique collaborations.
Additionally, Hersh frequently works with major symphony orchestras including the National Symphony Orchestra, Houston, Colorado, and the Peabody Orchestra of John Hopkins University. Hersh is also a successful arranger and orchestrator, and audiences that attended his debut with the Modesto Symphony in November 2022 were treated to his orchestral arrangement of Franz Schubert’s String Quartet No. 14, “Death and the Maiden.”
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:
Artist bio
Nicholas Hersh
American conductor Nicholas Hersh has earned critical acclaim for his innovative programming and natural ability to connect with musicians and audiences alike.
In the 2023-24 season, Hersh returns to the National, Houston, Baltimore, Colorado, and New Jersey Symphonies, while making debuts with the Springfield Symphony and Wintergreen Festival. Recent include engagements with the Detroit, Grand Rapids, New World, North Carolina, Phoenix, Portland (ME), Richmond, Tucson, Utah, and Winston-Salem symphony orchestras, Louisiana and Rochester Philharmonics, and the Florida and Sarasota Orchestras.
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.
About the MSO
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) was founded in 1931 by Frank Mancini, Malin Langstroth, and Leonard Fristrom, who worked with local leaders to establish a musical and cultural focal point. The MSO became a fully professional orchestra in 1977. New innovations developed, such as pops concerts, the formation of the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra in 1976, and the first Picnic at the Pops in 1994. The 21st century marked further growth with the formation of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus in 2001, becoming a resident company of the Gallo Center for the Arts when their doors opened in 2007, and the creation of the Modesto Symphony Youth Chorus in 2017.
Each season, the MSO performs five classics concerts and three pops concerts at the Gallo Center for the Arts and produces two community favorites, Picnic at the Pops at the E. & J. Gallo Winery and the Holiday Candlelight Concert. Through its education and outreach programs, the MSO is able to reach over 15,000 students each year by working closely with local schools and providing free or low-cost opportunities to experience classical music.
The 2023-2024 season marks the Modesto Symphony’s 93rd season. The MSO continues to strive to enrich and enhance the community by bringing music of the highest artistic caliber and fostering lifelong music education and appreciation.
###
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is a Resident Company of The Gallo Center for the Arts. The DoubleTree Hotel is the official hotel of the MSO.
Press Release: Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s Picnic At The Pops Presents Aretha: A Tribute
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra proudly presents Picnic at the Pops! Aretha: A Tribute this September 9, 2023 at 7:30 pm on the beautiful E. & J. Gallo Winery Grounds. Picnic at the Pops! is a family-friendly outdoor concert that attracts thousands of music lovers from Modesto and the neighboring communities for an evening of music, dancing, and fun beneath the stars.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / July 31, 2023
(Pictured from left to right, top row: Ryan Murray, conductor; Capathia Jenkins, guest artist; Darryl J. Williams, guest artist; bottom row: Picnic at the Pops!)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s Picnic at the Pops! Presents Aretha: A Tribute
FEATURING THE MUSIC OF ARETHA FRANKLIN, STEVIE WONDER, AND MORE STARRING CAPATHIA JENKINS AND DARRYL JOVAN WILLIAMS
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra proudly presents Picnic at the Pops! Aretha: A Tribute this September 9, 2023 at 7:30 pm on the beautiful E. & J. Gallo Winery Grounds. Picnic at the Pops! is a family-friendly outdoor concert that attracts thousands of music lovers from Modesto and the neighboring communities for an evening of music, dancing, and fun beneath the stars.
This community event promises an unforgettable evening of soul-stirring music and timeless melodies that celebrates the life and legacy of the incomparable Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The evening will feature the exceptional talents of your Modesto Symphony Orchestra led by Principal Pops Conductor, Ryan Murray, and the mesmerizing vocals of Broadway powerhouse Capathia Jenkins and Darryl J. Williams as they bring audiences on a journey through Aretha Franklin’s greatest hits including “Respect,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and more. After a successful return in 2022, the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association is confident this year’s Picnic will be an even more delightful experience.
