Photographs: Music

Her mother, who had toured the country with a vaudeville trio and also taught piano, encouraged Orkin's love for music. As a teenager, Orkin worked at the Hollywood Bowl selling programs. In the late 1940's she spent several summers at Tanglewood, (MA) and at Lewisohn Stadium (NY) shooting rehearsals. She captured some of the greatest musicians and composers of our time including; Marion Anderson, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, William Kapell, Serge Koussevitzky, Dimitri Mitropoulos, Isaac Stern and many others.

Jascha Heifitz with Philadelphia Symphony

Jascha Heifitz with Philadelphia Symphony, Robin Hood Dell, 1950

This photo was taken while visiting Robin Hood Dell in Philadelphia.

Isaac Stern with Pierre Monteaux

Isaac Stern with Pierre Monteaux, Lewisohn Stadium, NYC, 1947

This photo of Isaac Stern was taken while he was rehearsing with Pierre Monteux with the New York Philharmonic over the summer. They were both waiting while a plane passed overhead.

William Kapell with Leonard Bernstein

William Kapell with Leonard Bernstein, Lewisohn Stadium, NYC 1947

This photo was taken while William Kapell was rehearing with Bernstein at Lewisohn Stadium which was on the city college campus.

Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein and Serge Koussevitsky

Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein and Serge Koussevitsky, Tanglewood, 1949

Ruth spent several summers up at Tanglewood without any assignment, but ended up with some classic photos of the some of the greats of classical music including the three pictured here.

Marion Anderson and Leonard Bernstein

Marion Anderson and Leonard Bernstein, Lewisohn Stadium, NYC 1947

This photo was taken at Lewisohn Stadium while Bernstein and Marion Anderson were rehearsing. Ruth used to go up to listen and shoot, because she loved classical music.

Bernstein in Greenroom, Carnegie Hall, NYC

Bernstein in Greenroom, Carnegie Hall, NYC, 1950

This is Bernstein with his sister Shirley behind him. Ruth had an assignment to shoot him for 7 days, and traveled with him up the East Coast.

Bernstein conducting at Lewisohn Stadium

Bernstein conducting at Lewisohn Stadium, NYC, 1947

Bernstein was a passionate conductor, and this is one of many Ruth took of him conducting.

Bernstein saying 'shhh'

Bernstein saying "shhh", Lewisohn Stadium, NYC, 1947

This is another of Bernstein conducting.

Dimitri Mitropoulos

Dimitri Mitropoulos, Tanglewood, MA, 1948

This photo shows Mitropoulos actually jumping while he was conducting.