Media spotlights Gemma New as winner of the 2021 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award
Gemma New is the twelfth recipient of the Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award (Photo Credit: Roy Cox)
GEMMA NEW ANNOUNCED AS 2021 WINNER OF THE SIR GEORG SOLTI CONDUCTING AWARD
Recently, the media featured Gemma New, principal guest conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Hamilton (CA) Philharmonic, as the winner of the annual Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award for her skill, passion, and ability to communicate through the music as a promising American conductor from the Solti Foundation U.S., based in Evanston.
Musical America quoted Solti Foundation’s Awards Committee Chair Elizabeth Buccheri: “We have observed Gemma for several years and have been impressed with her growth and development.” New is a three-time winner of the Solti Career Assistance Award and 12th winner of the cash prize. Buccheri noted that, among applicants for the latter, the committee looks for skill, passion, and the ability to communicate.
WFMT provided the background of the award’s namesake, Sir Georg Solti, who enjoyed a highly successful 22-year run as music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as part of a celebrated conducting career. The Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award provides career guidance, industry connections, and a cash prize of $30,000.
Scoop Independent News and Broadway World highlighted the official announcement made by Foundation Board Chair Penny Van Horn and Artistic and Awards Committee Chair Elizabeth Buccheri:
Ms. Van Horn stated, “The unanticipated challenges created by the pandemic have affected everyone worldwide. It has been difficult for the arts industry and especially for our young musicians. The Solti Foundation U.S. is honored to be able to continue its work and to support young conductors during this time. We look forward to returning to concert halls, opera houses and theaters enjoying live music and performances. Our mission is to identify, support and promote emerging conductors as they launch their classical careers. In doing so they continue to have the opportunity to demonstrate their musicianship, leadership, and full potential to the best possible audience.
“It is my pleasure to announce Gemma New as the 2021 recipient of The Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award. We have observed Gemma for several years and have been impressed with her growth and development. Congratulations Gemma! We will be excited to see where your obvious talent takes you.”
Ms. Buccheri added, “With these young conducting applicants, we first look for skills on the podium. We then look for passion and the ability to communicate through the music. These are just some of the qualities that Sir Georg exhibited throughout his long career. Gemma New is a wonderful example of Solti’s belief in the power of music, and it has been a joy to watch her grow in musical depth and presence over the past several seasons since she first became a recipient of a Foundation Career Assistance Award. Congratulations, Gemma.”
“It is a tremendous honor to receive the 2021 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, and I want to personally thank The Solti Foundation U.S. for this special recognition and support,” New told The Violin Channel. “Their generosity and consideration, as well as the example of the great Sir Georg Solti, is a constant inspiration and encouragement to many young American conductors. In receiving this award, I look forward to representing the Solti Foundation U.S. as the 12th Solti Fellow, growing as a leader and musician, and continuing to explore poignant and joyful ways of sharing music.”
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