Marin Alsop, a trailblazer in the orchestral world and one of the first women to conduct a major American orchestra, was honored with the prestigious Gold Baton award last week at Abravanel Hall. This award, given by the League of American Orchestras, has previously recognized luminaries such as Leonard Bernstein, John Williams, and Yo-Yo Ma.
During her acceptance speech on June 11, which was shared via email with the Deseret News, Alsop emphasized the importance of taking risks, embracing creativity, and championing inclusion within the orchestra community.
“Our industry is facing seismic shifts: audience behavior, cultural relevance, financial pressures, equity and access—all converging,” she stated, underscoring the transformative challenges facing orchestras today.
Alsop urged her colleagues not to retreat in the face of these challenges, but rather to seize opportunities for growth and innovation.
“If we are brave—if we see clearly and act boldly—this upheaval can spark a more vibrant, inclusive, and impactful era for orchestras,” she said.
Alsop delivered her inspiring speech at the opening session of the League of American Orchestras’ 80th national conference, notably the first time this event was held in Utah.
Her connection to the state is deeply personal; her father, Keith Lamar Alsop, was born in Murray, Utah, and began his musical career with the Utah Symphony at just 17 years old.
In her speech, Alsop poignantly recalled how Maurice Abravanel, who conducted the Utah Symphony for over three decades, played a pivotal role in her father’s life by offering him his first job playing violin and bass clarinet.
“Abravanel gave my dad the courage to pursue his musical dreams, and decades later, he became my mentor alongside Bernstein at Tanglewood,” Alsop shared.
She described Abravanel as a “profound musician and compassionate human being,” highlighting the significant influence he had on her family and career.
As she reflects on the current state of orchestras, Alsop pointed out that they find themselves at a critical crossroad amid shifting cultural landscapes and financial challenges.
She believes that moments of crisis can also present moments of possibility, pushing orchestras to evolve and to take necessary risks.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned on the podium, it’s that moments of crisis can also be moments of possibility,” asserted Alsop.
Alsop also stressed that genuine inclusion is essential for the survival and flourishing of orchestras.
Reflecting on her own journey to becoming a conductor, she noted the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field.
“When I began, the idea of a woman leading a major orchestra was unthinkable,” she recalled, highlighting the absence of role models and open pathways for women at that time.
Her intention in taking on the role of music director at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, where she served from 2007 to 2021, was to create opportunities for other women.
However, in her 14 years there, she noted that JoAnn Falleta of the Buffalo Philharmonic was the only other woman to hold a significant conducting position during that time.
In response to this disparity, Alsop established the Taki-Alsop Conducting Fellowship over 20 years ago to support women in the field and provide mentorship opportunities.
She remarked, “When we widen the circle, everyone benefits,” emphasizing that for orchestras to thrive, inclusion must be a systemic priority rather than merely symbolic.
“Equity isn’t charity—it’s creative necessity,” she added.
Alsop also addressed the challenge orchestras face in a fragmented digital age, where the power of live music continues to play a vital role in fostering community and empathy.
“How do we emerge from this moment more vital than ever?” she asked, advocating for orchestras to embrace both tradition and innovation, rather than choosing one over the other.
“Beethoven and TikTok aren’t enemies,” she proclaimed, encouraging orchestras to leverage digital tools to engage with new audiences.
She went on to elaborate that streaming rehearsals or creating engaging videos could spark curiosity and lead to lifelong appreciation and discovery of music.
“In times of uncertainty, the most dangerous thing we can do is play it safe,” Alsop asserted, reinforcing that courage and vision are essential for orchestras to evolve and remain relevant.
“Orchestras are not museum pieces—they are urgent, evolving cultural forces,” she concluded.
The League of American Orchestras conference, held from June 11-13 in Salt Lake City, emphasized the critical role of music in enhancing mental and physical health.
Keynote speaker Renee Fleming, a renowned opera star and advocate for music’s connection to health, addressed the intersection of music and well-being, sharing benefits of early childhood music education on brain development and social connections.
Steven Brosvik, president and CEO of Utah Symphony/Utah Opera, echoed these sentiments, noting that although orchestras are not healing practitioners, they create a significant positive impact through live social experiences.
Together, these discussions at the conference highlight the urgent need for orchestras like the Utah Symphony to adapt and flourish in this rapidly changing cultural landscape.
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