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 rigor, social consciousness, and an emphasis on musical empowerment.
Hernandez is building a growing presence in the Bay Area’s professional orchestral landscape. He recently served as Cover/Assistant Conductor with the Berkeley Symphony (for Dina Gilbert) and as Rehearsal Cover Conductor with the Livermore Amador Symphony (for Lara Webber), supporting artistic preparation and contributing to each organization’s season programming.
His guest conducting credits include performances with the Bay Philharmonic, the Ball State University New Music Ensemble, the Florida International University Concert Choir, and international appearances at Bolivia’s Biennial Baroque Music Festival with the Orquesta de San Javier and the Orquesta de Ascensión de Guarayos.
His previous leadership roles span multiple institutions: Principal Conductor of the White River Orchestra, Music Director of the Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and Director of the Ball State Symphony Campus Orchestra. He has also held assistant conducting appointments with the Ball State Symphony Orchestra, Ball State Opera Theatre, Indianapolis Opera, and the Florida International University Symphony Orchestra.
A committed advocate for contemporary music, Hernandez has premiered works by Melissa D’Albora, Nils Bultman, Ethan Fegan, and Kaleb Rhae. His doctoral research centers on the music of Gabriela Lena Frank, offering performers expanded approaches to score study and interpretation.
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. Now based in the Bay Area, he maintains a portfolio career as a freelance conductor, educator, and wellness facilitator—dedicated to meaningful artistic experiences both on and beyond the concert stage.