New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Appoints New Music Director and Artistic Partner

In 2027, André de Ridder will start as music director and Gemma New will begin her new role as artistic partner

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) has appointed André de Ridder its new music director from 2027. 

The German conductor made his NZSO debut in 2023 and will become its first Music Director since Edo de Waart departed in 2019. 

Simultaneously, conductor Gemma New will be transitioning to her new role as artistic partner after five seasons as NZSO’s artistic advisor and principal conductor.

Also the designated music director of the English National Opera (to begin tenure in 2027), de Ridder is currently music director of Germany’s Theatre and Philharmonisches Orchester Freiburg.

Additionally, he has led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Deutsches Symphonie Orchester Berlin, Orchestre de Paris, and the Concertgebouworkest. In contemporary and popular music, he has collaborated with bands Gorillaz and The National, and Radiohead member Jonny Greenwood.

This August, de Ridder will return to New Zealand to conduct a three-concert festival with the NZSO in works by Stravinsky, Dukas, Mussorgsky, and more. 

Joining de Ridder in a new role is Gemma New, who has conducted the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre National de France, New York Philharmonic, and the LA Philharmonic, among others. 

Previously, she served as music director of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, principal guest conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, resident conductor of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and associate conductor of the New Jersey Symphony.

“As an NZSO Board member when Gemma was appointed Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor four years ago, I’ve seen her play an integral role in the NZSO’s artistic leadership,” said NZSO Board Chair Carmel Walsh. “The orchestra is extraordinarily grateful for what Gemma has achieved, not to mention she has an enormous following with our audiences. We’re delighted that relationship will continue with her as our Artistic Partner.”

“I am very excited and feel truly honoured to have been chosen to become this orchestra’s next Music Director and to learn about and contribute to New Zealand’s unique musical and cultural scenery,” de Ridder said in a press release. “With this fantastic group of musicians and organisation I believe we can, and need to, continue to prove how essential, life affirming and transcending live orchestral music is and what an orchestra can be today. I very much look forward to my upcoming visit and exciting programs in Wellington and Auckland, and to plan for the future!”

“Like many New Zealanders who were introduced to André when he first conducted the NZSO in 2023, I was blown away by his passion, professionalism and enthusiasm on and off stage,” Walsh added. “As well as being an extraordinarily talented conductor, he was able to quickly connect with the orchestra and New Zealand audiences,” Walsh added. “There is so much he will bring to the NZSO, and it will be felt by both our skilled and experienced players and by every New Zealander who sees the NZSO perform.”

“[It’s] very exciting to be welcoming André de Ridder … He brings a deep commitment to our orchestra and great energy to the podium, as well as a reputation for innovative cutting-edge concert programming,” said NZSO Chief Executive Marc Feldman. “André, together with the NZSO artistic team, means we will be sure to delight and surprise audiences throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.”