“In honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of American composer/conductor/pianist Leonard Bernstein, the Ravinia Festival on Tuesday detailed plans for a two-season celebration of his life and legacy, beginning in 2018,” reads an unsigned Tuesday (5/9) Chicago Sun-Times article. “Included in the celebration will be the opening in 2019 of the Ravinia Music Box ‘experience center,’ a new gallery space/theater on the festival grounds that will debut with an exhibit of mementos from Bernstein’s personal life and career. The new space … will also feature a 65-seat immersive theater.… Also announced is the appointment of Bernstein protégé/conductor Marin Alsop as Ravinia’s first-ever musical curator. Among her schedule will be the premiere of Bernstein’s ‘Mass.’ Another highlight from the two-year celebration is a ‘New Young People’s Concert,’ designed by Jamie Bernstein and featuring her father’s music for soloists and ensembles and Chicago Public Schools students in Ravinia’s education programs…. The two-year musical homage will also include live orchestra accompaniment to Bernstein’s iconic films ‘West Side Story’ and ‘On the Waterfront.’ … A full music program featuring some of Bernstein’s greatest works performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and guest artists is also slated for 2018.”
Posted May 10, 2017
Leonard Bernstein photo by Jack Mitchell
