The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) and Music Director Gustavo Gimeno have announced the appointment of Nicholas Sharma as the TSO’s next RBC Resident Conductor, and conductor of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO). Sharma’s tenure begins with the 2025/26 season.
“Nicholas brings a beautiful naturalness to his conducting—musical, confident, and calm,” says Music Director Gustavo Gimeno in a statement. “He has an ease and clarity on the podium that immediately resonates with musicians, along with a thoughtful and engaging presence. I’m delighted to welcome him to the TSO and look forward to collaborating in the seasons ahead.”
Nicholas was selected following a national search, and audition process. He’ll be taking over from Trevor Wilson, who has served in both capacities with the TSO and TSYO since 2022.
Nicholas Sharma, conductor
Canadian-American conductor Nicholas Sharma is a native of Toronto. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from the Eastman School of Music, followed by a Masters in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Oregon. He continued his studies, and holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) in Orchestral Conducting from the Eastman School of Music.
He has worked with the New World Symphony Orchestra in Miami and the National Academy Orchestra of Canada, and with prominent conductors such as Michael Tilson Thomas, Neeme Järvi, Boris Brott, Robert Spano and Francesco Lecce-Chong, among others.
He served as Assistant Conductor of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and the Music Director of the South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra for the 2024/25 season.
The Role
As RBC Resident Conductor, Nicholas will be working closing with the orchestra’s artistic leadership team, including Gustavo Gimeno to help support the TSO’s mainstage programming. Along the way, he’ll be able to take advantage of direct mentorship, networking with guest conductors, taking in rehearsals and performances, and more.
Sharma will conduct select concerts over the 2025/26 season, including Dvořák Symphony No. 7 and The Composer Is Dead. He’ll be covering rehearsals, and will be involved in tours and other special projects.
As the conductor of the TSYO, he’ll lead three concerts each season, as well as working with the TSO staff on programming and education.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and to have the opportunity to work with Maestro Gustavo Gimeno, the incredible TSO musicians, and the talented young artists of the TSYO,” says Sharma. “As a Toronto native, it’s especially meaningful to return to my home city and contribute to its vibrant musical life. The warmth and connection I felt during my audition process left a lasting impression, and I’m honoured to now join this musical family.”
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