“The Only Girl in the Orchestra” is a 2023 short documentary directed by Molly O’Brien which highlights the success story of Orin O’Brien, the first female to be a full-time member of New York Philharmonic. It was produced 34 minutes long and premiered on December 4, 2024, streaming on Netflix.
Synopsis
The conversion of Orin O’Brien to do such extremes is nothing new – she has a more than 6-decade long career that breaks several stereotypes as is, and she’s also the first-ever female double bassist to join the New York Philharmonic as of 1966. Fast forward almost half a century, she explains her works and all of them which have become ever elusive to her and now at the peaceful age of 87 Orin teaches music while admiring the family, students, and friends that surround her as more and more important than anything else.
Awards & Wins
As of now, there are no specific awards or wins listed for this documentary.
Cast & Crew
- Director: Molly O’Brien
- Producer: Molly O’Brien, Lisa Remington
- Cinematographer: Martina Radwan
- Editor: Monique Zavistovski
- Music: Laura Karpman
- Featuring: Orin O’Brien as herself
IMDb Ratings
As of now, there is no specific rating available for this documentary on IMDb.
Personal Insights
“L’uniqueness Orin O’Brien in this film provides a wholesome perspective of this resilient woman, imparts her heart and soul in her work as well a mother. Though, the focus of this cinematic creation is focused on a female musician and has some interesting lessons, her positive experiences also deserve respect because they are the reflections of pioneering efforts. The brief length of the film carefully molds the story , and provides an informative experience for anyone intrigued by historical events regarding music and womanism.
Cultural Significance
O’Brien secured a position with the New York Philharmonic in 1966 and at that time if not the first then certainly one of the very few women qualify to such a prestigious position in orchestral music. Not only did her work N support paving the road for future female musicians, but it also changed the center of the art’s gender perspectives. This film is an evidence of her ambition and of the advancements made towards the integration of gender diversity into orchestras.
