The charismatic and articulate musician Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) symbolized twentieth-century America-energetic, passionate, intellectual, and mindful of, butunfettered by tradition.

Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on August 25th, 1918, Bernstein began his musical studies at the age of ten, teaching himself to play the piano. He embraced many kinds of popular and classical music making, and showed an amazing ability to improvise. Bernstein studied piano performance at Harvard University, but devoted as much time to languages and philosophy as he did to music. His thesis on African-American influences in American music is still studied today. He also studied at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia with Fritz Reiner, Randall Thompson, and Walter Piston.

Bernstein leapt to public fame in 1943 when called in on a few hours' notice to replace ailing conductor Bruno Walter for the afternoon New York Philharmonic concert. Bernstein not only conducted confidently but also incorporated fresh interpretations into the familiar repertoire. Thousands of listeners heard the live radio broadcast of this concert, making Bernstein an immediate public figure.

Later, as Music Director of the New York Philharmonic, he used his position to create innovative programs in the arts. He reached out to young audiences, expressing equal respect for the music of the Beatles, while analyzing the musical form of a Classical symphony. Bernstein, ever the lively scholar, explored politics and philosophy, while his musical career became increasingly successful. Being a recognized artist of influence, Bernstein's public advocacy of human rights, nuclear disarmament, and world peace revealed his sincerity for the betterment of all people on a global level. By the end of his life, he was the logical choice to conduct a huge combined orchestra and choir in performances of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 at the site of the recently demolished Berlin Wall. He died in New York on October 14th, 1990.