Leonard Bernstein

1918 – 1990

Leonard Bernstein was an American composer, conductor, pianist, and music educator widely considered one of the most important conductors of the 20th century and the first American-born conductor to receive sustained international acclaim. As music director of the New York Philharmonic from 1958 to 1969 he reached millions through his televised Young People's Concerts, while his compositions including West Side Story, On the Town, Candide, and the Mass occupy a permanent place in the American repertoire. He won 16 Grammy Awards, seven Emmys, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 1980.

Last checked: May 10, 2026, 1:06 PM