An unprecedented consortium of the Puget Sound’s arts organizations announce the formation of Seattle Celebrates Bernstein, a regional Arts Festival to be held from April through June of 2010. During the three months, participating groups range in size from major to small, from established to fledgling, and include musical ensembles, dance companies, film presenters, theater companies and educational institutions. The Festival will focus on the multi-faceted genius of Leonard Bernstein – one of the few composers who has worked successfully and brilliantly in nearly all of the performing arts including theatre, opera, film and every manner of instrumental and vocal music.Participating organizations will present a calendar full of events throughout the spring and early summer of 2010. At press time groups and events include:
• The 5th Avenue Theatre presenting fully staged productions of Bernstein’s Broadway musicals On the Town (in collaboration with Spectrum Dance Theater) and Candide.
• The Seattle Symphony presenting several events including their Season Finale: A Bernstein Celebration conducted by Gerard Schwarz and featuring pianist Misha Dichtor with the Seattle Symphony Chorale, and A Bernstein Young People’s Concert with the Cascade Youth Orchestra. Both events will take place at Benaroya Hall.
• The Seattle International Film Festival will screen a trilogy of Bernstein-scored movies: On the Waterfront, On the Town, and West Side Story.
• The Seattle Men’s Chorus and The Seattle Women’s Chorus will combine forces for Glitter and Be Gay -- a concert of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s collaborative and individual musical works at McCaw Hall.
• Seattle Opera will present a panel discussion entitled Collaborating with Bernstein featuring artists who worked directly with Leonard Bernstein.
• Seattle Jewish Chorale will perform selections of Bernstein's Jewish-themed at Town Hall.
• The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs will present two Bernstein events as part of Seattle Presents, the free lunchtime concert series at City Hall.
• The Lake Union Civic Orchestra will perform three dance episodes from On the Town as part of its spring concert at Town Hall.
• Showtunes! Theatre Company and Seattle Theatre Group and present West Side Story Stories: “Memories of Lenny” featuring music and remembrances by original West Side cast member Martin Charnin.
• Orchestra Seattle/Seattle Chamber Singers will perform music from Bernstein’s The Lark in concert at the First Free Methodist Church.
Although the Festival won’t officially begin until March the Pacific Northwest Ballet is excited to offer a special “pre-Festival event” -- Bernstein’s West Side Story Suite as part of it Director’s Choice program opening November 5.Seattle Celebrates Bernstein will have its official kick-off on Monday, March 22nd at The 5th Avenue Theatre with an event in the theatre’s popular Spotlight Night series that will serve as both an introduction and preview of the upcoming Festival.
Join us over three months and across the region for a series of concerts, theatre, performances, lectures, film screenings and other events that celebrate Leonard Bernstein in grand style! To check for ongoing updates visit seattlecelebratesbernstein.org.
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