Maestras — The Long Journey of Women to the Podium

Being a female conductor means being an exception. Even today. When a woman stands on the podium she is, in most cases, ​“the first”: the first to lead a world-class orchestra, the first to conduct a certain work, the first to win such and such a prize. For decades, this sensationalized character has been the norm. Why are there so few women at the helm of world-class orchestras? How did this relatively new profession develop such a notorious mythos? What roles do power and masculinity play? Are things beginning to change? This documentary takes a closer look at the situation, interweaving historical footage, interviews with experts from various disciplines, and the words of some of the greatest women conductors of yesterday and today.