News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Leonard Bernstein Headshot

Leonard Bernstein

Date of Death: October 14, 1990 (72)

Birth Place: Lawrence, MA, USA

Get Leonard Bernstein Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

BIO

Leonard Bernstein was born on August 25, 1918, in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He took piano lessons as a boy and attended the Garrison and Boston Latin Schools. At Harvard University, he studied with Walter Piston, Edward Burlingame-Hill, and A. Tillman Merritt, among others. Before graduating in 1939, he made an unofficial conducting debut with his own incidental music to "The Birds," and directed and performed in Marc Blitzstein's "The Cradle Will Rock." Then at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, he studied piano with Isabella Vengerova, conducting with Fritz Reiner, and orchestration with Randall Thompson.



In 1940, he studied at the Boston Symphony Orchestra's newly created summer festival, the Berkshire Music Center, now named the Tanglewood Music Center, with the orchestra's conductor Serge Koussevitzky. Bernstein later became Koussevitzky's conducting assistant.

Bernstein was appointed to his first permanent conducting post in 1943, as Assistant Conductor of the New York Philharmonic. On November 14, 1943, Bernstein substituted on a few hours' notice for the ailing Bruno Walter at a Carnegie Hall concert, which was broadcast nationally on radio, receiving critical acclaim. Soon orchestras worldwide sought him out as a guest conductor.

In 1945, he was appointed Music Director of the New York City Symphony Orchestra, a post he held until 1947. After Serge Koussevitzky died in 1951, Bernstein headed the orchestral and conducting departments at Tanglewood, teaching there for many years. In 1951, he married the Chilean actress and pianist, Felicia Montealegre. He was also visiting music professor, and head of the Creative Arts Festivals at Brandeis University in the early 1950s.

Bernstein became Music Director of the New York Philharmonic in 1958. From then until 1969 he led more concerts with the orchestra than any previous conductor. He subsequently held the lifetime title of Laureate Conductor, making frequent guest appearances with the orchestra. More than half of Bernstein's 400-plus recordings were made with the New York Philharmonic.

Bernstein traveled the world as a conductor. Immediately after World War II, in 1946, he conducted in London and at the International Music Festival in Prague. In 1947 he conducted in Tel Aviv, beginning a relationship with Israel that lasted until his death. In 1953, Bernstein was the first American to conduct opera at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan: Cherubini's "Medea" with Maria Callas.

Bernstein was a leading advocate of American composers, particularly Aaron Copland. The two remained close friends for life. As a young pianist, Bernstein performed Copland's "Piano Variations" so often he considered the composition his trademark. Bernstein programmed and recorded nearly all of the Copland orchestral works—many of them twice. He devoted several televised "Young People's Concerts" to Copland, and gave the premiere of Copland's "Connotations," commissioned for the opening of Philharmonic Hall (now David Geffen Hall) at Lincoln Center in 1962.

While Bernstein's conducting repertoire encompassed the standard literature, he may be best remembered for his performances and recordings of Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms, Schumann, Sibelius and Mahler. Particularly notable were his performances of the Mahler symphonies with the New York Philharmonic in the 1960s, sparking a renewed interest in the works of Mahler.

Inspired by his Jewish heritage, Bernstein completed his first large-scale work: Symphony No. 1: "Jeremiah" (1943). The piece was first performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in 1944, conducted by the composer, and received the New York Music Critics' Award. Koussevitzky premiered Bernstein's Symphony No. 2: "The Age of Anxiety" (1949) with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Bernstein as piano soloist. His Symphony No.3: "Kaddish" (1963), premiered by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, is dedicated "To the Beloved Memory of John F. Kennedy."

Other major compositions by Bernstein include Prelude, Fugue and Riffs for solo clarinet and jazz ensemble (1949); Serenade for violin, strings and percussion, (1954); Symphonic Dances from "West Side Story," (1960); Chichester Psalms for chorus, boy soprano and orchestra (1965); MASS: A Theater Piece for Singers, Players and Dancers (1971), commissioned for the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, and first produced there in 1971; Songfest a song cycle for six singers and orchestra (1977); Divertimento for orchestra (1980); Halil for solo flute and small orchestra (1981); Touches for solo piano (1981); Missa Brevis for singers and percussion (1988); Anniversaries for solo piano; Concerto for Orchestra ("Jubilee Games") (1989); and Arias and Barcarolles for two singers and piano duet (1988).

