Gemma New appointed NZSO artistic advisor and principal conductor

Gemma New has become the first woman in the history of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa (NZSO) to hold a principal conductor position. New has been appointed artistic advisor and principal conductor of the orchestra and will take the role immediately, holding the position for a period of three years.

The combined conductor-advisor position is the first of its kind for a New Zealand orchestra. In this new role, New will conduct programmes, performing across New Zealand, and advise the Orchestra on decisions including programming, projects, and collaborations.

New said: ‘I am thrilled to be joining this exceptional team that so valuably contributes to the vibrant music scene in Aotearoa, New Zealand. have been deeply impressed and inspired by the excellence, passion, dedication and inventiveness of the musicians and staff, and uplifted by the audience’s enthusiastic reception of our performances.’

Aged 35, New is currently music director of Canada’s Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and principal guest conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. New made her NZSO debut in 2020 and conducted seven programmes with the orchestra in 2020 and 2021 as well as two recorded performances.

NZSO chief executive, Peter Biggs, said: ‘We’re delighted that, even with her many international commitments, Gemma is determined to take up this exciting new role with the NZSO. Her knowledge and experience with some of the world’s best orchestras, along with her close ties with New Zealand orchestras, makes her invaluable in her new role with the NZSO.

In August 2022 New will conduct three NZSO concerts in Wellington and Auckland with Grammy Award-winning violinist Hilary Hahn. In 2023 she will lead the orchestra in centres across New Zealand including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Napier and Tauranga.

New grew up in Wellington and became a conducting fellow under the mentorship of Los Angeles Philharmonic music director Gustavo Dudamel. She received the 2021 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award and this season she also guest conducts WDR Symphonie-Orchestra Köln and the Orchestra National de l’Île de Paris.

Founded in 1947, the NZSO is New Zealand’s national orchestra. In 2016 it was nominated for a Grammy for Best Orchestral Performance. You can find out more about the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa here.