Crossword Genius

Famous conductor in West, possibly, initially taking Ravel in thus (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

maestro

'famous conductor' is the definition.
(maestro can mean a distinguished musician)

'west possibly initially taking ravel in thus' is the wordplay.
'west possibly' becomes 'Mae' (actress Mae West).
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'thus' becomes 'so' (synonyms).
The initial letters of 'taking ravel' is 'tr'.
'tr' placed within 'so' is 'stro'.
'mae'+'stro'='MAESTRO'

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for maestro that I've seen before include "Accomplished musician" , "Highly talented figure in a given field" , "Rattle, say" , "Top player" , "Means of payment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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