ARTS – Kamloops Symphony names its new music director – Dina Gilbert

The Kamloops Symphony has a new music director.

The symphony announced today (June 21, 2017)  the search for a successor to the recently retired Bruce Dunn has been completed with the hiring of Dina Gilbert.

A native of Québec, Gilbert was assistant conductor of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal from 2013 to 2016.

She has conducted numerous orchestras including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the NAC Orchestra in Ottawa, and the Orchestre métropolitain. Overseas she has conducted in Romania, Estonia, France, Germany, and China. Gilbert has also collaborated with many young Canadian composers, premiering more than 30 works, and has conducted studio recordings for films and video games soundtracks.

Gilbert earned a doctorate from the Université de Montréal, where she studied with Jean-François Rivest and Paolo Bellomia. She also holds of a Bachelor’s degree in clarinet performance and a Master’s in conducting.  During her doctoral studies she was awarded a grant from the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture.

“I am thrilled to begin my mandate as music director and conductor of the Kamloops Symphony,” Gilbert said in a news release.

“When visiting for the first time, I immediately felt there was something special about this exceptional orchestra in such a vibrant community. Therefore, it is a tremendous honour for me to lead the upcoming season of the KSO with vision and passion, following the great legacy of Music Director Emeritus Bruce Dunn.”

Gilbert’s appointment follows a lengthy selection process that started about two years ago with more than 30 applications for the position. Executive director Kathy Humphreys said the quality of applicants was impressive.

Gilbert will lead the KSO as it begins its 2017-2018 season this fall. Season subscription packages are available from Kamloops Live! Box Office at 250-374-5483, or in person at 1025 Lorne Street.