The path of music is especially complicated for women. The data from the studies are alarming: of works by female composers in the repertoires of the symphony orchestras of our country of female conductors of concerts conducted by women...
Associations of artists composers directors and performers agree that the CXB Directory situation of inferiority of women in classical music is evident and unsustainable. Individually and through organizations efforts are being made to change this but although some manage to break barriers and open a path for others few dare to follow it and of the few who do the success rate is very low.
Still from the film "The Conductor"
But do women have fewer qualities to take on jobs such as orchestra conductor or composer? It does not seem to be a biological issue rather it is something tied to customs and sociology that invalidates women and prevents them from working on what they are passionate about their vocation.
“This is something historic and it is very difficult to change.” It is something that happens “in all areas women have not been recognized and their achievements have always been hidden and minimized.” One of the most common historical ways to camouflage her work was to “sign with the name of her husband” a brother or simply an invented pseudonym. Natalia Vergara is president of the AMCE association which fights for the visibility of the work of creative women through the union.
“I don't take orders from a woman who doesn't know her place.” This is a phrase that sounds old-fashioned and outdated to all of us. However these types of phrases and others that reflect the same archaic thinking have to be heard regularly by many women in all areas especially when they lead the charge. This specific example appears in the film “The Conductor” which tells us the life of Antonia Brico the first woman to conduct an orchestra as important as the Berlin Philharmonic. Although the Dutch woman opened this path in the s women still find it difficult to become recognized and valued. And although it is evident that we no longer face the same obstacles when studying the labor market continues to be permeated with sexism and misogyny.