Conductor • Educator • Artistic Leader

Dr. Carlos Hernandez is a dynamic conductor whose work bridges professional orchestras, university ensembles, opera, and community-centered musical projects. Recognized for a purposeful, collaborative artistic style, he creates performances shaped by social and musical empowerment.

Most recently he served as Music Director of the Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Cover/Assistant Conductor with the Berkeley Symphony, & Rehearsal Cover Conductor with the Livermore Amador Symphony. Previously he served as Principal Conductor of the White River Orchestra, and Director of the Ball State Symphony Campus Orchestra & Florida International University Philharmonia. He has also held assistant conducting appointments with the BSU Symphony Orchestra, Ball State Opera Theatre, Florida International University Symphony Orchestra and served as conducting assistant at the Indianapolis Opera. His guest conducting credits include performances with the Bay Philharmonic, the BSU New Music Ensemble, the FIU Concert Choir, Orquesta de San Javier and the Orquesta de Ascensión de Guarayos. 

Born and raised in Miami, he holds four music degrees with emphasis in conducting and has studied with Gregory Robbins, Douglas Droste, Javier Mendoza, and Grzegorz Nowak. Carlos maintains a portfolio career as a freelance conductor & educator—creating harmony both on stage and for youth and community members in training.