Rachael Worby, one of a small number of women in the US to lead a symphony orchestra, is conducting the Irish Chamber Orchestra in the second round of its Spring Series '99 concerts, starting on Sunday, writes Sandy Bannon.

Worby, a former first lady of West Virginia, combines her 13-year post as music director of the Wheeling, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and international guest conductor engagements with an evangelical approach to classical music appreciation and participation. She is likely to chat to the audience between pieces during the ICO's performances, and members of the public are also welcome to drop in and observe rehearsals before the concerts, which will feature pieces by Duke Ellington, George Gershwin and John Adams.