The fourth edition of La Maestra, a biennial competition exclusively for women conductors, will take place at the Philharmonie de Paris from February 23rd to February 28th. Founded in 2019 by Claire Gibault, the event was inspired by a sexist encounter she experienced in September 2018 while serving on a jury in Mexico City. A fellow conductor claimed women were biologically incapable of conducting, citing arm positioning for childcare. This sentiment was echoed when Gibault was the sole woman on the jury, and three female candidates were among twelve participants. In the final, a Chinese and a Venezuelan conductor received equal votes, but the Venezuelan was arbitrarily placed first due to a refusal of an ex aequo prize, though the Chinese conductor did receive the Orchestra Musicians' Prize.