Bernstein:Young People's Concerts, 27 New Episodes

On the occasion of Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday: Bernstein’s Young People’s Concerts available for the first time for global distribution.

Awarded three Emmys and hailed by Variety as “a rare moment in the symbiosis of the arts and broadcasting,” Leonard Bernstein’s Young People’s Concerts left their mark on television history. Aired on CBS from 1958 to 1972, these 52 one-hour programmes were written and hosted by Leonard Bernstein. With the New York Philharmonic and guest artists providing the live music, these programmes brought musical concepts and music history to life for generations of viewers.

“Lectures accompanying music might not sound like the formula of a hit kids’ TV programme, but Bernstein was the secret ingredient who made it work” (Variety). Balancing scholarship and showmanship, Maestro Bernstein brings the full range of his magnetic personality to play in these programmes. And he succeeds in infecting viewers young and old, connoisseurs and the uninitiated, with his overwhelming love of music.

In 27 “new” episodes of this legendary series, Bernstein presents famous masterpieces like Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition”, music from Paris, unusual instruments and young talented performers such as 16-year-old cellist Lynn Harrell (later one of the most famous cellists in the world…).