Leonard Bernstein
Composer, Conductor, Teacher, Humanist
Illustrated lecture by Dr. Punita G. Singh

A charismatic conductor, creative composer, prodigious pianist and erudite educator, Leonard Bernstein was a towering figure in music through the 20th century. Besides composing for the classical concert stage, he wrote for Broadway and Film, the diversity of styles evident in music for ‘West Side Story’, ‘Candide’, ‘Chichester Psalms’ and ‘On the Waterfront’. As a conductor, he championed the music of his contemporaries while also breathing life into traditional compositions, especially the music of Mahler. In addition to leading the New York Philharmonic, he frequently conducted major international orchestras. This presentation celebrates the life and legacy of ‘Lenny’—as he was lovingly called. His artistry, intellect and humanism continue to inspire and educate, demonstrating the transformative power of music in shaping a more compassionate world.

Punita is a musicologist, linguist, acoustician, editor and educator based in New Delhi