Sought after for her insightful interpretations and dynamic presence, New Zealand-born Gemma New is the Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of Canada’s Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO).
In summer 2023, New debuts at the BBC Proms with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, and Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center, and returns to the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. She also makes festival appearances, including the Festival de la Chaise-Dieu with Orchestre National de Lyon, and at the Opera Theatre of St Louis, where she leads a production of Susannah.
New regularly conducts with top orchestras, such as the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, St Louis Symphony, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, WDR Sinfonieorchester, BBC Philharmonic, Hallé Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
New launched the HPO’s first ‘Intimate and Immersive’ concert series, which celebrates music by Canadian composers in a visually vibrant setting. From Handel’s Messiah to Iman Habibi’s Jeder Baum spricht, the HPO under New’s leadership has embraced a programming style that builds trust and excitement with audiences. Highlights include collaborations with Canada’s leading soloists, such as James Ehnes, Timothy Chooi and Stewart Goodyear. New also encourages growth of the HPO Family and Education programmes.
New previously served for four seasons as Principal Guest Conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and she served as Resident Conductor of the St Louis Symphony Orchestra and Associate Conductor of the New Jersey Symphony. A former Dudamel Conducting Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Conducting Fellow at Tanglewood Music Center, she was awarded Solti Foundation US Career Assistance Awards three times, and the 2021 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award.
