Orin O'Brien

Orin O’Brien, a distinguished bassist, has been an integral part of the New York Philharmonic since 1966, under the direction of Leonard Bernstein. Hailing from Hollywood and raised by actor parents, O’Brien began her musical journey in Los Angeles. Her formative studies included mentorship under notable figures such as Milton Kestenbaum, the principal bassist of the Pittsburgh Symphony, and Herman Reinshagen, who served as the associate principal of the New York Philharmonic during the Mahler and Toscanini era. She further honed her skills in New York with Frederick Zimmermann, culminating in her graduation as a scholarship recipient from the Juilliard School.

Prior to her tenure at the Philharmonic, O’Brien was a member of the New York City Ballet Orchestra from 1956 to 1966. During this time, she showcased her talent with various ensembles, including Stokowski’s American Symphony Orchestra, where she played solo bass in the U.S. premiere of Ginastera’s Variations Concertantes, and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, among others.

A performer with many renowned conductors, O’Brien has participated in several chamber music festivals and recorded with prominent artists, including the Guarneri Quartet and Pablo Casals. Her teaching career has spanned decades at institutions like the Manhattan School of Music, where she has been a faculty member since 1969, and Juilliard, where she co-chaired the double bass department from 1992 to 2002. O’Brien's contributions to music education were recognized with the President’s Medal for Distinguished Faculty Service from the Manhattan School of Music in 2010 and the Special Recognition for Teaching Award from the International Society of Bassists in 2011. Her influential guidebook, *Double Bass Notebook*, was published in 2012, further solidifying her impact on the field.