Is there a glass ceiling for women conductors? Marin Alsop: “I don’t know if it’s a glass ceiling, or a concrete or a fabric one, but it’s definitely a ceiling. I’m very proud that I’m to become the first woman conductor in history to lead the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (of Amsterdam), but I’m also appalled. It’s sort of surprising that one can still be the first woman in so many areas — in the 21st century.”