Trailblazing double bassist Orin O'Brien never wanted the spotlight, but when Leonard Bernstein hired her in 1966 as the first female musician in the New York Philarmonic, it was inevitable that she would become the focus of much interest and fascination. Now 87 years old and recently retired, Orin looks back on her remarkable life and career, insisting that a fuss should not be made, much preferring to play a supporting role to the family, students, friends, and colleagues that surround her.
Directed by Molly O'Brien
new york city
portrait of an artist
celebrity interview
music documentary
philharmonic
philharmonic orchestra
female musician
Rank
#246 in 2023·#6285 overall
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Letterboxd
3.2 / 5
Where to Watch
Cast
Orin O'Brien
Self
Molly O'Brien
Self / Narrator
George O'Brien
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Marguerite Churchill
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Leonard Bernstein
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Crew
Molly O'Brien
Director
Laura Karpman
Original Music Composer
Errol Morris
Executive Producer
Molly O'Brien
Producer
Nora Kroll-Rosenbaum
Music Producer
Popular Reviews
178 reviews
Zétény Tóth
4.0★ · 04/17/26
#87 I completely forgot to log this. I've seen it months ago at this point.
Unfortunately that says a lot about the quality too...
#87 I completely forgot to log this. I've seen it months ago at this point.
Unfortunately that says a lot about the quality too...
Alex white
7.0★ · 03/19/26
Damn I shouldn’t have quit orchestra
Damn I shouldn’t have quit orchestra
Kaia Chambers
7.0★ · 02/12/26
Molly O’Brien came to our class today to show this! Super cool
Molly O’Brien came to our class today to show this! Super cool
Christian
I can listen to a master speak about their craft for hours so 30 minute felt too short.
I can listen to a master speak about their craft for hours so 30 minute felt too short.