Sexism faced by female conductors

On 7th September, 2013, Marin Alsop became the first female conductor of the Last Night of the Proms in the UK. In the run-up to the concert a fellow conductor described women on the podium as a distraction and that “a cute girl on a platform makes musicians think of other things”. Older men have told her that, while she can conduct Mozart, Bruckner and Mahler are outside a woman’s capabilities. Peter Gambie and Southampton Choral Society wish to distance themselves from all forms of prejudice. We are in absolute agreement with Alsop’s comments (below) and will place them in a prominent position on our website and encourage all in the choral community to take similar action against bigots everywhere.

After the highly successful performance, Alsop said:

“Quite a lot has been made of me being the first woman to conduct the Last Night of the Proms [applause]. I’m incredibly honoured and proud to have this title but I have to say I’m quite shocked that it’s 2013 and there can still be firsts for women [applause]. Here’s to the second, third, fourth, fifth, hundredth time to come.

I was incredibly lucky to grow up with the greatest advantage of all – in a household filled with music. My parents were professional musicians and they supported my dream – when I was nine years old and said I wanted to become a conductor, they supported me. Only last week when people said to me “Girls can’t do that”, my parents supported me [applause]. 

Thanks to this transformative power of music, I’ve witnessed hundresds of kids with my Sao Paulo and Baltimore orchestras. I’ve watched them access  this new world of possibilities and seen different futures for themselves The power of music cannot be understimated: it’s what makes us human beings; it’s what makes nations; it’s what makes a great civilisation We cannot forget that – ever. And music and art cannot be pushed to the margins. They have to be in front and centre. 

To all young women, I say to you: believe in yourselves; follow your passion; never give up becaue you will create a future filled with possibility.”

We agree wholeheartedly.

Peter Gambie

Conductor – Southampton Choral Society (U.K.)

http://www.southamptonchoralsociety.org.uk/

Conductor – The Renaissance Choir (U.K.)