HAMILTON, ON— The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra is excited to share that Music Director Gemma New is the 2021 recipient of the The Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, a major U.S. grant awarded by the Solti Foundation U.S. to a single conductor under 38 years of age in the U.S.

The thrilling announcement coincides with International Women’s Day as Gemma New becomes the second female recipient of the Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, and the 12th recipient overall. This grant is offered to one conductor annually and comes with a $30,000 prize to provide the recipient means to continue to master their craft. The winning conductor also receives career guidance and industry connections through the Solti Foundation U.S.

The Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award winner is selected based on their skills and abilities, as well as their passion for communicating through music. Penny Van Horn and Elizabeth Buccheri, Artistic and Awards Committee Chairs, offer their congratulations to Gemma New after having witnessed her evolving career. “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,” stated Van Horn. Buccheri also writes, “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.”

Gemma New previously earned Solti Foundation U.S. Assistance Awards in 2017, 2019 and 2020. She was also a 2018 Conducting Fellow at Tanglewood Music Center and a David Karetsky Conducting Fellow at the Aspen Music Festival. In addition to her role as Music Director of the HPO, New is Principal Guest Conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Her 20-21 Season has included debut appearances with the Seattle Symphony, New Zealand Symphony and Basque National Orchestra.

The Solti Foundation U.S., established in 2000 in honour of conductor Sir Georg Solti, is dedicated to contributing to young conductors in the early years of their career, offering a monetary reward, ongoing support, mentorship and industry connections. The Foundation has awarded over $1 million to young conductors who have applied to receive grants.

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About the HPO: The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1884 as The Hamilton Orchestral Society and grew to become one of Canada’s major professional orchestras. Today, the HPO is a leader in Hamilton’s robust arts community where it provides professional orchestral services and music education programs to address the needs of the community. The HPO continues to commission and premiere works and is one of the artistic jewels of the Hamilton area. The combined musical talents of its artists continue to enrich the community and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Media Contacts:

Christina Volpini
Marketing and Communications Manager
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
905.526.1677 x226
cvolpini@hpo.org

Megan Nourse
Communications and Outreach Assistant
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
905.526.1677 x211
mnourse@hpo.org