HISTORIC WOMEN CONDUCTORS

Caroline Nichols (1864 - death date unknown), founder &  conductor of the Boston Fadettes all-woman orchestra

Read about these women and others in Unsung: A History of Women in American Music, Christine Ammer, 2nd ed. 2001

Frederique Petrides (1903 - 1983), composer-conductor, NYC based; all-female and all-male orchestras

Ethel Leginska (1886 - 1970); Boston, NYC orchestras (male and female)

MORE RECENT and CURRENT  CONDUCTORS

Sarah Caldwell (1924 - 2006), founder-director, Opera Company of Boston

Use the search box at right to find recordings conducted by these outstanding women!

African-American and minority women have faced even greater obstacles. Two who succeeded are:

Composer/conductor Margaret Harris (1943 -  2000)

Kay George Roberts (1950  -    )

Gisele Ben-Dor (1955  --      )

Eve Queler (1936 --    )

JoAnn Falletta (1954  -        )

Catherine Comet (1944 -    )

Simone Young (1961 -      )

Victoria Bond (1949 -      )

Ann Manson (1961  -    )

These are a few of the many female conductors of opera, orchestras, Broadway shows, and choral groups. Add your favorite female conductor to Susan's Comment Page!