Classical Music

A Musical Milestone for Women

    Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court, graduated in 1952 near the top of her Yale Law School class. Yet, the only job she was offered after graduation was that of legal secretary. What a contrast with today, when voters in this country seem totally comfortable with the notion of electing a woman to the most to powerful job in the world. It seems there are no more barriers for women to shatter. So, I was somewhat surprised to hear about a ‘first woman’ milestone that was recently achieved.
On September 27, 2007, the Baltimore Symphony made history when Marin Alsop became the first woman to head a major symphony orchestra. Reading about her made me realize why we need more women in leadership positions in classical music. Critics have written glowingly about her musicianship. Her credits and awards are impressive; in fact, she has just won the 2008 Theodore Thomas Award from the Conductors Guild. But what struck me was her approach to music as a way to create a relationship between orchestra and audience. In The Christian Science Monitor from September 26, 2007, Marin Alsop said, “Everything in life is about personal relationships – including the way one feels about music. I want to create as many opportunities for people to have that ‘aha’ moment – give people the chance to really connect with the composers.”
Marin Alsop’s style is to break the invisible wall between orchestra and audience. As noted in The Christian Science Monitor, “She talks to her audience, swiveling around on the podium and leaning over the rail to explain the composition about to be played.” Her goal is to make classical music accessible to everyone, to take it out of the realm of fusty elitism. Many people undoubtedly view classical music like taking medicine or doing a daily workout – something that’s a chore but will somehow make them a better person. Frankly, some days I’d rather listen...

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