Gemma New Photo: Roy Cox
New Zealand-born conductor Gemma New has been described by one critic as “one of the brightest rising stars in the conducting firmament”.
It’s an assessment that’s hard to disagree with: Music Director of the Hamilton Philharmonic in Ontario, Canada; up until recently, Resident Conductor of the St Louis Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the St Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra; and Principal Guest Conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Gemma has also recently been recognised with a Sir Georg Solti Career Assistance Award – for the third time since 2017.
Back in the country to conduct the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Gemma talks with David Morriss about the upcoming concerts as well as her recent experiences of conducting under Covid restrictions.
She says, "to be able to share music performed live... is a special gift that gives us a bit of joy at this difficult time".
