Celebrate 'Bernstein At 100' With The San Francisco Symphony [Sponsored]

Celebrate 'Bernstein At 100' With The San Francisco Symphony [Sponsored]Michael Tilson Thomas and Leonard Bernstein in 1983. | Photo: Robert Millard
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Published on September 21, 2017

The San Francisco Symphony kicks off its 2017-2018 season with a 100th birthday celebration of Leonard Bernstein, a composer, conductor and pianist widely regarded as one of America’s greatest artists—and a longtime friend of Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas. 

San Francisco Symphony Celebrates Bernstein. | YouTube: San Francisco Symphony

From September 22nd to 24th, the SFS will perform highlights from four pieces showcasing Bernstein’s creative range, which included ballet, opera, musical theater, film scores and orchestral works.  

  • Chichester Psalms: choir and orchestra blend Broadway melodies with sacred texts
  • Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs: a fusion of big-band jazz and orchestral sounds
  • Arias and Barcarolles: a song cycle performed by two singers and two pianists
  • Symphonic Dances from West Side Story; orchestral music from the 1957 masterpiece.

MTT will also provide a pre-concert lecture before each performance that's free for ticket holders.

“It is a joy to celebrate my friend and longtime colleague Leonard Bernstein’s spirit and legacy,” he said. “Bernstein was a great friend to many people, and gifted us all with his tremendously adventurous spirit."

Leonard Bernstein with The Boston Symphony, 1972. | Photo: Don Hunstein/Sony Music Entertainment

Tickets are available for performances on Friday, September 22nd at 8pm, Saturday, Saturday 23rd at 8pm, and Sunday, September 24th at 2pm.

Patterned after a sold-out 2016 New York Times talk, the interview-style lecture will include insights and anecdotes from MTT's years-long relationship with Bernstein. Emmy-award winning television presenter and renowned Bernstein scholar Humphrey Burton will host.

To attend, arrive at 6:30pm on Friday and Saturday, or at 12:30pm before Sunday's matinee.