Writing with refreshing passion, and with her own personal story at its heart, Alice Farnham sets out to explore what it means to be a conductor in modern times. Uniquely, she draws on a wealth of insights from fellow conductors, each with their own perspectives and specialisms - from luminaries such as Antonio Pappano and Jane Glover, to a new generation making their own distinctive mark on the profession.

This is not a guide on how to conduct: for music lovers and music makers, not least aspiring conductors, it's a frank, fascinating portrait of what conducting really entails today. Beyond that, it's a book about leadership, full of timely sentiment on who gets to lead, and what it takes to unite and inspire people.

''A book that will fascinate and enthral anyone interested in music. Alice Farnham''s enchanting blend of insight, experience, musical understanding, sparkling good sense and intelligence brings alive and demystifies what it is to be a conductor.''

Stephen Fry