Serena benedetti biography

 
Serena Benedetti is the mastermind and founder of Valissima Institute, the only program of its kind training young women to be orchestra conductors; to date, those cherished and authoritative posts has been held almost exclusively by men.

At the Institute, however, leading faculty teach highly advanced pre-college female instrumentalists with a strong interest in conducting. The Institute’s curriculum is one that promotes leadership.

GENA RAPS: Before the pandemic, I went to a concert of the Juilliard Orchestra conducted by Barbara Hannigan.

My jaw dropped seeing a woman with bare arms leading an orchestra. To this day, I still have that image in my mind’s eye. What was your inspiration to start Valissima?

Serena Benedetti: I just love your example, and it leads to many discussions about what this project means, especially to those of us who have been thinking about issues around women and representation for