“Picnic at the Pops! holds a special place in our hearts not only because it is the MSO’s largest event of the season and our biggest annual fundraiser, but it is truly a beloved community tradition,” says Caroline Nickel, President and CEO. “Last year, witnessing families and friends come together to experience pure joy as the stage lights up and the orchestra performs was so heartwarming, especially after returning from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Picnic at the Pops! is a true community concert, created for the community by the community. The MSO is seeking volunteers to help make Picnic a success. Volunteer duties include the setting up and breakdown of the venue space, selling scrip tickets during the concert, and more. Visit ModestoSymphony.org/picnicvolunteer for more information and to sign up today.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy all that the space has to offer. Outside alcohol is prohibited; wine generously donated by the E. & J. Gallo Winery and an assortment of beverages are available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the MSO. For those not looking to pack their own picnic, patrons may pre-order meals from The Village Butcher, or purchase food on-site from The Sinaloense Food Truck and Yogurt Mill’s Froyo Truck. Full details on food offerings will be available at our website at ModestoSymphony.org/picnic.
Tickets for Picnic at the Pops! are on sale now, online, in-person, and over the phone. General Lawn tickets are $45 for Adults and $12 for Youth under the age of 17, and Reserved Lawn tickets are $75 for Adults and $20 for youth. Groups of 10 or more can receive a 20% discount on General Lawn Tickets.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Gallo Center Ticket Office or calling 209.338.2100. Starting in August, tickets will also be on sale in-person at The Village Butcher in McHenry Village in Modesto, in Turlock at the Carnegie Arts Center, and the MSO Office in Modesto. For more information and to buy tickets online visit ModestoSymphony.org/picnic.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Picnic at the Pops! Aretha: A Tribute
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Grounds Open at 5:00 pm
Concert Starts at 7:30 pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Capathia Jenkins, guest artist
Darryl Jovan Williams, guest artist
E. & J. Gallo Winery Grounds
600 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto
Tickets
General Lawn Seating: Adults $45 / Youth $12
Reserved Lawn Seating: Adults $75 / Youth $20
Groups of 10+ save 20% on General Lawn Adult tickets
(Youth prices for ages 4 through 17, 3 & under are free)
Tickets are available online through ModestoSymphony.org or through the Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket Office at (209) 338-2100. Gallo Center Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am-6:00pm / Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm
Starting in August, tickets can also be purchased at The Village Butcher, Carnegie Arts Center, and the MSO Office. For full details on ticket offerings at the outlets, please visit our website at ModestoSymphony.org/Picnic.
The Village Butcher: 1700 McHenry Ave., #65, Modesto
Carnegie Arts Center: 250 N. Broadway Ave., Turlock
MSO Office: 911 Thirteenth Street, Modesto
Artist Bios
###
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is a Resident Company of The Gallo Center for the Arts.
The DoubleTree Hotel is the official hotel of the MSO.
Picnic at the Pops! is generously sponsored by
Presenting Sponsors: E. & J. Gallo Winery & Family; Porges Family Foundation
Headline Sponsor: Wille Electric Supply Company, Inc.
Concert Sponsor: Garton Tractor
Press Release: Modesto Symphony Orchestra 2023-24 Season Announcement
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents their 93rd season. The MSO’s season will kick off with Picnic at the Pops! This year’s Picnic will feature the music of Aretha Franklin with guest vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Darryl Jovan Williams. The MSO’s first concert at the Gallo Center for the Arts will be in October when they open their Classics Series with Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 featuring pianist Alessio Bax.
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / May 4, 2023
Click to download high-resolution photos. (Pictured from left to right: top row: Alessio Bax, Tai Murray, Ashley Brown, MSO Chorus; bottom row: Picnic at the Pops, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra 2023-24 Season Announcement
The MSO’s 93rd season features outstanding guest artists and the MSO Chorus.
