Mention the name Leonard Bernstein and what likely comes to mind is West Side Story, the New York Philharmonic, and the biopic Maestro, but there is more to the life and times of this American great. Leonard Bernstein – The Other Side uncovers some of the lesser-known facets, revealing his many other sides.

In this two-part program, the documentary Leonard Bernstein and the Israel Philharmonic narrated by actor Hershey Felder, recounts Bernstein’s career trajectory and his lifelong relationship with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO). After the film, Ivy Weingram, curator of Leonard Bernstein – The Power of Music exhibit, joins us via Zoom to examine Bernstein’s early years, the influence of Judaism on his music, his social and political activism, and other parts of his life.

Judaism was one of the influences in his work. Born into an Orthodox Jewish family to parents who immigrated from Ukraine, the liturgical melodies of his childhood resonated deeply within him. His Jewish roots are reflected in many of his works, ranging from his Symphony No. 1 (Jeremiah) to West Side Story.

They also help explain his relationship with the IPO. That connection began in 1947 in pre-State Palestine where Bernstein first conducted what was then known as the Palestine Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. Other than the New York Philharmonic, Bernstein “arguably devoted more of his time (to the IPO) than any other (orchestra).”

In addition to conducting some of the world’s greatest orchestras, Bernstein wrote music for ballet and Broadway and brought classical music to children with televised Young People’s concerts . He embraced jazz, blues, popular music, and Jewish music. Bernstein was also active in social and political causes, drawing the attention of J.Edgar Hoover and Joseph McCarthy.

Leonard Bernstein – The Other Side brings many of the other parts of Bernstein’s life to light. Throughout, his Jewish heritage, commitment to Israel and its national orchestra, and his refusal to conceal his religion were instrumental in defining the man and his music.

MEET IVY WEINGRAMIvy Weingram is an independent curator based in Philadelphia, PA. She founded IMW Independent Museum Works in the summer of 2019. In the years since, she has worked with a diverse client base that includes museums, higher education institutions, a documentary film producer, and a pharmaceutical company.

For over 10 years Weingram served in the curatorial department of the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia (NMAJH), most recently as Curator. Leonard Bernstein: The Power of Music is one of the many exhibits that she has curated.