We’ve been celebrating the centennial of Leonard Bernstein’s birth all week, leading up to a special remembrance on his birthday, Saturday, August 25th with an All-Bernstein Classical Coffeehouse. Have you checked out all of our amazing Bernstein stories at WRTI.org? If not, you're in for a treat!
On Saturday from 6 AM to 12 noon, your host Debra Lew Harder will take you on a musical exploration of the many facets of Leonard Bernstein—not only as composer, conductor and pianist, but also as accompanist, and entertainer. Lenny’s engaging, melodious voice? You’ll hear that, too.
Look for a special edition of Saturday Espresso, the weekly Saturday contest, and make sure to cast your vote for your favorite Bernstein!
The party continues on Classical New Releases at 4 PM when host Mark Pinto presents a new recording of Bernstein's "Arias & Barcarolles" by the San Francisco Symphony, conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas. The 8-part song cycle, with lyrics mainly by Bernstein, was one of his last compositions. Also, on the program is a new recording of Three American Pieces, written in 1944 in neoclassical Americana style by Lukas Foss, a close friend of Bernstein’s.
Then from 5 to 6 PM it’s Bernstein: From Hollywood to Broadway, with music from West Side Story, Candide, On The Town, and more!
On Sunday from 6 to 8 PM on WRTI HD-2 it's Leonard Bernstein: America's Music Teacher