Press Play with Madeleine Brand

‘Only Girl in the Orchestra’ Orin O’Brien spent 55 years with the NY Phil

Orin O’Brien performed with the New York Philharmonic for 55 years. Leonard Bernstein hired her in 1966. She was the first woman to become a full-time permanent member, and is the subject of a new Netflix documentary.

By Madeleine Brand • Jan 15, 2025 • 1 min read

Orin O’Brien performed with the New York Philharmonic for 55 years. Leonard Bernstein hired her in 1966. She was the first woman to become a full-time permanent member, and is the subject of a new Netflix documentary.

Madeleine Brand
Host, 'Press Play'
Sarah Sweeney
Vice President of Talk Programming, KCRW
Stephen Gregory
Managing Editor, Press Play
Angie Perrin
Producer, Press Play
Orin O’Brien
longtime double bassist for the New York Philharmonic
Molly O’Brien
filmmaker

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Press Play with Madeleine Brand

‘Only Girl in the Orchestra’ Orin O’Brien spent 55 years with the NY Phil

Orin O’Brien performed with the New York Philharmonic for 55 years. Leonard Bernstein hired her in 1966. She was the first woman to become a full-time permanent member, and is the subject of a new Netflix documentary.

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Press Play with Madeleine Brand

‘Only Girl in the Orchestra’ Orin O’Brien spent 55 years with the NY Phil

Orin O’Brien performed with the New York Philharmonic for 55 years. Leonard Bernstein hired her in 1966. She was the first woman to become a full-time permanent member, and is the subject of a new Netflix documentary.

Share