Delta David Gier

Delta David Gier (born April 3, 1960) is an American conductor. Gier is Music Director of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, following 15 seasons with the New York Philharmonic as an assistant conductor. He has directed most major orchestras in the United States and has worked extensively with orchestras across Central and South America, Europe, and Asia.

Gier has received national recognition as an advocate for both contemporary classical music and the role of local arts organizations in intercultural community building. In 2012, he was selected for ASCAP’s John S. Edwards Award for Strongest Commitment to New American Music and in 2022 he received the Ditson Conductor’s Award for the advancement of American music. In Columbia University’s presentation of the latter award, Gier is described as

a widely renowned conductor who is remarkable in his dedication to contemporary American music. [… H]e has shown an unstinting commitment to programming American orchestral works, many of them premieres. He has developed the program Bridging Cultures, which is devoted to promoting the music of indigenous and diverse communities. He is a model of the engaged conductor.