Why create a conducting competition – with a complementary Academy – open only to women? A legitimate question, perhaps, given that the first signs of changing attitudes towards women conductors are becoming apparent in some parts of the world.

But while more and more women conductors are enjoying successful careers, deeply entrenched sexist discrimination is sadly still a very-present obstacle for many.

With La Maestra International Competition & Academy the Paris Mozart Orchestra and the Philharmonie de Paris are together seeking to unite the international musical world behind a strong commitment to women conductors, encourage vocational aspiration among women and offer the youngest among them unprecedented levels of support.

For there is yet more to be done. The talent is there, in all its abundance and variety. It is now up to all of us to give women orchestral conductors the visibility and support they deserve.