The Classics Series will feature pieces by Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, and more.
The Pops Series will be conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray and includes Holiday Pops!, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert, and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert!
The 27th annual Picnic at the Pops! Featuring the music of Aretha Franklin!
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents their 93rd season. The MSO’s season will kick off with Picnic at the Pops! This year’s Picnic will feature the music of Aretha Franklin with guest vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Darryl Jovan Williams. The MSO’s first concert at the Gallo Center for the Arts will be in October when they open their Classics Series with Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 featuring pianist Alessio Bax.
This year the MSO will return to their typical five-concert offering for their Classics Series, and each will have performances on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM at the Gallo Center for the Arts. In addition to the Classics Series, the MSO also offers a three-concert Pops Series which includes Holiday Pops! and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert. The Pops Series will be conducted by Principal Pops Conductor, Ryan Murray.
“We are thrilled to present our 93rd Season! This upcoming season we will expand our offerings as we return to our 5-concert Classics Series and every Pops Series concert will have two performances again! Next season has a wide variety of music starting off with Picnic at the Pops and the music of Aretha Franklin, Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No. 9 with our Chorus, and we’ll be performing two different movie concerts as well,” said Caroline Nickel, President and CEO of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association. “We’re extremely optimistic for the future of the MSO! Our next Music Director will be appointed soon and will fill out our 2023-24 Classics Series programming this summer.”
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2023-24 Season overview
Classics Series:
5 concerts performed on both Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM in the Mary Stuart Rogers Theater at Gallo Center for the Arts.
The full programming for the Classics Series will be completed by the MSO’s new Music Director this summer.
Opening the Classics Series on October 13 & 14, 2023 features pianist Alessio Bax on Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Once deemed “impossible to play,” Tchaikovsky’s ambitious masterpiece is now one of the most popular piano concertos in the world. This passionate and thrilling piece flourishes under internationally celebrated pianist, Alessio Bax’s fingertips.
The MSO will perform Gershwin’s An American in Paris on February 9 & 10, 2024. An American in Paris is a vivid musical postcard with sweeping, romantic melodies punctuated by blues and jazz-inspired rhythms. Be transported to the City of Love with this Gershwin classic that inspired the movie-musical of the same name, starring Gene Kelly, that went on to win six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Musical Score.
On March 15 & 16, 2024 the MSO will bring a new concert experience to Modesto with Symphonic Soundtrack. The evening will feature a special program curated by your Modesto Symphony Orchestra musicians and conclude with an afterparty for the entire audience to enjoy and meet the orchestra!
The MSO will be joined by violinist Tai Murray on April 12 & 13, 2024 for Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. Described as “superb” by the New York Times, violinist Tai Murray proves her technical prowess and effortless grace with Mendelssohn’s wonderfully uplifting and energetic Violin Concerto in E minor. Mendelssohn’s masterpiece remains among the world’s most prominent and highly regarded violin concertos in history.
The MSO will conclude its Classics Series on May 10 & 11, 2024 with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Ludwig van Beethoven’s final symphony weaves together themes of brother and sisterhood into a powerful and sweeping chorus widely considered the most recognizable musical work ever written. Featuring the MSO Chorus and four spectacular vocalists, this concert captures Beethoven’s vision of hope with power and authenticity. Whether you’re a serious classical music lover, or new to the symphony, this is one piece you won’t want to miss!
Pops Series:
3 concerts with performances on Fridays at 7:30pm and Saturdays at 2pm in the Mary Stuart Rogers Theater at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray.
The MSO will open their Pops Series with Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert Live to Film! Last performed in 2017, this concert sold out and was a record-breaking success for the Modesto Symphony! Join the MSO on November 3, 2023 at 7:30 pm and November 4, 2023 at 2:00 pm as they celebrate the 30th anniversary of this fan-favorite film.
