The Order of Civil Merit is one of Spain’s highest civilian honors, bestowed by His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain. Established in 1926, the award recognizes exceptional service to Spain across various fields, including culture, science, and diplomacy.

This prestigious recognition underscores Gustavo Gimeno’s extraordinary contributions to music, his role in elevating Spanish culture on the global stage and his remarkable artistic achievements and leadership in the classical music world.

The distinction is formally bestowed upon Gustavo by his Excellency Alfredo Martínez, Ambassador of Spain to Canada, conferring the insignia and certificate on behalf of His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain on March 20 at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto before the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Mahler’s Fourth Symphony under Gustavo’s baton.

Music Director of the Toronto Symphony since the 2020/21 season, Gustavo Gimeno is in his final season as Music Director of the Luxembourg Philharmonic. He is the Music Director Designate of Teatro Real; he will assume the role in season 2025/26.