New Zealand conductor Gemma New has been honored in the country’s 2024 King’s Birthday Honors, receiving the title of Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to music direction.

New is the Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and held a nine-year term with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.

She has also served as Principal Guest Conductor with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and as Resident Conductor of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. New is also a recipient of the 2021 Sir George Solti Conducting Award and a former Dudamel Conducting Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

In a statement, New said, “[I am] feeling deeply grateful and honored to be appointed as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and I’m thrilled to be recognizing the vibrant role of orchestral music in New Zealand, especially the powerful performances by our incredible NZSO musicians.”