Bernstein also wrote a one-act opera, Trouble in Tahiti (1952), and its sequel, the three-act opera, A Quiet Place (1983). He collaborated with choreographer Jerome Robbins on three major ballets: Fancy Free (1944) and Facsimile (1946) for the American Ballet theater; and Dybbuk (1975) for the New York City Ballet. He composed the score for the award-winning movie On the Waterfront (1954) and incidental music for two Broadway plays: Peter Pan (1950) and The Lark (1955).

Bernstein contributed substantially to the Broadway musical stage. He collaborated with Betty Comden and Adolph Green on On the Town (1944) and Wonderful Town (1953). In collaboration with Richard Wilbur and Lillian Hellman and others he wrote Candide (1956). Other versions of Candide were written in association with Hugh Wheeler, Stephen Sondheim, et al. In 1957 he again collaborated with Jerome Robbins, Stephen Sondheim, and Arthur Laurents, on the landmark musical West Side Story, also made into the Academy Award-winning film. In 1976 Bernstein and Alan Jay Lerner wrote 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Festivals of Bernstein's music have been produced throughout the world. In 1978, the Israel Philharmonic sponsored a festival commemorating his years of dedication to Israel. The Israel Philharmonic also bestowed on him the lifetime title of Laureate Conductor in 1988. In 1986, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Barbican Centre produced a Bernstein Festival. The London Symphony Orchestra in 1987 named him Honorary President. In 1989, the city of Bonn presented a Beethoven/Bernstein Festival.

In 1985, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences honored Mr. Bernstein with the Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award. He won eleven Emmy Awards in his career. His televised concert and lecture series started with the Omnibus program in 1954, followed by the extraordinary Young People's Concerts with the New York Philharmonic, in 1958 that extended over fourteen seasons. Among his many appearances on the PBS series Great Performances was the eleven-part acclaimed "Bernstein's Beethoven." In 1989, Bernstein and others commemorated the 1939 invasion of Poland in a worldwide telecast from Warsaw.

Bernstein's writings were published in The Joy of Music (1959), Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concerts (1961), The Infinite Variety of Music (1966), and Findings (1982). Each has been widely translated. He gave six lectures at Harvard University in 1972-1973 as the Charles Eliot Norton Professor of Poetry. These lectures were subsequently published and televised as The Unanswered Question. Bernstein always rejoiced in opportunities to teach young musicians. His master classes at Tanglewood were famous. He was instrumental in founding the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute in 1982. He helped create a world class training orchestra at the Schleswig Holstein Music Festival. He founded the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan. Modeled after Tanglewood, this international festival was the first of its kind in Asia and continues to this day.

Bernstein received many honors. He was elected in 1981 to the American Academy of Arts and Letters, which gave him a Gold Medal. The National Fellowship Award in 1985 applauded his life-long support of humanitarian causes. He received the MacDowell Colony's Gold Medal; medals from the Beethoven Society and the Mahler Gesellschaft; the Handel Medallion, New York City's highest honor for the arts; a Tony award (1969) for Distinguished Achievement in the Theater; and dozens of honorary degrees and awards from colleges and universities. He was presented ceremonial keys to the cities of Oslo, Vienna, Beersheeva and the village of Bernstein, Austria, among others. National honors came from Italy, Israel, Mexico, Denmark, Germany (the Great Merit Cross), and France (Chevalier, Officer and Commandeur of the Legion d'Honneur). He received the Kennedy Center Honors in 1980.

World peace was a particular concern of Bernstein. Speaking at Johns Hopkins University in 1980 and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York in 1983, he described his vision of global harmony. His "Journey for Peace" tour to Athens and Hiroshima with the European Community Orchestra in 1985, commemorated the 40th anniversary of the atom bomb. In December 1989, Bernstein conducted the historic "Berlin Celebration Concerts" on both sides of the Berlin Wall, as it was being dismantled. The concerts were unprecedented gestures of cooperation, the musicians representing the former East Germany, West Germany, and the four powers that had partitioned Berlin after World War II.

Bernstein supported Amnesty International from its inception. To benefit the effort in 1987, he established the Felicia Montealegre Fund in memory of his wife who died in 1978.

