Media highlights on Gemma New's Music Director renewal with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra

HPO extends Gemma’s contract as Music Director through 2023-24 season (Photo credit: Roy Cox)

GEMMA NEW’S CONTRACT RENWEAL AS MUSIC DIRECTOR WITH HPO SPARKS EXCITEMENT

HAMILTON, ON — On November 12, 2020, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra announced the extension of Gemma New’s contract as their Music Director. New joined the HPO as Music Director in the spring of 2015 following a rigorous international search, signing a contract that would see her with the orchestra through June 2018. In 2016, her contract was renewed until 2021.

The Hamilton Spectator features New as she continues her extended role as Music Director with the HPO. Since her appointment as MD in 2015, New has played an integral role in leading the orchestra with innovation.

Over the past six years, New has spearheaded a number of initiatives at the HPO. In her inaugural season, she implemented the Marz Homes Family Concert series and, in 2016-2017, launched the Intimate and Immersive series. On the education front, she re-established an annual daytime concert for schools, regularly welcomed students to sit onstage during HPO rehearsals, and encouraged a close relationship with the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

“Gemma’s vision in programming ambitious and engaging works for the mainstage along with developing new and diverse programs for the community has brought the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra to new heights,” — Anne Tennier, HPO board of directors chair

Ludwig van Daily also shares the exciting news regarding New’s extension with the HPO: “It has been a true joy to work with the musicians and staff of the HPO these past six seasons… Together, we have seen the orchestra grow and reach new audiences throughout the Hamilton region. I look forward to leading the HPO’s artistic vision in the coming seasons.”— New

Beyond her role as Music Director at HPO, New also holds the position of Principal Guest Conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and is a frequent guest conductor of orchestras worldwide. In the 19- 20 Season, New made major conducting debuts with the Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Detroit Symphony, and Indianapolis Symphony. New also frequently leads the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in her home country.

Musical America includes remarks from Kim Varian, Executive Director of HPO who praises New for her “wonderful relationship with [the] musicians, staff, and community” and her “energy and passion to her work”.