Marin Alsop is the only female conductor I can think of. (Click HERE for her website.) As for conductors being historically male, that can be said of almost any chosen/elected leadership position (as opposed to a position that is inherited), whether it be corporate CEOs or the leader of a country. Asking what men can do that women cannot do in the field of conducting is to open a debate on the merits of the two sexes that would be both endless and pointless.

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