
The Only Girl in the Orchestra
2023 · short film · G · 35 min · ★ 6.6
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.
Where to watch
Streaming on Netflix.
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Details
- Years
- 2023
- Release date
- 2023-11-09
- Language
- English
- Rated
- G
- Runtime
- 35 min
- Max quality
- HD
- TMDB rating
- 6.6/10 (61 votes)
Themes
- new york city
- portrait of an artist
- celebrity interview
- music documentary
- philharmonic
- philharmonic orchestra
- female musician
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Documentary (Short Subject) · 2025 · nominated
Cast & crew

Orin O'Brien
as Self

Molly O'Brien
as Self / Narrator

George O'Brien
as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)

Marguerite Churchill
as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)

Leonard Bernstein
as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Directed by Molly O'Brien