Named in honor of Veronica Borisovna Dudarova (b. 1916), the only woman conductor in Russia. She is a People's Artist of the U.S.S.R. (1977) and the state prize laureate of Russia (1980). She was artistic director and principal conductor of the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra from 1960 to 1989 and has been artistic director and principal conductor of the Veronica Dudarova Orchestra since 1991. Her innovative interpretations of such large musical forms as symphonies and oratorios with choruses has defined her contribution to Russian art. Name suggested by G. V. Sviridov and S. P. Kapitza and supported by the discoverer.