ANTONIA AND HER MAGIC WAND

A single wave of a conductor’s baton can bring an orchestra to life…but first, Antonia Brico must convince the world to let her hold one.

Young, melancholy Antonia Brico (1902-1989) longs for a life beyond the limits placed on girls in the early 20th century. Piano lessons awaken an invigorating love of music, and attending a symphony concert, she becomes captivated by the conductor with his magic wand. While studying piano in college, she secretly learns every orchestral instrument she can, determined to master the skills necessary to conduct. Repeatedly told that women don’t belong on the podium (or even in the orchestra), she refuses to abandon her ambitions. She travels to Germany to attend the best conducting school and eventually conducts her first symphony. When World War II begins, Antonia must return to America. She creates her own all-women orchestra and continues to challenge discrimination. Her perseverance ultimately leads her to become the first woman to conduct the New York Philharmonic. Tentler-Krylov’s illustrations flow with the luminous, fluid quality of watercolor, transforming sound and emotion into visible movement. Musical terms and dynamics are woven throughout the narrative, mirroring Antonia’s own emotional journey. Antonia is white and Dutch American; some background characters are drawn with brown skin. Backmatter explores how Antonia’s story helped inspire generations of women conductors to follow suit.

Brava!