World Women Maestros Organization

Association

58 - bte 12 avenue de la Renaissance
1000 Brussels

02 735 93 12

02 735 93 12

0478355993

On 6/7 March 2000, an unusual event took place in Brussels. An international conference bringing together twenty women conductors representing thirteen mostly european countries. It was a premiere" in classical music. The idea had been launched by Belgian, Polish-born conductor Zofia Wislocka, who wished to share her professional experience with fellow female conductors. During this first meeting the participants discussed the specific problems of their job and exchanged experiences, but in the first place they talked about the future of women in this musical field. Orchestra direction is still widely considered as « a man's job ». Questions were flying around : "Why are there still so few women conductors - is the situation the same everywhere - which obstacles are still to be cleared - what can be done to help the next generation ? They decided to develop their cooperation and planned the creation of a worldwide organization of Women Conductors. A year later, "Femmes Maestros" was officially presented to press and musical world [Source: website]"