American conductor Marin Alsop, known as the "First Lady" in classical music circles, led the Sao Paulo State Symphony Orchestra to present a South-American-style concert in the Shanghai Grand Theatre on Feb. 14, 2019.

It was her debut in Asia and also the orchestra's first visit to China, according to a report from Xinmin Evening News.

Marin Alsop in Shanghai (Photo by Xinmin Evening News)

As one of the few female conductors in the classical world, Alsop has always avoided allowing this gendered identity to be emphasized.

Instead, she expects to witness more female conductors standing out through their creative repertoire arrangements and contributions to music.

Saluting her teacher Bernstein with "Candide Overture"

Alsop is a student of legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein, and the most authoritative interpreter of his works as well.

Bernstein planned to perform in China during his lifetime but never managed to make it. So the Shanghai show was a trip that allowed Alsop to help realize her teacher's dream.

Alsop and her teacher Leonard Bernstein (File photo)

Alsop saluted Bernstein by starting with his "Candide Overture", which was an interpretation of the best attitude to love - candid.

Fostering female conductors

In Alsop's views, there is no easy path to becoming a female conductor. Most of the time, there are more challenges than advantages.

Alsop regards creating more opportunities for younger female generation as her responsibility, such as providing them with scholarships and encouraging some of the best to go upon the world's stages.

Marin Alsop in Shanghai (Photo by Xinmin Evening News)

In addition to making contributions to the diversified development of global classical music, Alsop is also concerned with helping the bottom of society.

When she served at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, she cast her eyes to impoverished young people in the city and launched a training program giving adult amateur musicians access to study in the orchestra's school of arts.