Shira Samuels-Shragg, assistant conductor for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, says her passion for conducting started in middle school.
DALLAS — When you see a conductor on stage, you see grace and command. But what you don’t see are the countless hours of preparation it takes to get there.
For women, that journey has been even harder. A program at the Dallas Opera is working to change that.
Shira Samuels-Shragg, assistant conductor for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, says her passion for conducting started in middle school. She first got the chance to conduct in eighth grade after doing a research paper on Marin Alsop. Her music teacher promised she could lead the orchestra if she worked hard enough – and she did.
Years later, she faced doubts about her future in conducting. But a call from the Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors changed everything.
The program, launched in 2015, addresses the gender imbalance in classical music. It offers training, mentorship, and a platform for women to lead. Samuels-Shragg says the program gave her visibility, credibility, and confidence to succeed.
She credits the Hart Institute for her success and says conducting is her favorite place to be. While most of the work happens alone with the score, she says the time spent with the orchestra is worth it.
The Hart Institute celebrates its 10th anniversary in January with a concert featuring alumnae, including Samuels-Shragg. For her, it’s a full-circle moment and a reminder of the belief others have in her.
A decade of progress, ensuring talent—not gender—takes center stage.