Ethel Leginska was a British pianist, composer, conductor, and educator. In 1925, Leginska became the first woman to conduct a major American symphony orchestra, debuting with the New York Symphony Orchestra on January 9, 1925. After New York, Ethel went on to found and conduct the Boston Philharmonic in 1926. As a woman, Leginska faced skepticism and prejudice from the male dominated symphony orchestra community, but nonetheless managed to forge a career with her excellent skill. She was also well known for her unique fashion sense.