Conductor Gemma New (MM ’11, Conducting)—Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of Canada’s Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra—was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit at the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours in New Zealand June 3. She was recognized “For services to music direction” (excerpted from the announcement):
Ms Gemma New has held high positions with orchestras across North America and New Zealand and is regarded as a rising star in the classical world.
Ms New began her career conducting the Christchurch Youth Orchestra. She became Music Director of the Hamilton Philharmonic in Ontario, Canada in 2015 and has also served as Principal Guest Conductor for the Dallas Symphony and Resident Conductor for the St. Louis Symphony. In 2022, at age 35, she became the first woman Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. She has conducted more than 50 top orchestras in North America, Europe and Australasia, including the Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra, and she has performed at prestigious venues such as the Hollywood Bowl and Lincoln Centre. In 2023, she made her debut at the BBC Proms, leading the BBC Scottish Symphony. She is recognised for her efforts to highlight contemporary composers, bringing new talent into the spotlight, both from New Zealand and North America. She has been committed to engagements outside of her conducting duties, from mentoring and masterclasses to educational events and community engagements. Ms New was ranked as one of the most in-demand conductors in Bachtrack’s 2022 list of Top 12 Women Conductors.