December will bring a celebration of the Holiday Season with the ever-popular Holiday Pops! concert lead by conductor Ryan Murray. The MSO will bring back Broadway’s Ashley Brown to kick off the holiday season with the MSO and MSO Chorus on December 1, 2023 at 7:30 pm and December 2, 2023 at 2:00 pm.
The Pops Series will close with Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert led by conductor Ryan Murray! Fans will be able to experience the full movie with the MSO performing the full score live to film on May 31, 2024 at 7:30 pm & June 1, 2024 at 2:00 pm.
Special COMMUNITY ConcertS:
Picnic at the Pops on September 9, 2023 and the Holiday Candlelight Concert in December.
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra will present their 27th Annual Picnic at the Pops on September 9, 2023 with Aretha: A Tribute! Grounds open at 5:00 pm and the concert begins at 7:30 pm at the E. & J. Gallo Winery.
MSO Chorus Director Dr. Daniel R. Afonso Jr. once again leads the Modesto Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, plus the Opus Handbell Ensemble in a special concert that has become a treasured community tradition. This year’s concert will be in a new venue as St. Stanislaus Catholic Church undergoes renovations. Details will be announced soon.
Tickets
Subscription packages and single tickets for the MSO’s 2023-24 Season will be available June 5th, 2023, online, by phone, and at the Gallo Center Ticket Office. Visit ModestoSymphony.org for full details.
Renewing MSO Subscribers can renew today by calling the Modesto Symphony Orchestra office at 209-523-4156 or the Gallo Center Ticket Office at 209-338-2100.
Gallo Center Ticket Office
Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm and Saturdays 12:00pm – 6:00pm.
Phone: 209.338.2100
Full 2023-2024 Season Listing
CLASSICS SERIES
Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1
October 13 & 14, 2023 at 7:30pm
Conductor to be announced
Alessio Bax, piano
Gershwin’s An American in Paris
February 9 & 10, 2024 at 7:30pm
Conductor to be announced
Symphonic Soundtrack
March 15 & 16, 2024 at 7:30pm
Conductor to be announced
Symphonic Soundtrack is a brand-new concert experience which will feature a special program curated by your MSO musicians and conclude with an afterparty that everyone can enjoy!
Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto
April 12 & 13, 2024 at 7:30pm
Conductor to be announced
Tai Murray, violin
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9
May 10 & 11, 2024 at 7:30pm
Conductor to be announced
Featuring the MSO Chorus
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director
*EXCITING NEWS THIS SUMMER 2023!
The MSO’s next Music Director will be selected soon, and they will finalize our Classics Series concerts this summer. Stay tuned for more information!
POPS SERIES
Ryan Murray, Principal Pops Conductor
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert Live to Film
November 2, 2023 at 7:30pm
November 3, 2023 at 2:00pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © DISNEY
Holiday Pops!
December 1, 2023 at 7:30pm
December 2, 2023 at 2:00pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Ashley Brown, vocalist
MSO Chorus, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., director
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
Live Orchestra with Full Length Film
May 31, 2024 at 7:30pm
June 1, 2024 at 2:00pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
© 1983 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © DISNEY. Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox, Lucasfilm Ltd., and Warner/Chappell Music.
Special Community Concerts
Picnic at the Pops! Aretha: A Tribute
with the Modesto Symphony
September 9, 2023
E. & J. Gallo Winery Grounds
Grounds open at 5:00pm
Concert starts at 7:30pm
Ryan Murray, conductor
Capathia Jenkins, guest vocalist
Darryl Jovan Williams, guest vocalist
Holiday Candlelight Concert
December 2023
Daniel R. Afonso Jr., conductor
MSO Chorus, Daniel R. Afonso Jr., director
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church is undergoing major renovations and this year’s Holiday Candlelight Concert will take place in a different venue. We look forward to returning to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in 2024, but we guarantee this year’s concert will be just as festive and warm as ever. Details will be announced soon.
###
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is a Resident Company of The Gallo Center for the Arts. The DoubleTree Hotel is the official hotel of the MSO.