San Diego Symphony’s Martha Gilmer Named 2026 Impresario of the Year

Martha Gilmer, the President and CEO of the San Diego Symphony, has been awarded the prestigious title of 2026 Impresario of the Year by Musical America, a leading classical music publication. The announcement, made on the morning of October 3, 2023, highlights Gilmer’s significant contributions to the symphony and the broader community since she took the helm in 2014.

Gilmer is only the second recipient of this honor in the publication’s 127-year history, following Michael Kaiser, who received the award in 2007. Fred Cohn, the features editor at Musical America, emphasized the transformative impact of Gilmer’s leadership. “Her work has not only transformed the organization; it has had a significant impact on the community as a whole,” Cohn stated.

Celebrating a Visionary Leader

In an interview with the Union-Tribune, Gilmer expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m incredibly honored. And I am humbled because I have fabulous colleagues that I have learned so much from in my many years in this role.” She acknowledged the collective efforts of the cultural institutions that have navigated challenging times, noting the importance of a symphony in fostering community spirit.

During her tenure, Gilmer has been pivotal in several key developments for the San Diego Symphony. Notable achievements include the appointment of Rafael Payare as the Music and Artistic Director in 2019 and the opening of The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, a state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue valued at $85 million. Additionally, the symphony recently completed a $163 million renovation of its indoor venue, the Jacobs Music Center, which reopened in 2022.

Cohn remarked on the uniqueness of Gilmer’s recognition, noting, “Martha has moved your orchestra and its operations to a whole new level. Being a community resource is essential for a contemporary musical organization, and that is something Martha clearly understands.”

Building Community Through Music

Payare, who has seen his international profile rise since joining the symphony, praised Gilmer’s leadership. “I am so happy that Martha is receiving this recognition, as she is a truly visionary leader,” he shared via email. He highlighted her tireless efforts and ability to inspire those around her, stating, “No matter how complex a project may seem, with Martha, as soon as we are close to completing one, we immediately begin dreaming about the next.”

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the San Diego Symphony has thrived under Gilmer’s guidance. The organization now boasts two world-class venues and has gained increasing recognition for its artistic achievements. Gilmer’s commitment to community engagement is evident in the symphony’s outreach efforts, which include performances in local medical facilities and detention centers.

Gilmer’s recognition as Impresario of the Year adds to her accolades, which include being named Director of the Year by the Corporate Directors Forum in 2025 and a 2024 Cool Women honoree by the Girl Scouts of San Diego.

Looking towards the future, Gilmer aims to expand the symphony’s recording projects and enhance its national and international presence. “It’s imperative that people, the stakeholders, feel included and that their ideas are heard,” she stated. “One of the things I’m so proud of is that we take our music to people who cannot get to our stages.”

Through her visionary leadership, Gilmer continues to redefine the role of the San Diego Symphony, ensuring it remains a vital part of the cultural fabric of the community.