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New York Philharmonic's first female musician initially declined an offer for an Oscar-winning film based on her life

New York Philharmonic's first female full-time musician, Orin O'Brien, is now the subject of an Oscar-winning documentary, chronicling her journey under the leadership of Leonard Bernstein.

Female conductor initially declined invitation for a biopic centered on her life, who is...
Female conductor initially declined invitation for a biopic centered on her life, who is historically the first woman in the New York Philharmonic

New York Philharmonic's first female musician initially declined an offer for an Oscar-winning film based on her life

Orin O'Brien, a renowned double bassist, has had an illustrious career marked by her groundbreaking achievements and her close association with the legendary Leonard Bernstein.

O'Brien's experiences with Bernstein have significantly influenced her teaching style, as she teaches Mahler symphonies according to Bernstein's tempos and phrasing. This approach is a testament to the profound impact Bernstein had on her musical journey.

Before joining the New York Philharmonic in 1966, O'Brien played for 10 years with the New York City Ballet. Her tenure with the ballet company provided her with invaluable experience that would later prove instrumental in her career with the Philharmonic.

Upon joining the Philharmonic, Bernstein, who was the music director at the time, played a significant role in O'Brien's appointment as a full-time member. However, it's important to note that Bernstein was not specifically credited with helping O'Brien become the first female member of the Philharmonic.

O'Brien's historic achievement as the first woman to play full-time in the New York Philharmonic is the focus of the documentary The Only Girl in the Orchestra, which won the award for Best Documentary Short Film at the 2025 Oscars. O'Brien, initially reluctant to participate in the making of the documentary, now considers it a tribute to her rather than a personal achievement.

Throughout her career, O'Brien worked closely with both Bernstein and Igor Stravinsky. One of her most memorable experiences was playing all nine Mahler symphonies with Bernstein, an engagement she describes as engaging and dynamic, as Bernstein constantly changed his approach to conducting.

O'Brien also worked with Stravinsky when they premiered Agon, a 22-minute ballet choreographed by George Balanchine. Despite finding Agon challenging due to its complexities and the use of high harmonics for double basses on gut strings, O'Brien's perseverance and passion for music shone through.

Music has been a source of emotional relief for O'Brien since her childhood. She spent hours every day playing piano as a means of escape. This early connection to music continues to guide her, with O'Brien describing it as "balm for the soul."

Bernstein once said, "I can do things on the podium that if I did them on Seventh Avenue, I'd be arrested," reflecting O'Brien's feelings about music's ability to express emotions without causing harm. This sentiment is echoed in O'Brien's teaching style, where she encourages her students to explore the full range of emotions that music can evoke.

O'Brien's first book, The Joy of Music, was a gift from Bernstein during her first year in the Philharmonic. This book, along with Bernstein's Young People's Concerts, which O'Brien started watching after realizing they were on TV, provided her with further inspiration and knowledge.

In conclusion, Orin O'Brien's career is a testament to her passion for music, her resilience, and her dedication to her craft. Her journey, marked by her groundbreaking achievements and her close association with Leonard Bernstein, continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

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