In 1990, Bernstein received the Praemium Imperiale, an international prize created in 1988 by the Japan Arts Association and awarded for lifetime achievement in the arts. Bernstein used the $100,000 prize to establish The Bernstein Education Through the Arts (BETA) Fund, Inc. before his death on October 14, 1990.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Special Guest

Productions

 
[Regional (US), 2018]
Music
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Music
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 1980]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 1971]
Orchestrator
 
[Regional (US), 1971]
Conductor
 
[US Tour, 1971]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1964]
Music Consultant
 
[Broadway, 1964]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 1960]
Orchestrator
 
[US Tour, 1959]
Orchestrator
 
[West End, 1958]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1958]
Conductor
 
[Broadway, 1957]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 1956]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 1955]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 1944]
Orchestrator

Writing

Source Material
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Bookwriter
Composer
Music
Composer
Libretto/Music

Movies

West Side Story
[ 1961 ] music by
Wild Side Story
[ 1976 ] music by
Bernstein: Wonderful Town
[ 2018 ] music by

Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2009 - Best Musical Revival

Leonard Bernstein, West Side Story


winner
Olivier Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Musical Production

Leonard Bernstein, Candide


winner
Olivier Awards - 1988 - Musical of the Year

Leonard BernsteinCandide

Olivier Awards - 1986 - Musical of the Year

Leonard BernsteinWonderful Town!

Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Music & Lyrics

Leonard Bernstein, 16 Pennsylvania Avenue


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1974 - Best Musical

Leonard Bernstein, Candide


winner
Tony Awards - 1969 - Special Tony Award

Leonard Bernstein

Tony Awards - 1958 - Best Musical

Leonard Bernstein, West Side Story

Tony Awards - 1957 - Best Musical

Leonard Bernstein, Candide


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1953 - Best Musical

Leonard Bernstein, Wonderful Town


winner
Tony Awards - 1953 - Best Musical

Leonard Bernstein, Wonderful Town

Videos

News


Wharton Arts Will Host Violins of Hope in A Concert for Peace at NJPAC

Wharton Arts announced that it will present A Concert for Peace with Violins of Hope, a poignant tribute to human resilience and the power of music, in January.
Vero Friends Of The Atlantic Classical Orchestra Presents CLASSY BRASS At Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club

Vero Friends of The Atlantic Classical Orchestra will present 'Classy Brass' at Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club in Vero Beach, FL, on December 3.
The Cecilia Chorus of New York to Perform CHICHESTER PSALMS and Excerpts From MASS & More

The Cecilia Chorus of New York will perform Bernstein's CHICHESTER PSALMS and excerpts from MASS, alongside Bach's CHRISTMAS CANTATA, BWV 63, at Carnegie Hall. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Society Of Composers & Lyricists To Present Awards To Giorgio Moroder, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, and More

The Society of Composers & Lyricists announced Giorgio Moroder will receive the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and Jeff Beal to receive SCL Ambassador Awards.
WEST SIDE STORY Returns to the Netherlands

West Side Story is the second mega production that Ruud de Graaf and Hans Cornelissen will bring to 13 major theaters in the Netherlands. Learn more about the cast here!
New York Festival Of Song to Present 15th Annual A GOYISHE CHRISTMAS TO YOU!

Experience the 15th annual A GOYISHE CHRISTMAS TO YOU! by the New York Festival of Song at Congregation Beth Simchat Torah, featuring Yuletide songs by Jewish composers. Learn how to attend.
'BILL EVANS IN NORWAY' 1970 Recording Set for Release via Elemental Music

Elemental Music will release Bill Evans in Norway, a brilliant 1970 trio concert captured at the Kongsberg Jazz Festival, as an exclusive RSD Black Friday two-LP set on Nov. 29.
Singer's Warsaw Festival Of Jewish Culture Comes To New York This Month

The internationally acclaimed Singer's Warsaw Festival of Jewish Culture brings three of Poland's leading music and theater artists to New York on Sunday and Monday November 24 & 25.
Previews: WEST SIDE STORY al TEATRO SISTINA

WEST SIDE STORY al TEATRO SISTINA Torna in scena a Roma il più famoso musical di tutti i tempi in un nuovo allestimento firmato Massimo Romeo Piparo
Broadway Jukebox: The Best of Bernadette Peters

Sing along to this playlist featuring just 60 of Bernadette Peters' greatest hits. Enjoy songs from musicals like: Into the Woods, Follies, Song and Dance, Sunday in the Park with George, Annie Get Your Gun, and many more!
WONDERFUL TOWN to Replace THE WILD PARTY in 2025 Encores! Series

