America’s oldest authority on classical music bestowed a rare honor this month on Martha Gilmer, the president and CEO of the San Diego Symphony.
Musical America, which began publishing in 1898, recognized Gilmer as the classical music “Impresario of the Year.” She was one of five honorees announced on Dec. 16, including renowned pianist Emanuel Ax, the artist of the year.
It’s only the second time that Musical America has given an impresario award.
“How else to describe an individual who transformed an orchestra from mid profile to high — artistically, economically, architecturally, and, perhaps most impressive, civically,” the magazine said.
The announcement cited the new Rady Shell, the renovation of Copley Symphony Hall and the hiring of “the orchestra’s fast-rising music director, Rafael Payare.”
“Call her a brilliant talent scont, fund raiser and collaborator,” wrote Musical America.
In accepting the award, Gilmer thanked her symphony team and donors, saying “this is such a collaborative role and it’s important that we pay homage to the people who have made it possible.”
Gilmer joined the San Diego Symphony in 2014 after spending 35 years with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She is a graduate of Northwestern University’s school of music.
