Texas-born & raised conductor, Nicholas Leh Baker, is rapidly earning recognition as a dynamic conductor and dedicated teacher of the art of conducting. With extensive expertise in both standard and contemporary orchestral repertoire, he is known for his personable demeanor, unwavering work ethic, and deep commitment to nurturing every musician’s sense of accomplishment within the orchestral setting. Nicholas is passionate about fostering inclusive and inspiring musical experiences where performers have a thriving environment and audiences feel engaged, uplifted, and connected through the power of music.
Nicholas was recently awarded 3rd prize for the 2024 American Prize in Conducting. He has been praised for his conducting style, energy, and connection with the music. The Houston Chronicle has applauded Nicholas for his innovative programming, calling him “The Idea Man.”
He currently serves as the Artistic Director of The Americas Cultural Youth Orchestra Festival, head faculty at The Lima Conducting Workshop in Lima, Peru alongside Rafael Reyes, and Festival Director and Chief Conductor of the Young Artists Music Festival in Texas. Additionally, he frequently assists and serves as a cover conductor for ensembles at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music and is the assistant conductor of The Houston Brass Band.
Nicholas made his conducting debuts with the Austin Symphony, the Lviv Philharmonic in Ukraine, the String Orchestra of Brooklyn with guest violinist, Giora Schmidt, and with the Syzygy Contemporary Ensemble at the Meadows School of the Arts. He has previously worked with ensembles including Alia Musica Pittsburgh, Cabrillo Festival Orchestra, Sonus Chamber Orchestra, and was Principal Guest Conductor with the Houston Symphonic Band for three years. In addition in 2009, Nicholas served as conductor-in-residence in for The Foundation of Modern Music.
Nicholas has actively participated in several masterclasses and distinguished festivals, most notably with world-renowned conducting teachers, Marin Alsop and Gustav Meier at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, and the International Conducting Workshop and Festival in Bulgaria, United States & Ukraine.
Dedicated to also mentoring the next generation of conductors, educators, and musicians, Nicholas is passionate about teaching and sharing his knowledge of the art of conducting. As head faculty at The Lima Conducting Workshop, he provides hands-on guidance to aspiring conductors from across the Americas. He is also a frequent guest teaching artist at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, offering mentorship to emerging conductors and instrumentalists. His commitment to education extends internationally, with guest teaching appearances at festivals and institutions around the world, where he inspires and empowers musicians to reach their fullest potential. He is a highly requested clinician both nationally and internationally.
In addition to his conducting engagements, Nicholas Leh Baker is also a dedicated violinist and chamber musician. As an advocate with a great passion for new music, Nicholas co-founded the ensemble Duo Scordatura with friend and colleague, Jordan Kuspa. In his 15 years as the violinist for Duo Scordatura, he has both premiered and commissioned over 75 new works by composers such as Jordan Kuspa, George Heathco, Paul Dooley, Avner Dorman, and Alexandra Bryant. In 2013, Duo Scordatura released their debut to rave reviews:
"A spectacular debut!", "... Guns blazing!!" - New MusicBox
"... Scordatura's enthusiasm for new music is contagious." - Culture Map Houston
In March 2016, Duo Scordatura made their Carnegie Hall debut to a nearly sold-out audience in Weill Hall. Nicholas has also premiered two commissioned violin and viola concertos at the Pittsburgh New Music Festival with Alia Musica Pittsburgh. As conductor-in-residence with the Foundation of Modern Music, Nicholas hosted the Naxos label CD release concert of internationally renowned composer Avner Dorman.
Nicholas Baker is a graduate of The Meadows School of the Arts at SMU in Dallas. His notable conducting teachers include Larry Rachleff, Don Schleicher, Gustav Meier, and Paul Phillips.