Back by popular demand… !
Presented by Saul Lilienstein
Music Historian, Smithsonian Affiliates in D.C., Johns Hopkins University, Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center
Whenever Leonard Bernstein visited his parents' home in Boston, he always knew a special place awaited him at the bimah of Congregation Mishkan Tefila, their beloved synagogue. This was far more than a mere tradition; it was a testament to the deep-rooted importance of Jewish faith and culture in Bernstein's life. The rich musical heritage he absorbed never left him, shaping his extraordinary career and artistry.
In this music-filled presentation, Saul Lilienstein, a student of Bernstein’s, will bring to life the vibrant music infused with Yiddishkeit that Bernstein composed. Join us to experience excerpts from his works, including Symphony No. 1 (subtitled Jeremiah), Symphony No. 3 (Kaddish), and the enchanting Chichester Psalms, among others.
Lilienstein will weave in a tapestry of personal anecdotes exploring Bernstein’s deep connection to Jewish values... a unique opportunity to delve into the heart and soul of a musical legend!
Thank you to our generous supporters for sponsoring this lecture!
Janet Ozur Bass in memory of her mother Norma Ozur
Mary Hammer in memory of Arnold Hammer
Harvey and Patti Iglarsh
Register to receive the Zoom link to join us online. Barring technical issues, the recording of this talk will be posted on our Program Recording Archive.
A former student of Leonard Bernstein, Saul Lilienstein holds B.A. and M.S. degrees in music from Queens College. Lilienstein was for many years the Artistic Director and Conductor of Maryland’s Harford Opera Theatre and then of Operetta Renaissance in Baltimore, conducting and producing in all well over fifty operas. He initially came to the attention of Maryland audiences as Director of Music for The Handel Choir of Baltimore and the Harford Choral Society. Concurrently and continuing over the decades, Saul was the hidden presence in the choir loft of the Chizuk Amuno Congregation, directing the music.
Today, he continues as a highly regarded Professor of Music in the Washington area. His is a familiar voice at the Smithsonian Institution, Johns Hopkins University, at the Goethe Institut, for symphonic concerts at the Kennedy Center, opera lectures for Washington National Opera, and at music symposiums in New York, Boston, San Francisco, and Palm Beach. Lilienstein’s subjects range from the Origins of Opera to the Origins of Jazz, from Bach and Beethoven to Music of the Gypsies, from Immigrant Cultures to Music of The Beatles. He has now completed over eight-five highly acclaimed Commentaries on CD for The Washington National Opera, analyzing the repertoire in the most extensive series of its kind in the English language.
Lilienstein's essays on music have appeared in newspapers throughout the country, in journals, and in anthologies.