New York City Center has revealed that the final production of the 2025 Encores! Series will be Wonderful Town, replacing the previously announced The Wild Party. Learn more about the season and see how to purchase tickets.
Daniel Reichard's READY FOR CHRISTMAS to Play The Cutting Room in December

Daniel Reichard, best known for portraying Bob Gaudio in the Original Broadway Cast of Jersey Boys, will return to the New York City stage with his sixteenth annual holiday concert, READY FOR CHRISTMAS, at The Cutting Room.
Eva Noblezada, James Lapine and More Join York Theatre Company Gala Honoring Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon

The York Theatre Company announced additional performers for its gala honoring Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon on November 11 at The Edison Ballroom, promising a memorable evening of celebration.
Aaron Lazar, Barbra Streisand, & More Nominated For 2025 GRAMMYS - Full List of Nominations

Aaron Lazar, Barbra Streisand, Ariana Grande more were nominated for GRAMMYS. Check out the full list of nominations now! The Outsiders, Suffs and more were nominated in the Best Musical Theatre Album category.
Video: THE ONLY GIRL IN THE ORCHESTRA Trailer Spotlights NYPhil's Orin O’Brien

Netflix has shared the trailer for The Only Girl in the Orchestra, the new documentary short film about New York Philharmonic bassist Orin O’Brien. The film, directed by Emmy Award winner Molly O'Brien, will be on Netflix on December 4, 2024.
ON THE TOWN to be Presented at The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington's Theatre Arts and Dance Department will present a production of ON THE TOWN, a musical comedy about three sailors exploring New York City during World War II. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Mannes Orchestra to Premiere Hailstork's 'NDEMARA' & Bauer Symphony at Lincoln Center

On Monday, December 9, 2024, 7:30pm, The New School's College of Performing Arts – Mannes, Jazz, Drama, will present the Mannes Orchestra led by conductor David Hayes, at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall.
Carnegie Hall Presents LEONARD BERNSTEIN â€" SYMPHONY No. 3 KADDISH

Carnegie Hall announced a performance of BERNSTEIN – SYMPHONY No. 3 'KADDISH,' featuring a powerful orchestral and choral arrangement.
Ann Talman Stars In ELIZABETH TAYLOR AND THE SHADOW OF HER SMILE BC/EFA Benefit

Ann Talman will present a benefit performance at Don't Tell Mama on December 1, featuring stories and songs inspired by Elizabeth Taylor, supporting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
The Orchestre Philharmonique et ChÅ"ur des Mélomanes Announces 10th Season

The OPCM has announced its 10th season, featuring a lineup of powerful performances and memorable experiences.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Leonard Bernstein been in?

Leonard Bernstein has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Leonard Bernstein been in?

Leonard Bernstein has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Leonard Bernstein been nominated for?

Leonard Bernstein has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of the notable nominations include Best Musical Revival at the Olivier Awards for "West Side Story," Outstanding Musical Production at the Olivier Awards for "Candide," and Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for both "Candide" and "Wonderful Town." He was also nominated for Outstanding Music & Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue." Additionally, Bernstein's work received recognition at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, where he was nominated for Best Musical for "Candide" and "Wonderful Town." He also received a Special Tony Award and won the Best Musical category at the Tony Awards for both "West Side Story" and "Candide."

What awards has Leonard Bernstein won?

Leonard Bernstein has won several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable wins include the Outstanding Musical Production and Musical of the Year awards at the Olivier Awards for "Candide". He also received the Best Musical award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for both "Candide" and "Wonderful Town". In addition, Bernstein was honored with a Special Tony Award and won the Best Musical award at the Tony Awards for "Wonderful Town".

How many shows has Leonard Bernstein written?

Leonard Bernstein has written 20 shows including Trouble in Tahiti (Libretto/Music), On the Town (Composer), Peter Pan (Composer), Wonderful Town (Composer), Candide (Composer), West Side Story (Composer), A Party with Betty Comden & Adolph Green (Composer), Mass (Composer), By Bernstein (Composer), 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (Composer), Side by Side by Sondheim (Composer), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Composer), Barbara Cook: A Concert for the Theatre (Composer), Jerome Robbins' Broadway (Composer), Taking a Chance on Love (Composer), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Composer), Score (Source Material), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Composer), Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein (Composer), The Skin of Our Teeth (Composer).

Get Leonard Bernstein Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos