Bernstein's Berkshires
Leonard Bernstein and His Tanglewood Legacy The Berkshire region of Massachusetts, with its rolling hills, picturesque landscapes, and historic landmarks, has long been a haven for artists, writers, and musicians. Among the most distinguished of these was Leonard Bernstein, the celebrated American conductor, composer, and educator. Bernstein's relationship with the Berkshire region, particularly with Tanglewood—its world-renowned music center and summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO)—is a testament to his influence on American classical music and musical pedagogy. The Early Years: Bernstein's Beginnings at Tanglewood Leonard Bernstein's association with Tanglewood began in the summer of 1940 when he became a student at the newly established Berkshire Music Center, now known as the Tanglewood Music Center. As the legend goes, Bernstein, who was then a relatively unknown young conductor, was thrust into the limelight when, with just a few hours' notice...