The Aspen Institute Arts Program has announced that Marin Alsop will serve as its 2021-22 Harman/Eisner Artist in Residence.

In the role, Alsop will participate in programming and additional activities in Aspen, New York, Washington DC, and elsewhere.

In a statement, she said, “I am thrilled and honored to have this year-long opportunity to join thought leaders to discuss issues that are close to my heart, with a special emphasis on gender equality and access to the arts for all children.” Alsop said of her appointment.

The conductor will engage throughout the year in public convenings and forums focusing on her artistry, her leadership, and civic action within her field, community, and beyond. The first of these will be on Nov. 2.

Of the appointment, Aspen Institute Trustee Jane Harman said, “In co-founding the Harman/Eisner Artist in Residence program, my late husband Sidney said we must ‘… engage artists to ensure we act as a thoughtful and inclusive society and to bring inspiration, innovation, and courage to face the challenges of our society…’ Marin Alsop exemplifies these ideals through her artistry, her perseverance to become the first woman to have led a major US orchestra and through her work to support rising leaders.”

Each year the Harman/Eisner selects an Artist in Residence for a year-long exploration of their artistry and their unique perspectives to help address major social and civic issues. Recent Artists in Residence have included Rita Moreno and Edmund de Waal. Participants have included Ava DuVernay, Renée Fleming, Yo-Yo Ma, Jessye Norman, Robert Spano, Julie Taymor, and Alfre Woodard.

Alsop is currently Chief Conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, and recently concluded a 14-year tenure with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, where she currently holds the title of Music Director Laureate. She has also conducted the London Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestras, the Cleveland Orchestra, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, La Scala Orchestra, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, among others.