Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)
As one of the first conductors/composers/musicians born and educated in the country, Leonard Bernstein is a source of pride for the United States. Despite his immense level of success and popularity, it is rarely mentioned that he was gay.
From an early age, he was surrounded by admirers among the social elite. He knew that conservative orchestra boards would not want a gay music director, so he married actress Felicia Montealegre in 1951. Though Bernstein adored his wife and family, he regularly had affairs with men (with which he was not particularly discreet, especially as he got older). As Bernstein’s West Side Story collaborator Arthur Laurents put it, “he was a gay man who got married. He wasn’t conflicted about it at all. He was just gay.”
Bernstein’s musicality and composition are legendary, and rightfully so. For a long time he held tenure as music director of the New York Philharmonic. He became a household name in the US in part through his many televised lectures and concerts, including a popular series of Young People’s Concerts on CBS. In addition to conducting, he was also a top-skilled pianist and often performed piano concertos while directing the orchestra from the piano. Today, he is perhaps best known for writing the music to West Side Story.
From an early age, he was surrounded by admirers among the social elite. He knew that conservative orchestra boards would not want a gay music director, so he married actress Felicia Montealegre in 1951. Though Bernstein adored his wife and family, he regularly had affairs with men (with which he was not particularly discreet, especially as he got older). As Bernstein’s West Side Story collaborator Arthur Laurents put it, “he was a gay man who got married. He wasn’t conflicted about it at all. He was just gay.”
Bernstein’s musicality and composition are legendary, and rightfully so. For a long time he held tenure as music director of the New York Philharmonic. He became a household name in the US in part through his many televised lectures and concerts, including a popular series of Young People’s Concerts on CBS. In addition to conducting, he was also a top-skilled pianist and often performed piano concertos while directing the orchestra from the piano. Today, he is perhaps best known for writing the music to West Side Story.