These days, it is a special occasion when Jamie, Nina, and I are in the same place at the same time. On March 14, we gathered in Philadelphia at the National Museum of American Jewish History for the opening of their exhibit entitled “Leonard Bernstein: The Power of Music.” A special occasion, indeed!
Curated by the inestimable Ivy Weingram, this extraordinary exhibit manages to synthesize Leonard Bernstein’s legacy as composer, conductor, educator and social activist through the lens of the 20th Century’s (and his) crisis of faith.
“Leonard Bernstein: The Power of Music” is officially open
to the public! Stop by our Special Exhibitions gallery to learn more about the
famous composer’s life, Jewish identity, and social activism. #PhillyLovesLenny#Bernsteinat100 pic.twitter.com/r4PMfgxIae— Weitzman NMAJH (@weitzmanmuseum) March 16, 2018
The artifacts are thoughtfully arranged – among them: his parents’ scrapbook of photos and newspaper clippings, a copy of Romeo and Juliet with many marginal notes during the creation of West Side Story, his FBI file of 800 pages, and the piano given to him by his teacher (and later, secretary) Helen Coates.
It is, at turns, moving, fun, and funny – and always interesting.
In a viewing room, one can watch songs from the film of West Side Story synced brilliantly next to popular versions of them (e.g. Maria by Will Farrell, I Feel Pretty with Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer, etc.). Then one enters another room with a video of excerpts from MASS, put into the context of its time, and our own. Shattering.
We thrilled at revisiting so much of our father’s life, remembering him anew in this extremely absorbing context.
Kudos to CEO Ivy Barsky and the entire staff of the museum!
About the author
Alexander Bernstein is president of Artful Learning, Inc., and founding chairman of The Leonard Bernstein Center For Learning. Prior to his full-time participation in the center, Bernstein taught for five years at the Packer-Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn, New York. He has studied acting, performed professionally, and worked as a production associate at the ABC News Documentary Unit. Bernstein holds a Master’s degree in English education from New York University and a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University.
About this content
Leonard Bernstein’s grown children, Jamie, Alexander, and Nina, are taking you around the globe, celebrating their father’s legacy with you and adoring fans at thousands of Bernstein Centennial events. Read more travel blogging in Bernstein Today.
More #Bernsteinat100
- Explore “The Power of Music” exhibit at the NMAJH through September 2nd. On social media, use hashtags #PhillyLovesLenny and #Bernsteinat100.
