Leading the Score: Women in Musical Leadership at the TSO

Thanks to your support, the future of classical music is more inclusive, dynamic, and full of possibility.

This month, the TSO hosted a special conducting masterclass featuring Naomi Woo, Kelly Lin, and Monica Chen—fellows in the Women in Musical Leadership (WML) program. Under the guidance of TSO Music Director Gustavo Gimeno, these emerging conductors had the opportunity to lead a professional orchestra, gain valuable feedback, and showcase their artistry in a high-profile setting.

Launched in 2021, WML is a three-year program that supports Canadian conductors who identify as female and/or non-binary—groups significantly underrepresented in music leadership roles. Led by Tapestry Opera, with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Pacific Opera Victoria as founding partners, the program offers vital mentorship, training, and career-building experience.

Listen to the WML Fellows speak about the incredible impact of this programme.

“It’s about creating opportunities—not just for talent, but for women who haven’t historically had that chance,” says Maestro Gimeno, who also serves as a WML advisor.

While women make up 59% of visual and performing arts graduates in Canada, they hold just 15% of leadership positions in music. Your generosity is helping to change that. To date, six current and former WML conductors have gone on to hold titled roles with prestigious organizations such as the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Grand Theatre in Łódź, and the Calgary Philharmonic.

Thank you for making programs like WML possible—and for helping to shape a more equitable and inspiring future for classical music.