Leonard Bernstein’s legacy resounds around the world, but for New Yorkers, he was and always will be, “Our Lenny.” WNYC Radio was honored to share a particular relationship with him, and stands in a unique position to explore the personal connections that the city and its citizens shared with this remarkable artist. Weaving together archival material, in-depth features, interviews, in-studio performances and web-exclusive multimedia, “Our Lenny” unites personalities from all walks of Bernstein’s life to both illustrate and illuminate his enduring legacy.
Bernstein: The Best and Beyond
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Kicking off WNYC's Bernstein festival, "Our Lenny," a trio of experts talk about where the musician's influence was greatest - and where he fell short. Joining us is the conductor and former Bernstein student JoAnn Faletta, Pulitzer Prize-winning music critic Tim Page, and New York Times music critic Allan Kozinn.
WNYC Salutes "Our Lenny"
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
"How did Leonard Bernstein change your life?" — We put that question to an array of WNYC personalities, including Brian Lehrer, David Garland, Leonard Lopate, John Schaefer, Sara Fishko, and more. Hear their personal audio tributes, as WNYC salutes "Our Lenny."
The Bernstein Songbook
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Jonathan Schwartz and Terrance McKnight welcome a star-studded lineup of Broadway luminaries to the studio to share their stories and perform live. Guests include performers Marni Nixon, Stephen Bogardus, Liz Callaway, Judy Blazer, and pianist/music director Alex Rybeck.
Web Exclusive Video: The Bernstein Songbook
Thursday, September 25, 2008
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Watch a video capsule of WNYC's "The Bernstein Songbook," hosted by Terrance McKnight and Jonathan Schwartz. Featured are ...
Trouble in Tahiti
Friday, September 26, 2008
Before "West Side Story," there was "Trouble in Tahiti," Leonard Bernstein's semi-autobiographical foray into "vernacular" American opera. David Garland provides insight into one of Bernstein's lesser-known (but forward-looking) works — and we take a look at its sequel, written 30 years later, "A Quiet Place."
Web Exclusive: "Our Lenny" Video
Friday, September 26, 2008
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Metropolitan Opera photographer Ken Howard, Broadway legend (and original "West Side Story" cast member) Chita Rivera, singer/actress Judy ...
West Side Story Revisited
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Singer/songwriter Sport Murphy combines an expressively fluid voice with a wry sense of ironic humor and free-form musical style to create his unique and compelling songs. Murphy joins David Garland in the studio to take a tour of one of his favorite musicals, Leonard Bernstein's immortal "West Side Story."
Living Legend: Stanley Drucker
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Few musicians have enjoyed the longevity of New York Philharmonic principal clarinetist Stanley Drucker, who joined the orchestra in 1948. Drucker joins us to talk about his legendary career, and of course, his long-time collaboration with Leonard Bernstein.
Demystifying "Mass"
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
"I've not written a Mass, I've written a theater piece about a Mass." That's what Leonard Bernstein had to say about his abstract and colorful "Mass," commissioned in 1971 by Jacqueline Kennedy to open the Kennedy Center. Composer Daniel Felsenfeld joins us to provide insight into one of Bernstein's most ...
A Bernstein Celebration
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
The New York Festival of Song's Artistic Directors Steven Blier and Michael Barrett lead this vocal concert in celebration of Leonard Bernstein. Included on the program are songs from "Peter Pan," "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue," "Songfest," "Wonderful Town," "On the Town," and "Arias and Barcarolles."
Wall to Wall Bernstein at Symphony Space
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Our Bernstein celebration continues with the best of Symphony Space's 1997 "Wall to Wall Bernstein" concert. Highlights include Adolphe Green and Betty Comden in "New York, New York," and Bernstein children Nina and Jamie performing a song they wrote for the occasion.
Trouble in the White House
Friday, October 03, 2008
David Garland takes a strong look at the Bernstein musical that imploded ("1600 Pennsylvania Avenue")and its after-life as the oratorio "A White House Cantata."
Web Exclusive: Chita Rivera on "West Side Story"
Saturday, October 04, 2008
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Broadway legend Chita Rivera (the original Anita in "West Side Story") shares her impressions of the show and ...
Bernstein: In His Own Words
Monday, October 06, 2008
WNYC's "Our Lenny" Festival wraps up with a Leonard Bernstein musical sampler. We also hear examples of Bernstein in conversation, including his introductions to Beethoven's "Eroica" Symphony and Copland's "Outdoor Overture," as well as a discussion of composer Charles Ives.
Leonard Bernstein: American Original
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Leonard Bernstein made his legendary conducting debut at the New York Philharmonic in 1943, at the young age of 25. We celebrate the life and work of Leonard Bernstein with his younger brother Burton Bernstein and New York Philharmonic archivist and historian Barbara Haws. They’ve collaborated on a new book, ...
Leonard Bernstein, Live
Friday, September 26, 2008
We continue WNYC’s celebration of Leonard Bernstein, with live music! Hear some favorite Bernstein show tunes, performed by saxophonist Loren Schoenberg (who’s also executive director of the National Jazz Museum of Harlem) and pianist Aaron Diehl.
Bernstein's Possibilities of Song
Sunday, September 28, 2008
As part of WNYC's "Our Lenny" celebration of Leonard Bernstein's music and influence, host David Garland presents both some of Bernstein's own songs, and the work of contemporary songwriters such as Luke Temple, Sufjan Stevens, My Brightest Diamond, Sport Murphy, Dan Goldman, Ricky Ian Gordon, and others, who seem influenced ...