Famous Jews in History: Leonard Bernstein (1918–1990)

Leonard Bernstein was born in 1918 to Ukrainian Jewish immigrants in Massachusetts.

His father wanted him to join the family business but Bernstein chose music instead. He studied at Harvard and the Curtis Institute of Music, then worked as an assistant conductor with the New York Philharmonic.

In 1943, when the orchestra’s guest conductor suddenly fell ill, the 25-year-old Bernstein was asked to step in with almost no notice. He conducted the entire program without rehearsal. The performance was broadcast nationally. He became famous overnight.

He went on to compose symphonies, ballets and Broadway musicals, including West Side Story, reshaping American theatre.

He conducted the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in 1948 shortly after the establishment of the State of Israel, and returned many times. During the Six-Day War in 1967, he conducted on Mt Scopus in Jerusalem, celebrating the reunification of the city.

He also wrote explicitly Jewish works, including Chichester Psalms, set to Hebrew biblical text.

Bernstein did not hide being Jewish at a time when many public figures softened or concealed their identity.

He spoke about antisemitism. He supported Israel publicly. He saw Jewish moral responsibility as part of his artistic mission.

Learn more: Leonard Bernstein official website - About page