Cast members of “Leonard Bernstein Mass.” Photo by Patrick Gipson/Ravinia Festival.
Are you interested in learning more about Leonard Bernstein? We have assembled some of our favorite performances of the great composer’s work, as well as several interviews from his family and people who were fortunate enough to work with him.
Learning from Leonard Bernstein
Marin Alsop reflects on her first interaction with Leonard Bernstein at the Tanglewood Music Festival.
“A Boy Like That/I Have A Love” – West Side Story
Isabel Leonard and Jessica Vosk sing “A Boy Like That/I Have A Love” from “West Side Story”.
Mass: The Short Documentary
Learn the full story of how Jackie Kennedy Onassis commissioned Leonard Bernstein to write Mass for the opening of the Kennedy Center in 1971.
Paulo Szot Sings “A Simple Song”
World-renowned Brazilian baritone, Paulo Szot playing the Celebrant, sings Leonard Bernstein’s iconic “A Simple Song.”
Chita Rivera’s West Side Story
Chita Rivera’s fiery performance as Anita in the original Broadway cast of West Side Story made her a star. Rivera says a highlight of the experience was watching Leonard Bernstein and Jerome Robbins create the musical.
Vienna Philharmonic Performs Bernstein’s “Somewhere”
The Vienna Philharmonic Performs Leonard Bernstein’s “Somewhere” from “Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.” This second dance within the series imagines a happier, fantasy world in which the two teenage gangs can live united in friendship.
Marin Alsop on Bernstein’s “Kaddish”
Conductor Marin Alsop and actor Jaye Ladymore discuss the history behind Leonard Bernstein’s “Kaddish.”
Jaye Ladymore Performs Bernstein’s “Kaddish”
Actor Jaye Ladymore and the children’s choir Uniting Voices perform a section of Bernstein’s “Kaddish.”
The Origin of Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass”
Learn about why Leonard Bernstein wrote the musical and its world premiere at the Kennedy Center in 1971.
Janai Brugger Performs Leonard Bernstein’s “Kaddish”
Soprano Janai Brugger performs a section of Leonard Bernstein’s “Kaddish” with the Chicago Symphony Chorus.