By Michael Pearl
Leonard Bernstein is one of the towering figures of 20th-century music whose genius as a composer and conductor appeals to people of all ages and across all cultural divides. From musicals like “West Side Story” and “Candide” to classical compositions such as his symphonies and the “Chichester Psalms,” his is a unique canon of music that will reverberate throughout the ages.
Born just over a century ago, we celebrate Bernstein’s legacy with two unique concerts (with the same program) at St. Paul’s church on March 10 and 11, Friday and Saturday, both at 5pm. Our musicians from New York’s “Music From Copland House” ensemble will be joined by our honored guest, Leonard’s daughter Jamie Bernstein, who has agreed to come to San Miguel to narrate the concerts and share intimate memories of her father with us. The company will perform excerpts from Bernstein’s works and those of the composers he loved and conducted.
This widely acclaimed Copland House production has enchanted audiences at sold-out venues across America. Hosted by Jamie Bernstein, this multimedia concert features soprano Amy Burton and pianists John Musto and Michael Boriskin in an affectionate portrait of the personal side of the singularly public figure. This glittering journey includes performances of the maestro’s most intimate works along with some of his favorite compositions by Copland, Zez Confrey, Schubert, Grieg, Lecuona, Noel Coward, and others, woven together with rare archival photographs of his family, friends, and colleagues, and includes audio and video excerpts of the legendary maestro himself!
Central to Bernstein’s life was the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. His debut on November 14, 1943 is the stuff of legend. With only a few hours’ notice, Bernstein, a virtually unknown assistant conductor, stepped onto the Carnegie Hall podium to triumphantly conduct a live radio broadcast in place of the great and famous, but ailing, Bruno Walter. Bernstein’s association with the Philharmonic as music director and laureate spanned 47 years and 1244 concerts. In a tribute to him after his death the Orchestra said, “Mr. Bernstein will be remembered for his genius, his leadership, his humanitarianism, his ability to transmit his love of music to young and old, his dedication to our Orchestra, his service to young musicians, and his unforgettable, ebullient and caring personality.” It is only one indication of the love its current players bear him that the Philharmonic will occasionally play one of his works without a conductor.
Tickets for the concerts at St. Paul’s are 300/500/750 pesos donation and are on sale through our website and at the concert 45 minutes before performance time. These are going to be some of the most sought-after concerts of the season and we advise you to buy your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Details of all Pro Musica’s concerts and patron membership are on our website www.promusicasma.org or contact us at promusicasma@aol.com.
Pro Musica Concert Series
An Evening with Leonard Bernstein
Fri., Mar. 10 and Sat., Mar. 11, 5pm
St. Paul’s Church
Calle Cardo 6
300, 500 and 750 pesos
