Ronald Braunstein was on the trajectory to becoming one of the world’s leading conductors until he made his diagnosis of bipolar disorder public and was shunned by the classical music community. He decided to create an orchestra for people like him with the mission of erasing mental health stigma one concert at a time. The film follows Braunstein and several of the musicians for two years — capturing their setbacks and their accomplishments. The musicians’ stories are told entirely in their own words, augmented with striking animation. The film culminates in a joyous concert at a major venue. It is a triumph for Braunstein, who thought he might never conduct again, the musicians, and the audience, whose perspective on mental illness is forever changed.

Seen across the United States on public television stations, the film is the 2021 winner of the Austen Riggs Erikson Prize for Excellence in Mental Health Media. The American Library Association & Media Round Table voted it “One of the Top Twelve 2022 Notable Films for Adults.” Orchestrating Change has the official endorsement of The International Bipolar Association and NAMI/Vermont.

Registration is required.  Please register online or call 203-762-6334.  For questions, contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org.