Described by renowned critics as “a ferocious talent” and “a tremendous musician,” Uruguay-born orchestra conductor Gisele Ben-Dor has made a name for herself in what is still almost entirely a man’s world. She has led the New York Philharmonic, London Symphony, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Israel Philharmonic and many other world-class orchestras. Ben-Dor has played a crucial role in the recent renaissance of Latin American classical music, which she still performs in concerts, festivals and recordings.

Playlist:
Vinicious di Moraes – Garota de Ipanema
Gisele Ben-Dor with Juanjo Mosalini, Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra & Virginia Tola – I’ll Postino (Luis Bacalov)
Gisele Ben-Dor with Juanjo Mosalini, Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra & Virginia Tola – Oblivion (Astor Piazzolla)
Gisele Ben-Dor with The London Symphony – Malambo (Alberto Ginastera)
Dudu Tassa & The Kuwaitis – Wen Ya Galub

Photo by Henry Fair