Saturday, June 14, 2025

Read my interview with Maestra Gemma New.

William Ford: Where are you right now?

Gemma New: I’m in Atlanta. I have a few days off, so it’s nice to be home. I just moved here about a year ago. I love the weather, the city, and the people. And I love the airport — it’s so convenient for my travel schedule.

Ford: What area of town do you live in?

New: Midtown, not far from Symphony Hall. I have a nice view of the Kennesaw Mountains.

Ford: Tell us about your musical background.

New: I grew up in a musical family in New Zealand. My mom played violin and still plays in community orchestras. I started violin at five and piano at seven. Playing in school orchestras and youth orchestras really fostered my love for music. When I was twelve, performing “Pictures at an Exhibition” with 200 young people was a defining moment — I knew I wanted to be involved with music for life.

Gemma New (credit: Benjamin Ealovega)

Gemma New (credit: Benjamin Ealovega)

Ford: How did you decide to become a conductor?

New: At fifteen, I had my first opportunity to conduct. It felt natural. I loved working with my peers, analyzing the score, and leading the ensemble. Conducting combined my love for music and leadership.

Ford: What happened between that and studying at Peabody?

New: I focused on mastering my instruments and joined as many orchestras as possible. A pivotal moment came when Jacques Lacombe visited the National Youth Orchestra of New Zealand; he let me conduct during soundchecks and wrote my recommendation for Peabody, where I studied conducting intensively.

Ford: Who were your important mentors?

New: Gustav Meier and Markand Thakar at Peabody taught contrasting approaches, giving me a versatile toolkit. Later, assisting Leonard Slatkin, David Robertson, and others also shaped my development.


For the complete interview, go here: https://www.earrelevant.net/2025/06/conductor-gemma-new-on-music-mentorship-and-making-atlanta-home/ 

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