Marin Alsop Takes On Major Role at Philadelphia Orchestra

The Philadelphia Orchestra announced Marin Alsop as their new principal guest conductor.

What’s Up: Beginning in 2024-2025, Marin Alsop will join the Philadelphia Orchestra as principal guest conductor. The position was announced on January 9th by music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Alsop will lead the orchestra in multiple subscription concerts, national and international tours, events and residencies.

Yes, But… Conductor Marin Alsop currently leads Vienna’s ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra. She has served as the first female conductor for many symphonies and concert presenters, including the BBC Proms. Her website describes her as the first woman to serve as head of a major orchestra in the US, South America, as well as in Austria and Britain. In 2024, she will make her Metropolitan Opera debut conducting John Adams’ El Niño.

Big Picture: Principal guest conductor roles are prestigious positions often used as launching pads for up-and-coming talents. The appointment of Marin Alsop, 67, demonstrates the Philadelphia Orchestra’s recognition of her contributions to America’s musical culture. President and CEO Matías Tarnopolsky calls her “somebody who has really set a path for women conductors.”

For an inside look at the formidable conductor, watch Alsop reflecting on her early studies with Bernstein:

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Sara Schabas

Sara Schabas is a soprano and writer born and bred in the heart of Toronto’s musical community. When she’s not singing opera, you can find her covering Carole King on the ukulele, biking through the Annex and advocating the merits of Puccini.