1918–1990

A dedicated and brilliant conductor of the New York Philharmonic orchestra, Leonard Bernstein was known for embracing modern music and working hard to bring classical music to a wider audience throughout the city. He was deeply influenced by New York’s diversity of musical traditions, and his musical West Side Story (1957) was particularly acclaimed for its skillful use of Latin rhythms. Other works included the musicals On the Town (1944), Wonderful Town (1953), Candide (1956), and Mass (1971), as well as various operas, symphonies, and ballets.