Event Details
Celebrating the work of Artful Learning and Alexander Bernstein, who will share reflections on his father’s life. Hosted by Ken Fischer, President Emeritus University Musical Society.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Broadway Presbyterian Church
601 West 114th Street & Broadway
Notes from 108th Street coincides with the worldwide celebration of Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday, Bernstein at 100, and this year’s event will feature the music of this legendary composer, conductor, educator, cultural ambassador, and humanitarian performed by BSM students and faculty. Inspired by Bernstein’s multiple musical gifts, BSM’s instrumental and ensemble programs are complemented by the school’s unique emphasis on composition for very young children. We are pleased to share our student’s creativity as we present compositions by BSM students created through our Album for the Young/Student Composition Program, performed by their fellow classmates.
More about A4TY: Album for the Young – Student Composing Project
This year we are honoring Alexander Bernstein and the work of Artful Learning, an arts integration model founded by Leonard Bernstein that empowers educators to use the arts and the artistic process to awaken and sustain the love of learning for all students. We are pleased to acknowledge Alexander’s dedicated stewardship of Artful Learning and to applaud all his efforts in support of music education.
A highlight of Notes from 108th Street will be excerpts of “Leonard Bernstein: His World through His Music,” Alexander’s poignant sharing of personal remembrances of his father along with photos of individuals immortalized by Leonard’s “Anniversaries for Piano.” These compositions served as musical postcards/gifts for important people in his life including some of his musical mentors and family members: Aaron Copland, Serge Koussevitsky, Stephen Sondheim, and his wife, Felicia Montealegre. The evening will be hosted by Ken Fischer, President Emeritus of the University Musical Society, a witty raconteur who presented Leonard Bernstein in concert and is a strong supporter of BSM’s commitment to accessible music education for all.
With Alexander Bernstein as an incredible honoree, and a unique chance to feature Leonard Bernstein’s work during an historic centennial year, this is an event not to be missed!
Honorary Committee
Ken & Penny Fischer, Co-Chairs
Jamie Bernstein & Nina Bernstein Simmons
Daniel O’Donnell, New York State Assemblyman, 69th District
Gale Brewer, Manhattan Borough President
Helen Rosenthal, New York City Council Member, 6th District
Evangeline Benedetti, Cellist, New York Philharmonic (1967-2011)
Eric Booth, Writer, Teaching Artist, Board Member, Artful Learning
Deborah Borda, CEO, New York Philharmonic
Jacqueline Davis, Executive Director, The NYPL for the Performing Arts
Jon Deak, Composer, former Associate Principal Bassist of the New York Philharmonic, and Founder of the Very Young Composers Program
Carla Canales, Singer, Arts and Culture Advocate, Board Member, Artful Learning
Charles Hamlen, Artistic Adviser, Orchestra of St. Luke’s
Sarah Johnson, Chief Education Officer and Director, Weill Music Institute, Carnegie Hall
Tania Leon, Composer, Founder and Artistic Director, Composers Now
Paola Prestini, Composer, Co-Founder and Artistic Director, National Sawdust
David Rothkopf, Author, Political Scientist, and Journalist
Ted Wiprud, former Vice President, Education, New York Philharmonic
Ed Yim, President, American Composers Orchestra
