Jonathan Hirsh

Jonathan Hirsh is a Senior Lecturer at Smith College and Director of Orchestral & Choral Activities since 1997. He has conducted extensive standard and collaborative repertoire, including performances with dance and opera companies such as Peter and the Wolf (with Pioneer Valley and Amherst Ballet) and Mark Morris’ Vivaldi Gloria. His leadership includes sold-out performances like Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Carnegie Hall and international tours with the Smith College Alumnae Chorus.

• Education: D.M.A. and M.M. from University of Michigan; B.A. from Amherst College

Research focuses on African American opera singers, the music of George Walker, and editing unpublished manuscripts by Nino Rota. In 2023, he conducted the world premiere of his edition of Rota’s Messa di Requiem in Bari, Italy, to be published by Schott.

His private conducting students include prominent figures like Elim Chan (Donatella Flick Competition winner) and Carolyn Kuan (Music Director of Hartford Symphony Orchestra). Guest engagements span New England, national conferences, and international locations such as Chile, Europe, and Alaska.

He founded Sing This Summer, offering conducting workshops at Amherst, Bowdoin, and College of New Jersey, and has led performances at the National Cathedral and European cathedrals.