JUDY COLLINS - Antonio Brico, Documentary Film about First Female Orchestra Conductor, Part 1

The legacy of historys first female symphony conductor, Dr. Antonia Brico, is honored in this powerful and inspiring biographical film. A conductor, a teacher and a pioneer in the worlds concert halls, Dr. Brico forged through life boldly and unrepentantly. This Oscar-nominated documentary traces her struggle to overcome the good old boy sexual bias in her profession.

Written, produced and directed by the creative forces of singer/songwriter Judy Collins and filmmaker Jill Godmilow, this landmark 1974 documentary is enhanced tenfold by precious backstage footage of Brico in action, and celebrates the determination and accomplishments of a musical pioneer who broadened the criteria for success as a woman and an artist in America.

A fascinating blend of music, politics, romance and memories, Antonia: A Portrait of the Woman exceeded the boundaries of the documentary genre by interweaving Dr. Bricos self-reflection with animation, and dramatically original editing.

This is Part One of a six-part film available on YouTube for the first time.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• antonia
• brico
• female
• orchestra
• conductor
• symphony
• judy
• collins
• women's
• rights
• feminism
• jill
• godmilow

[TheAspenTom]

Thanks so much for posting thing, betahifi! I've seen it many times, but it needs a much larger audience. I was lucky enough to study with her back in the early 70s (in Denver) but only as an adult have I realized what a major figure she was in the history of American classical music.

[betahifi]

Tom -- We would be very interested in hearing more details about your classes with Dr. Brico. So far we have two of her students who have posted here. I suspect you both would have some fascinating things to share about your experiences with her.

Phil in Boston

[AllHailAkemi]

Newspapers in those times used to publish culturally relevant news... nowadays all you can see is who has whichever actress/actor slept with.

[molinmusic]

FABULOUS!!!

[hw2070]

I feel like I grew up with Dr. Brico. My mother violin in her orchestra in 1968 and is still playing there even though the name and conductor has changed. I studied piano a couple years with Dr. Brico, though I always thought she worked with me out of love for my mother. I was in high school '70-71 and Dr. Brico told me my cycling was hurting wrist action. I made a poor choice- stayed with my 10 speed bike and escaped the pending master class. ...Isn't it Helen Palacas playing in concert?

[TheAspenTom]

I can't remember her name, though. The funniest thing I remember is that for her master classes, which were held in her living room in her house on Pennsylvania, she would charge admission!

[TheAspenTom]

I studied with her from 72-74. There are two girls in the movie, who were students at the same time I was. They played in the concert that is featured in the film and I was at that concert in the Denver Auditorium Theater. One was Janet Naster, who is shown briefly before the other one went on stage to perform the Schumann Concerto movement. As I remember Janet played the first movement of the Beethoven 2nd concerto and the other one the first movement of the Schumann. (cont...)

[muzishun71]

I had to opportunity to work, study and perform with Dr. Brico early in my career. It was a wonderful experience, and I'm so glad to see this.

She was fascinating to talk with.