Leonard Bernstein at 100

Composer, conductor, showman, educator, activist: Bernstein electrified every aspect of American music. And his charm, elegance and unerring gift for melody continue to enthral audiences the world over. In what would have been his 100th year, one of the finest Jazz bands on the planet present a series of new arrangements – by the Grammy Award nominated Richard DeRosa and JLCO trombonist Vincent Gardner – showcasing classics like West Side Story and Candide, but also uncovering gems from Bernstein's vast repertoire.

Bernstein had a long association with the Barbican – in 1986 he conducted the LSO here in front of the Queen and a year later became our resident orchestra’s President – and this concert forms one part of a year-long celebration of his music. Tonight the JLCO will pay testament not just to his music, but also to his legacy as an educator – providing insightful background about the musical selections and recreating the informative approach pioneered by Bernstein himself.