Focus on Bernstein

Boston Pops celebrates 90th anniversary of composer’s birth at Bethel Woods

BETHEL, NY — The Boston Pops orchestra will appear at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Friday, August 22, led by conductor Keith Lockhart. They will celebrate the 90th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s birth by performing some of the composer’s best-loved pieces.

Bernstein is closely tied to Boston Pops history, having made his professional debut conducting the Boston Pops in Wagner’s prelude to “Die Meistersinger” on the esplanade when he was 22. He conducted the Boston Pops many times, including taking the baton from John Williams at his Harvard class’ 50th reunion celebration at the Pops.

The introduction, “Make Mine Bernstein”, will include composer and Boston Pops Laureate Conductor John Williams’ tribute to Bernstein, “For Lenny,” the overture to “Candide,” and selections from Bernstein’s ballet, “Fancy Free” and his score to the Academy Award winning “On the Waterfront.”

The main gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets cost $75, $60 or $30 for reserved and $25 for lawn. They are available at Ticketmaster outlets, online at bethelwoodscenter.org/ or at theBethel Woods box office.