DANIEL BARTHOLOMEW-POYSER
Canadian conductor , Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser consistently brings clarity and meaning to concert hall fostering deep connections between the audience and performers . In 2022 , Daniel made his Carnegie Hall debut where he conducted the world premiere of “ Ram Tori Maya ” by Reena Esmail and “ We Shall Not Be Moved ” arranged by Nathalie Joachim . Currently , Daniel holds the positions of Resident Conductor of Engagement and Education at the San Francisco Symphony , the Barrett Principal Education Conductor and Community Ambassador of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra . In addition , he is also the Creative Partner with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa .
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 debuts with the Utah , Colorado and Modesto symphonies , and The Florida Orchestra , and returns to the Baltimore , Houston and New Jersey symphony orchestras , and Rochester Philharmonic .
From 2016-2020 , he served as Artistic Director of the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras , and he continues to be a frequent collaborator and guest faculty at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University . 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 . During the COVID-19 pandemic , Hersh developed and conducted the BSO ’ s new digital concert series – BSO Sessions – mixing performance with documentary-style interviews .
Hersh is frequently in demand as an arranger and orchestrator , with commissions from orchestras around the globe . His symphonic arrangement of Queen ’ s Bohemian Rhapsody continues to see worldwide success as a viral YouTube hit .
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 lives in Philadelphia with his wife Caitlin and their two cats , and in his free time enjoys baking ( and eating ) sourdough bread .
SAMEER PATEL
Named Musical America ’ s April 2023 New Artist of the Month and recognized for his “ profound artistry ” ( The San Diego Union Tribune ), Sameer Patel is one of America ’ s most exciting conductors . Equally at home conducting world premieres and traditional classical works , Patel ’ s infectious enthusiasm for music is felt by musicians , audiences , and students alike .
Patel is the Artistic Director of the San Diego Youth Symphony , a transformational organization that reaches more than 3,000 students in its community . Formerly , he served as Associate Conductor of the Sun Valley Music Festival and Associate Conductor of the San Diego Symphony , and held conducting positions with the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic .
Highlights of Patel ’ s summer and upcoming 2023-24 season include guest conducting appearances with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra , Florida Orchestra , and Omaha Symphony . Patel has appeared with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra , Princeton Symphony , La Jolla Symphony and Chorus , Houston ’ s Opera in the Heights ( Puccini ’ s Tosca ), Toronto Symphony Orchestra , Detroit Symphony Orchestra , National Symphony Orchestra , Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra , Chicago Sinfonietta , Leipziger Sinfonieorchester , and many others .
Patel has assisted and learned from some of the greatest conductors of our time , including , Gianandrea Noseda , Daniele Gatti , Gustavo Dudamel , Jaap van Zweden , Charles Dutoit , Paavo Järvi , Kurt Masur , Bernard Haitink , Edo de Waart , Robert Spano , and Stéphane Denève .
Born and raised in Michigan , Patel makes his home in San Diego with his wife , Shannon , and two children , Devan and Veda . In his spare time , Patel pursues his passions for literature , languages , jazz , traveling , history , and tennis .
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