Gemma New and the HPO win Inaugural Beckwith Award

Gemma New leads the Hamilton Philharmonic in an Intimate & Immersive Program (Photo credit: Banko Media)

HPO Named Among Winners of Inaugural Beckwith Award
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
May 8, 2020

HAMILTON, ON — The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to be named among five winners of the Canadian Music Centre’s inaugural Beckwith Award for Canadian new music performance and education in Ontario.

Named for Canadian Music Centre co-founder, the composer John Beckwith, this award celebrates the unique and exemplary achievements of artists, organizations, and educators who contribute to musical life in this province. Fellow 2020 award winners include music educators Dan Austin and Danica Brokelman, the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and the Open Ears Festival.

“I’m delighted and honoured for the HPO to receive the inaugural Beckwith Award from the Ontario Region of the CMC. To be recognized for our contribution to Canadian composers and their works is meaningful and encouraging to us,” said Abigail Richardson-Schulte, HPO Composer-in-Residence, of the award.  

The HPO is deeply committed to the inclusion and celebration of Canadian new music from emerging and established composers through our Composer Fellowship program in partnership with the CMC and our Intimate & Immersive concert series at the Cotton Factory. 

“Everyone at the HPO is absolutely thrilled to have been recognized and supported by this Beckwith Award. Our Intimate & Immersive series has brought local multidisciplinary artists, both emerging and established composers, passionate and inspiring performers, and enthusiastic music lovers closer together. Through these performances of contemporary music, we have all been enriched by the music of our generations, our time, and our cultures. I look forward to continuing with my dedicated, innovative and resourceful HPO colleagues to work towards providing our essential art form to everyone in Hamilton,” said Music Director Gemma New of the recognition.

The Canadian Music Centre will present the HPO the Beckwith Award at our next Intimate & Immersive concert which will take place a future date to be determined.  

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