“ C omposer anniversaries come and go , sometimes without much fanfare ,” says BSO Senior Artistic Planning Manager Izabel Zambrzycki . “ But Bernstein ’ s is one that truly stands out .”
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra maintains its connection to Leonard Bernstein through Music Director Marin Alsop . Alsop met Bernstein in 1989 at the Tanglewood Music Center , and the experience of working with Bernstein directly has given her a truly unique perspective on his music . “ Having that time with him allowed me to understand what a complex , multi-dimensional , yet fun person he was ,” says Alsop . “ It has given me the freedom to truly enjoy his music , just as I so thoroughly enjoyed him as a person .”
At Tanglewood , Alsop was the winner of the Koussevitzky Prize , an award named after famed conductor Serge Koussevitzky ( with whom Bernstein himself had studied ) given for outstanding student conducting . She still vividly recalls her first encounters with Bernstein that summer .
“ Working with Bernstein was even better than I could have imagined ,” says Alsop . “ A dream come true ! His focus , attention and generosity were humbling and inspiring .”
Growing up in New York as the child of two professional musicians , Alsop had early and abundant exposure to classical music . She knew conducting was for her after attending one of Bernstein ’ s Young People ’ s Concerts , which he had launched upon taking over as Principal Conductor of the New York Philharmonic .
From then on , she looked up to Bernstein and closely followed not only his conducting career , but also his work outside of the concert hall . “ I admired his extraordinary commitment to the composer and his incredible sense of narrative ,” she says of Bernstein ’ s approach to music . “ But I also respected his devotion to education and equality .”
Music education and reaching new audiences were crucial to Bernstein . The televised Young People ’ s Concert series allowed him to connect with young audience members like Alsop and with those watching at home . Through these performances , Bernstein was able to make classical music available to all , and he became a recognizable presence throughout the country for people young and old .
“ Bernstein is one of the biggest reasons that orchestras are still able to thrive ,” says Zambrzycki . “ Many people had the chance to see him live or on television through the Young People ’ s Concerts , and most conductors on the podium today try to carry out the dreams he had for symphony orchestras . We ’ re still so affected by him and his legacy .”
Education and the accessibility of music are causes Alsop has championed as well . In addition to starting the BSO ’ s OrchKids program , which provides music education and academic instruction to children in Baltimore City , she was recently appointed Director of Conducting at the Peabody Institute , where she has the opportunity to shape and mentor the next generation .
“Working with
Bernstein was even better than I could have imagined . A dream come true ! His focus , attention and generosity were humbling and inspiring .”
MARIN ALSOP
( From top to bottom ) Marin with her mother in New York City . Leonard Bernstein with Marin at the Tanglewood Music Center in 1989 . Marin Alsop leads the BSO at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall .
As for celebrating Bernstein ’ s 100-year anniversary , Alsop and the BSO join the party in May with a program titled , “ To Bernstein With Love .” Featuring a broad selection of Bernstein ’ s works , the concerts showcase the complexity and diversity of his compositions , from On the Town , to Serenade , to West Side Story . “ This program is designed to highlight the many different sides of Bernstein — from serious to pure fun ,” Alsop says .
“ The program in May has something for everyone ,” adds Zambrzycki . “ It shows Bernstein ’ s depth as a composer and underscores Marin ’ s relationship with him . She was able to work directly with Bernstein on these pieces and
consult with him on his vision , ideas and thoughts . Marin would sit with him and read through his marked scores — what an inspiration that must have been for a young conductor !”
Surely , such experiences would be the envy of every young conductor today . But now the shoe is on the other foot , and Alsop is the one offering guidance and leadership . She reflects on the ways in which her time with Bernstein influences the way she mentors aspiring young musicians and conductors : “ Bernstein ’ s generosity inspired me to always try to give back and accept young conductors where they are while trying to help them be the best they can be .”
In this sense , Bernstein ’ s legacy lives on through the work of Alsop and others who knew him . Of all the celebrations , concerts and tributes to Bernstein taking place over the course of the next year , this might very well be the most meaningful honor of all .
JAN – FEB 2018 / OVERTURE 9