Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Teachers Forum First female conductor In America for a major symphony orchestra.

Dear Teachers, Wanting to share this exciting news with those who have not heard. As of this year 2007 we have the first female conductor of a major symphony orchestra ever in America. We have Marin Alsop to thank who is now conductor for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra . Maybe this will pave the way for female composers, etc. She stated she has known from 9 years old that she wanted to be a conductor and that Leonard Bernstein inspired her. I am so very elated with this news. Cheers, Sandy B

Well, I guess the Virginia Symphony doesn't count.

Joanne Falletta has held the baton here for a number of years.

The news articles stated the first female in the USA to conduct a major Symphony. I invited Marin Alsop to join us for chats, in Piano World Forums. She can be emailed on her official web site. I must get to a BSO concert ASAP to celebrate this exciting 2007 event. Cheers, Sandy B

Went back and read the articles and they stated both, to conduct a major orchestra and also to conduct a major symnphony orchestra. Read it as you want. I am too happy to split hairs with you. Sandy B

I think it's great news about Marin Alsop.

I had the chance to work under the baton of Ms. Falletta a few years back, and it was a great experience.

Wonderful news and so happy for you. I am so respectful of conductors as I was raised with the NSO as a child. I would love to hear of your conducting experience with Ms. Falletta. Cheers, Sandy B

Hi Sandy,

Marin was music director here for the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and she still is conductor emeritus. She is scheduled to be conducting Rach 3 this season and I look forward to this performance!

Rich

This is great news! I think that it will definitely pave the way for every woman and especially for girls who have dreams.

sweet!!

"Major symphony orchestra" has to do with their budget. NY Phil., Boston Symphony, Baltimore, LA, Chicago, Cleveland, etc.

Phlebas... Thank you for clearing this up as I searched for an answer and I did not know how this was established myself. Who decides if a major symphony? I am a native of Northern Virginia myself, Washington Metro Area, but, I attend the Kennedy Center as this is where we go in this area for concerts in general. Budget makes sense and a deciding factor in which symphonies are major ones. Thank you again for the info. Sandy B