WHRO joins with music lovers around the world in celebrating the centennial of the American conductor, composer, educator, and cultural ambassador Leonard Bernstein, who was born on August 25, 1918. Tune in for these special programs that will present a variety of perspectives on Bernstein’s kaleidoscopic career and rich legacy.

Friday, August 24, 9-10 p.m.: “Leonard Bernstein: The Composer” from KMFA

KMFA Presents: The Bernstein Centennial
'Bernstein: The Composer' presents the other side of Leonard Bernstein, that of composer, who wrote more than a hundred musical works. This program presents the astonishing range of Bernstein’s creativity. His works for theater, like Candide, ballets such as Fancy Free, intimate piano works, like his Anniversaries, and heart-rending symphonies such as Kaddish and Age of Anxiety. But in writing soaring melodies in West Side Story, he became one of the greats of Broadway.

Saturday, August 25, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.: “Leonard Bernstein: The Conductor and Musician” from KMFA

KMFA Presents: The Bernstein Centennial
From his unexpected national radio debut at age 25, to his memorable Young People’s Concerts, 'Bernstein: The Conductor and Musician' tells the story of his emergence as the most prominent American in classical music of the twentieth century. Included are those who worked with him and were influenced by him, like conductors JoAnn Falletta and Andrew Litton, and former Boston Symphony violinist Emanuel Borok, as well as members of the Bernstein family, his daughter Jamie and niece Karen Bernstein, who is an Austin filmmaker.

Saturday, August 25, 4-6 p.m.: “Leonard Bernstein: America's Music Teacher” from American Public Media

Celebrate Leonard Bernstein's centennial with an exploration of his teaching style. Hosted by Andrea Blain, this new, music-filled two-hour special celebrates Bernstein's devotion to music education, through his Young Person's Concerts with the New York Philharmonic, his Harvard lectures, his CBS Omnibus Television specials, and his many writings about music. 

Featured guests include conductors Marin Alsop and Andrew Litton, and others close to and inspired by Bernstein's novel and eclectic approach to teaching. Musical works include those from Bernstein's Young Person's Concerts, and other lectures and presentations, including works by Beethoven, Mahler, Debussy, Ives, and Copland – an accessible playlist that explores Bernstein's approach to musical style, form and content and his enthusiasm and creativity in presenting it.

Saturday, August 25, 8-11 p.m.: “Lennie at 100” – Bernstein Birthday Bash with Raymond Jones

Wrap up the celebrations with a Bernstein Birthday Bash presented by WHRO’s own Dr. Raymond Jones. “This Just In” takes a holiday on Saturday, August 25, as we pay tribute to Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday with a program of rare and historical recordings. “Lennie at 100” features Bernstein in his earliest recordings, then joining Vladimir Horowitz and friends in the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s ‘Messiah.’ We’ll hear a Columbia Records special which appeared on Bernstein’s 60th birthday, along with his famous disavowal preceding a performance of the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 with fellow genius Glenn Gould. Bernstein the teacher takes us in journeys through Beethoven’s Fifth and the Berlioz ‘Symphonie Fantastique,’ and we’ll hear memorable Beethoven from Berlin and Brahms from Vienna. Bernstein the composer will be there as well in music from ‘West Side Story.’ Bake a cake, light a candle, and join us for the party which lasts from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.!