Marin Alsop Made an Honorary Member of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna

Alsop has been recognized for her commitment to music education, as well as her championing of social causes

The University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MDW) has offered an Honorary Membership to the renowned American conductor Marin Alsop. The honor is given not only for Alsop's outstanding artistic achievements but also for her commitment to social issues, as well as her longstanding service to music education.

The award was given on January 25, 2024, in a ceremony at the MDW's Joseph Haydn Hall.

Following principal conductorships at the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra, in 2007 Marin Alsop was appointed Music Director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra — and in doing so, became the first woman to hold such a post in America.

She remained in Baltimore for a 14-year tenure. During this time she founded OrchKids, a music education program for socially disadvantaged children.

The first and only conductor to receive a MacArthur Fellowship, Alsop is also a recipient of the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award and recently became the first female conductor at the BBC’s Last Night of the Proms.

“We have great admiration for the diverse work of Marin Alsop," said Ulrike Sych, the Rector of the MDW. "The fact that, in addition to her groundbreaking artistic career, she has maintained an incredible, ongoing commitment to promoting young talent for decades, means that she must be given the greatest respect. With her strong personal stance, by balancing artistic excellence with social and societal action, Marin Alsop is an inspiring role model for artists."