Simone Young, who will shortly become only the third woman ever to conduct the notoriously all-male Vienna Philharmonic, is no stranger to controversy, or to taking on the challenge of leading Europe’s best (and most difficult) orchestras. “Since Young’s controversial departure from Opera Australia, the maestro has further consolidated her reputation in a variety of work, including guest conducting for Placido Domingo’s Los Angeles Opera and at the Opéra Bastille in Paris. Young recently took the management and artistic reins of the Hamburg State Opera… In several interviews over the years she has talked frankly about the jeers and sexist attitudes of male colleagues. She stands her ground – in high heels, of course – and invariably wins them over with her focus, authority and style.”