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Marin Alsop

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description Marin Alsop Overview

Marin Alsop is an American conductor who served as the music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra from 2007 to 2021. She was the first woman to lead a major American orchestra, marking a significant milestone in classical music history. In 2013, she became the first female conductor to lead the BBC Last Night of the Proms in London. Alsop also held positions as the principal conductor of the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra and the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra.

help Marin Alsop FAQ

Was Marin Alsop the first woman to lead a major American orchestra?

Yes, she became the first woman appointed music director of a major American orchestra when she took the post at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in 2007, holding it until 2021. Her appointment was widely covered as a milestone in classical music.

What historic first did Marin Alsop achieve at the BBC Proms?

In September 2013 she became the first woman to conduct the Last Night of the Proms, the famous finale of the BBC Proms season in London. She used the broadcast to advocate for women in conducting.

What other orchestras has Marin Alsop led?

Beyond Baltimore, she has served as music director of the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra (OSESP) and as chief conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra from 2019. She maintains a busy international guest-conducting career.

Did Marin Alsop study with Leonard Bernstein?

Yes, she was a protégée of Leonard Bernstein, studying with him at Tanglewood. She later founded the Taki Concordia Conducting Fellowship to mentor and support women conductors, extending that legacy.

What is Marin Alsop doing now?

She continues to guest-conduct top orchestras worldwide while holding posts such as chief conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, which she took up in 2019. She also remains active as an educator and advocate through her conducting fellowship.