Where are the Berlin Philharmonic’s women conductors?

Emmanuelle Haim was the only woman in the Berlin podium this season, Susanna Mälkki the only one next year. Why so few?

Intendant Andrea Zietzschmann tells VAN magazine:

I am actually in conversation with all the conductors who are already guests with major orchestras. Take Joana Mallwitz, who makes her debut with the Vienna Philharmonic this summer. I was speaking to her agent just before we spoke, we are carefully considering when the time is right. There is now a whole generation of female conductors who are just starting out and are incredibly talented, but they also want to wait a bit … including Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla. I have known her for years and have had several conversations with her. Last time I asked her: ‘When are you going to make your debut with us? We want you to come.’ She said, ‘Yes, give me a little time.’ (More here.)

The point is, surely, that the Berlin Phil have been so slow off the mark in engaging women – slower even than Vienna – that the rising generation of female conductors are not rushing to take up its offers.