Bernstein: A Celebration of Leonard Bernstein

Music Director of the New York Philharmonic from 1958 to 1969 and Laureate Conductor From 1969 to 1990, Leonard Bernstein brought his own particular New World sensibility to classical music. Equally at home in a Broadway theater or concert hall, the beloved "Lenny" - who performed at Carnegie Hall more than 400 times during his career - had an enthusiam for an understanding of music far beyond the classical realm, extending into jazz, world music, American song and even rock. Michael Tilson Thomas, who first met the maestro in 1968, was a close friend and colleague for many years. This connection mad the choice of MTT and the The San Francisco Symphony to headline the Bernstein off a New York City-wide tribute to composer Bernstein, who would have celebvated his 90th birthday in 2008. Filmed in high definition and 5.1 surround sound, the performance features music from a later works such as Mass and A Quiet place, Featured superstar guests include Dawn Upshaw, Thomas Hampson, Yo Yo Ma and Broadway star Christine Ebersole. The DVD also includes a bonus of MTT interviewing Hampson, Ma and Upshaw.