Marin Alsop became the first woman to lead a major US orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. She is committed to music education around the world and is dedicated to nurturing young talent on the podium.

Joana Mallwitz is chief conductor of the Konzerthausorchester Berlin. She combines clear musical lines with a direct approach to the audience.

Susanna Mälkki conducts international operas and concerts and is Professor of Orchestral Conducting at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. She is regarded as a leading interpreter of contemporary music.

Lithuanian conductor Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla works with leading orchestras around the world and is Music Director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. With her highly acclaimed recordings of the works of Mieczysław Weinberg, she has added her own touches to the repertoire.