In February, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa) announced that Gemma New has been appointed as artistic advisor and principal conductor through the 2024 season. New, a native of Wellington, New Zealand, adds the post to those at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, where she is principal guest conductor, and Canada’s Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, where she is music director. The New Zealand Symphony noted that New had one of her first conducting experiences when she was a member of the NZSO National Youth Orchestra. In her new position, New joins NZSO Principal Conductor-in-Residence Hamish McKeich, Honorary Conductor Pietari Inkinen, and Music Director Emeritus James Judd. In 2020 and 2021, New conducted the NZSO in seven programs that included standard repertoire and works by New Zealand composers; she also led the NZSO in recordings. In the current season, New conducts programs featuring Mozart’s Requiem, New Zealand composer John Psathas’s Seikilos, and violinist Hilary Hahn. The NZSO performs in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Napier, and Tauranga.
Caption: Gemma New. Photo by Roy Cox
