Description
Marin Alsop is a woman of firsts. She was the first (and only) conductor to receive a MacArthur Award. Marin became the first female to be appointed as music director of a major symphony, the first female music director of the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra and the first woman to conduct the BBC’s ‘Last Night of the Proms.’ In 2020, Marin became the first woman ever appointed as Chief Conductor of the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra (RSO) and speculation in music circles suggests that she’s on track to become the first woman to conduct the prestigious Vienna New Year’s Concert.
Born into a musical family in New York, Marin set her sights on becoming a conductor at just nine years-old while accompanying her father to one of Leonard Bernstein’s Young People’s concerts. Her journey to professional success was neither easy nor straightforward, however at a time when, according to NY Times reporter Michael Cooper, “it was easier for a female to become a leader of a G5 nation or a Five Star General than to become a conductor of a major symphony.”
Despite being told being told “girls can’t do that” and being repeatedly rejected by the establishment of classical music, Marin Alsop persisted and never let go of her dream of becoming a conductor. And now, as she says, “Look at me, I’m doing it!”
Set to a breathtaking soundtrack of her performances, The Conductor tells Marin’s story through a combination of intimate interviews and shared professional and private moments, encounters with musicians and cognoscenti in the music world, unseen archival footage with her mentor Leonard Bernstein, and vérité scenes of Marin conducting some of the world’s great orchestras and teaching the next wave of conductors who, like her, were being excluded from the classical music canon.
The Conductor has a winning frankness that enables the audience to fall under the spell of its profoundly articulate protagonist. It’s a triumphant film about overcoming discrimination and realizing one’s talent against all odds.
“A trailblazing female conductor is still alone on the trail.” ~ New York Times
“Exhilarating.” ~ Emmanuel Levy
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
Reservations are strongly recommended for film series showings as seating is limited. Online and phone ticket sales close at noon on the Friday before the showing. Tickets may be available for purchase at the Ticket Desk on the day of the film if seating allows.
REFUND POLICY
Tickets are non-refundable unless you receive a positive COVID test or have to quarantine as a close contact. Some of our shows sell out, so please contact us on the Film Series phone line (802-457-5303) if you unable to attend a reserved showing.
FILM SERIES SAFETY
Film attendees are expected to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We recommend that you provide your proof of vaccination in advance using our online form, to avoid a wait at the Ticket Desk on the day of the film. We will accept a vaccination card, photocopy of the card, or digital photograph of the card. All guests will be required to wear masks at all times during film viewings in the Theater. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
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