Baltimore And Alsop – An Issue Of Leadership?

The waves are still rolling from the Baltimore Symphony’s appointment of Marin Alsop as music director. “Ms. Alsop’s appointment is known to have been deeply controversial. If this is simply sexism, then it isn’t worth worrying about, as she will know how to ride it out. If it’s concern about a change in repertoire–Baltimore’s former conductor Yuri Temirkanov represented a very traditional outlook and Ms. Alsop champions a more diverse approach–then three cheers for the Baltimore board. But if it’s about the psychology of leadership, then this is a story the whole orchestra world will want to follow.”