The recent release of the movie Maestro will introduce a new generation to musician, composer, conductor, educator, author and humanitarian, Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990). Bernstein was the first American conductor to receive international acclaim and is considered one of the most important conductors of his time. He was a prolific composer, writing in many genres, including symphonic and orchestral music, ballet, film and theater music, choral works, opera, chamber music, and pieces for the piano. Showcased below are a few items from the Eric Matusewitch collection of Leonard Bernstein memorabilia, Ms. Coll. 1551.
Wide World Photos: “Youthful conductor scores New York—Leonard Bernstein, 25-year-old assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, is being congratulated by members of the orchestra after the young musician made his debut in New York when he substituted for Bruno Walter, who had become ill,” November 14, 1943. Box 5, folder 10.
Photograph of Leonard Bernstein conducting the New York City Symphony without a baton in 1945. Box 5, Folder 10.
Carnegie Hall program from the February 24, 1951 concert of the Philharmonic-Symphony Society of New York. Leonard Bernstein served as guest conductor. The concert feature Eugene List on the piano and included selections from Mozart, Milhaud, Franck, Ives and Copland. Box 6, folder 1.
May 17, 1965, AP wire photo of Leonard Bernstein whispering to Danish Princess Benedikte after conducting the Royal Opera Orchestra in Copenhagen. The concert was part of the ceremony at which Bernstein received the music award from the newly established Leonide Sonning Music Foundation. Box 6, folder 2.
A 1960s Japanese movie advertisement for West Side Story, music by Bernstein. Box 5, folder 3.
Program celebrating 200 years of Teatro Alla Scala (Milan, Italy). Leonard Bernstein conducted the Wiener [Vienna] Philharmonic in Beethoven’s Fidelio on February 10, 1978. The program is signed by Bernstein and contains two first day of issue pictorial postmarks. In 1953, Bernstein became the first American conductor to appear at Teatro Alla Scala, conducting Maria Callas in Cherubini’s Medea. Box 6, folder 3
Caricature of Bernstein by Al Hirschfeld, signed by Hirschfeld and Bernstein, 1978, Box 5, folder 10.
Israeli Philatelic Showcard contains Israeli stamp (with first day of Issue cancellation) commemorating Leonard Bernstein, issued February 7, 1995. Box 11, folder 2.
Phone cards from Hungary and Japan featuring images of Leonard Bernstein.
Advertisement for On the Town, music by Bernstein, at the Royal Festival Hall in London on October 3, 2000. The musical originally opened in NYC on December 28, 1944 and was noted for its racially diverse cast. Box 9, folder 1.
Unique at Penn 
2 responses to “Leonard Bernstein: world-famous musician”
does the collection have items from when he was the music teacher at Brandeis ? Stanley Berman W/57
Unfortunately, this collection does not contain any items from Bernstein’s time at Brandeis. Bernstein’s papers are located at the Library of Congress so you may want to check there. Here’s a link for more information https://guides.loc.gov/leonard-bernstein/collection. Good luck in your search.
–Kristine McGee