Enrique Bátiz/Orquesta Filarmónica de la Ciudad de México

Born in Mexico City of Polish and Mexican descent, Enrique Bátiz explains why his name is accented on the first syllable: "It's a Basque name...from the region of the separatists. I'm still a very independent person!" As for his musical heritage, Bátiz began as a pianist and turned to the podium fairly late by current standards. Yet since the mid-'80s, Bátiz has become one of Latin America's most widely known conductors. Bátiz began his piano studies with his mother before his feet could even reach the pedals, and gave his first public performance at age five. After obtainin...