Antonia and Her Magic Wand:
The Extraordinary Story of
Antonia Brico, Symphony Conductor
Available October 2026, Preorder Now:
Let the magic begin!
Inspiration from the life of Antonia Brico
She raised her baton and changed history — this beautifully illustrated, lyrical picture book biography tells the inspiring story of Antonia Brico, the trailblazing conductor who refused to let anyone silence her music.
Elizabeth (Beth) Duncan’s picture book, Antonia and Her Magic Wand: The Extraordinary Story of Antonia Brico, Symphony Conductor, illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov, is a lyrical picture book biography of the first woman to conduct the New York Philharmonic in 1934.
Antonia Brico was a pioneering conductor and one of the first women to achieve recognition in the male-dominated world of classical music conducting. Her story is one of perseverance, talent, and breaking barriers.
At the time, the idea of a woman conductor was considered ridiculous… unheard of… impossible. She was repeatedly told that, despite her clear musical genius, she would never conduct a professional symphony orchestra.
Antonia’s determination and belief in herself defied her detractors. When people told her no in America, she went to Europe; when no one would hire a woman conductor, she created her own orchestra, and filled it with women musicians.
In 1938, she did it. She was invited to guest-conduct the New York Philharmonic. The book ends on that triumphant moment when- finally- she steps onto the conductor’s podium and raises her magic wand. Swift and steady, her baton signals the downbeat, and the magic begins.
Author’s Connection to Antonia’s Story
Author Beth Duncan’s story coincides with Antonia’s years later. Antonia settled in Denver, Colorado, where Beth grew up. Antonia taught piano, vocal music, and conducted a semi-professional orchestra, the Brico Symphony. Beth had started playing the violin in the 4th grade and immediately fell in love with classical music. When she was a teenager, she and her father got tickets to Antonia’s concerts.
Antonia’s Legacy
Antonia’s perseverance made her a trailblazer for women in classical music. She opened the doors for future generations of women conductors, though the profession remains predominantly male even today.
With the publication of Antonia and Her Magic Wand: The Extraordinary Story of Antonia Brico, Symphony Conductor, Beth looks forward to sharing her extraordinary story with the world.
For Educators & Librarians
Bring Antonia's story into the classroom.
Teaching Guides
Get all the teaching guides and resources created by author Elizabeth (Beth) Duncan.
Videos About Antonia
There are several YouTube videos of Antonia, people talking about her, and even a fictional version of her early years.
Links to learn more about Antonia
These are links to other sites that have info about Antonia.