DR Larry Elmore (that is my new dream-like name for you
: I have performed under Marin's baton (so to speak). I was the featured pianist at an Oregon Symphony Gospel Christmas concert many years ago. Marin was singing along as she conducted. I found her a bit hard to follow, but that's probably just me, as I am not a trained symphony musician.
I was attending Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, during the time they were looking for a new Conductor/Music Director. Marin Alsop was one of the candidates. They held a few open rehearsals and concerts in our school's concert hall. It was fascinating watching the whole process.
She was - and still is - very passionate about what she does, about music. And her connection to Bernstein is invaluable. -Although sometimes I think she treats some of his music a little too reverentially, imho.
If I recall, she was one of the final two. But she lost out to George Manahan. Who left a couple of years later to come back to NYC, and take his position at City Opera.