Ms Gemma New, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America, ONZM for services to music direction
Gemma New began her career conducting the Christchurch Youth Orchestra. She became Music Director of the Hamilton Philharmonic in Ontario, Canada and has also served as Principal Guest Conductor for the Dallas Symphony and Resident Conductor for the St. Louis Symphony. She was the first woman Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. She has conducted more than 50 top orchestras in North America, Europe and Australasia, and she has performed at prestigious venues such as the Hollywood Bowl and Lincoln Centre. In 2023, she made her debut at the BBC Proms, leading the BBC Scottish Symphony. Ms New has been committed to engagements outside of her conducting duties, from mentoring and masterclasses to educational events and community engagements.