Leonard Bernstein
Facts
Both Maestros
Leonard Bernstein did so many things well, it’s hard to know what to call him. A composer? Yes. Pianist? Yup. Educator? One of the best. And on the podium conducting, he was something of a dancer, moving around to the beat of the music.
Mini Maestro
Leonard was nervous, but he didn’t want to let the musicians down, so he picked up his baton and led the orchestra. The night was a huge success. At the end of the concert, the audience was up on their feet applauding and cheering. Bernstein had saved the day!
Mini Maestro
The next morning, Leonard Bernstein’s picture was in the New York Times newspaper! It pays to be prepared. You never know when you may have to take up the baton!
Young Maestro
Bernstein got his big break in an amazing way. The usual conductor of a famous orchestra got sick. They asked Bernstein to step in and conduct without any rehearsal! Leonard was nervous, but the night was a huge success. The next morning, Leonard Bernstein’s picture was in the New York Times newspaper. It pays to be prepared!
Young Maestro
Bernstein was a classical composer who also incorporated jazz and pop styles. Besides music for orchestra, he wrote music Broadway musicals, like “West Side Story” and “Candide,” and famous films like “On the Waterfront.”
Fun Facts
Both Maestros
What the Heck is a TV?
Bernstein wrote and narrated a television show called “Young People’s Concerts” to help kids understand classical music (By the way, television is a thing people watched before YouTube!). It was so popular, it played in over 40 countries!
Both Maestros
Smart Alec
Bernstein entered Harvard University when he was only sixteen years old!
Both Maestros
Tear Down That Wall!
Years ago, the city of Berlin was split in two by a big wall. When the wall finally came down, the citizens were were very happy. To celebrate, Leonard Bernstein, did something very cool. He stood near the Wall and led a big orchestra. People all over the world listened and music brought everyone together.
