How Women Reshape Musical Leadership: Claire Gibault in Conversation with Khadas

Claire Gibault is a pioneering conductor who has led world-class orchestras including the Filarmonica della Scala and the Berlin Philharmonic. She is the co-founder and co-director of La Maestra International Competition and Academy for Women Conductors. In 2023, she was recognized as one of Forbes France’s 40 Women of the Year and received the First Prize at the Chaumet Echo Culture Awards, honoring impactful projects led by women.

Khadas: Have people treated you differently as a conductor because you’re a woman?  

Claire: The first time I conducted a very large orchestra, it was such a new experience for the musicians. They were naturally curious about me — some were friendly, others… did not want to “obey a woman.” I remember a trumpet section where a trumpeter said, "It's not my wife who wears the pants."  

Khadas: In your opinion, what is the biggest stereotype or preconception people have about women conductors?  

Claire: Traditionally, women were expected to be reserved, refined, and stay in the background. When a woman publicly takes the lead with energy and strength, it clearly goes against this stereotype.  

At its core, this stereotype is really about the long-standing expectation that women should keep a low profile. I believe, however, that qualities like elegance and poise are not exclusive to women — men can have them too.  

Claire Gibault speaks with Khadas.

Khadas: Orchestra conducting has traditionally been seen as a role associated with authority, and historically this authority has often been linked to masculinity. In your view, do women bring a distinct perspective to the podium, not by imitating traditional models of authority, but by redefining what leadership can be? 

Claire: When women first arrived on the podium in the early days, relationships were often tense. One simple fact made a difference: the conductor stands while everyone else is seated. On top of that, she is elevated on a podium and speaks while the others must remain silent. The musicians are then expected to interpret her musical vision, even though they may have their own interpretations. This can require a lot of self-sacrifice on the part of the musicians.  

Until today, the conductor’s role has gone through a major evolution, even among men. A young male conductor today no longer leads with that old-fashioned 19th-century top-down authority, and he no longer behaves like a star or genius in front of the orchestra. This newer generation of conductors — men and women, but especially women — has brought something much more collaborative, more “brotherly” or “sisterly”. Over the years, I’ve realized that we don’t need to dominate the musicians we work with, but we also must not allow ourselves to be dominated.  

We need to focus on what is truly our responsibility: knowing the score inside out, controlling intonation and tempo, and being fully prepared musicologically — knowing the score better than the musicians, so we can contribute something meaningful, earn their trust, and allow them to entrust themselves to us.  

There are many wonderful personalities in the orchestra, who may not share the same vision of the piece, and you need to guide them onto a shared path. The moment when musicians come together in a unified interpretation is truly magical. 

As a woman, I have strongly believed in the power of gentleness, and I’ve found that it works even with large ensembles. 

Claire with the Khadas team.

Khadas: La Maestra supports women entering a field historically dominated by men. Khadas' Tea Pro DAC/amp was developed under the direction of a young product manager, herself working in the traditionally male-dominated world of hardware engineering. Her multidisciplinary background and sensitivity to user experience shaped the product in a unique way. What would you say to young women entering technical or leadership roles in fields where they are still underrepresented?  

Claire: You have to be brave, believe in yourself, and you cannot wait for someone to come find you. You need to take the initiative and put yourself out there.  

Khadas: Have you tried the Tea Pro DAC/amp? What do you think of it?  

Claire: I tried it out and was truly amazed. What an extraordinary sound! I enjoy equipment that can recreate the feel of a live performance.  

What really struck me was the feedback from musicians who also tried the Tea Pro — they were really impressed as well.