"The Only Girl in the Orchestra" with Molly O’Brien

The first thing you should know about double bassist Orin O’Brien is that she doesn’t think she’s anything special. The second thing you should know — as director Molly O’Brien’s thoroughly endearing Oscar-shortlisted documentary short “The Only Girl in the Orchestra” makes perfectly clear — is that Orin O’Brien is very special, indeed. The first female musician hired full time by the New York Philharmonic in 1966, Orin has gone on to have a brilliant and unparalleled 55-year career playing the double bass in the Philharmonic.  

Molly joins Ken on the pod to talk about this remarkable musician, teacher and pathbreaker — who also happens to be Molly’s beloved aunt. Set in the magical world of Manhattan and taking place as Orin begins a new chapter in her life, this heartfelt documentary shows us that talent, dedication, and a pure enjoyment of playing in the orchestra can make for a deeply fulfilling life. Now, isn’t that special?

“The Only Girl in the Orchestra” is now streaming on Netflix.

Hidden Gem:

“The Children’s Storefront”

Follow:

@mobworks on Instagram

@topdocspod on Instagram and X

The Presenting Sponsor of "Top Docs" is Netflix.