Marin Alsop with Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra and Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha

Marin Alsop, a New York-born conductor, was the first woman to lead major orchestras like the Baltimore Symphony. Known for her versatile style bridging jazz and classical, she founded jazz groups like String Fever and recorded extensively, focusing on American composers. Alsop has led the Bournemouth Symphony, São Paulo Symphony, and Vienna Radio Symphony, receiving accolades like a MacArthur "genius grant." Notable for her work with Bernstein's music, she's released over 100 recordings.