Since performing as a concerto soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at age 18, Nicholas Finch has established himself as an artist of great depth and diversity. Finch is the artistic director of the Derby City Chamber Music Festival, featuring some of the best musicians from Louisville and around the country. He released his debut album "Cello Status" with the NouLou Chamber Players in 2025. He has appeared as a concerto soloist numerous times with the Louisville Orchestra, and served as a secondary cello soloist with cellist Yo-Yo Ma in Teddy Abrams' 'Mammoth’ in 2023. In addition to this, Finch has collaborated with musicians from the Louisville Orchestra and others numerous times in the role of conductor, in works by Copland, Strauss, Schoenberg, Britten, Dvorak, and more. He attended Harvard, Juilliard, and the University of Michigan, earning degrees in cello and orchestral conducting.

What do you enjoy most about performing with the Louisville Orchestra?

We never approach repertoire in a standard way. Whether new or old repertoire, we are always looking for ways to play it and present it differently!

In what ways do you think the Louisville Orchestra can make the greatest impact on our community?

Making music of the greatest diversity and the highest caliber accessible to *everyone* in our community!

What is your favorite type of orchestral music to perform, and why?  

I am a sucker for late romantic/early expressionist music. Mahler, Strauss, and early Schoenberg get my juices going!

Who is your favorite composer or musician?

If I had to pick one, I would say Richard Strauss. I think Strauss is underrated actually, even as celebrated as he is! A composer of the highest caliber with the finest command of the craft.

Do you have a Louisville Orchestra or event that is especially meaningful or memorable?

Getting to play Richard Strauss's "Don Quixote" as soloist in 2019 will forever be one of the greatest career opportunities of my life. The work had only been performed I believe 3 times in the orchestra's history - one of the other times by the legendary cellist Janos Starker. An incredible privilege to do this with an orchestra of this caliber!

What are some things that inspire you as a musician?

It's always a thrill, bringing a new and exciting creative project to completion.

What do you love most about being part of the Louisville community?  

It's called the "possibility city" for a reason. If you have a creative idea, people are so open and willing to help you! The bourbon is nice too.

What’s something unique, surprising, fun, or interesting about you?  

When I started college I thought I was going to be a scientist, and I worked in the Harvard biolabs for two summers doing X-ray crystallography. I also have my own business as a freelance web developer!

What are some of your hobbies outside the LO?

I love reading about and talking about politics and philosophy like healthier people follow sports.

How do you stay connected with the community outside of your performances?  

The bourbon, of course.

Favorite orchestral work?

Richard Strauss's "Metamorphoses for 23 solo strings".

What's on your playlist (what song are you currently into)?

Kamasi Washington's version of Debussy's "Claire de Lune".