On the subject of female conductors, I have the very non-feminist view
that there are not many female conductors with the authority and skill
that earns them the respect of professional orchestras.  However, one of
the best conductors we have worked with here in Scotland, is American,
Marin Alsop, who was superb and is returning in a couple of weeks.  We
worked with a lady who had worked in London, and I'm sorry, she was pretty
hopeless.  Talking quietly and with not much conviction and passion, it
wasn't very inspiring.  Ms Alsop however, also endeared herself by handling
the usually cheeky and forever-trying-it-on, brass players which usually
unnerves many other conductors, with her quick wit and humour.  It went
down well with the rest of us!!

Alexa B