History of Leonard Bernstein in Timeline

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Leonard Bernstein

Leonard Bernstein was a highly influential American conductor, composer, pianist, educator, author, and humanitarian. He achieved international recognition as the first American-born conductor to gain such acclaim. Celebrated for his prodigious talent, Bernstein received numerous honors including seven Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, and 16 Grammy Awards. He was also nominated for an Academy Award and honored with the Kennedy Center Honor in 1981, solidifying his legacy as one of the most significant figures in American music history.

August 25, 1918: Leonard Bernstein's Birth

On August 25, 1918, Louis Bernstein, later known as Leonard Bernstein, was born. He became a celebrated American conductor, composer, pianist, music educator, author, and humanitarian.

Others born on this day/year

March 30, 1932: First Public Piano Performance

On March 30, 1932, Bernstein gave his first public piano performance, playing Brahms's Rhapsody in G minor at a studio recital.

1932: Birth of Burton Bernstein

In 1932, Leonard Bernstein's youngest sibling, Burton, was born.

1935: Enrollment at Harvard College and First Composition

In 1935, Bernstein enrolled at Harvard College to study music, and he composed his first extant composition, Psalm 148.

1937: Meeting Aaron Copland

In 1937, Bernstein met Aaron Copland and impressed him by playing Copland's Piano Variations.

1939: Graduation from Harvard

In 1939, Bernstein graduated from Harvard with a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude.

1939: Performance of "The Cradle Will Rock"

In 1939, as a college student at Harvard, Bernstein organized and led a performance of Marc Blitzstein's banned musical, "The Cradle Will Rock", about the struggles of the working class.

1940: Attendance at Tanglewood Music Center

In 1940, Bernstein attended the inaugural year of the Tanglewood Music Center and studied conducting with Serge Koussevitzky.

1940: Mitropoulos invites Bernstein to be his assistant

In 1940, Dimitri Mitropoulos invited Bernstein to come to Minneapolis for the 1940–41 season to be his assistant, but the plan fell through because of union issues.

1941: Diploma from Curtis

In 1941, Bernstein received a diploma in conducting from the Curtis Institute of Music.

April 21, 1942: Premiere of Sonata for Clarinet and Piano

On April 21, 1942, Bernstein performed the premiere of his first published work, Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, with clarinetist David Glazer in Boston.

April 1943: Sought advice from Aaron Copland

In April 1943, Bernstein sought advice from Aaron Copland about living as a gay man in the public eye.

November 14, 1943: New York Philharmonic Conducting Debut

On November 14, 1943, Leonard Bernstein made his unexpected major conducting debut with the New York Philharmonic after Bruno Walter fell ill.

1943: Collaboration on Fancy Free

In 1943, Bernstein and Jerome Robbins began work on their first collaboration, Fancy Free.

1943: Conducting Debut with the New York Philharmonic

In 1943, Bernstein's last-minute conducting debut with the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall, broadcast live nationwide, caused him to become famous overnight.

January 28, 1944: Premiere of Symphony No. 1: Jeremiah

On January 28, 1944, Bernstein conducted the premiere of his Symphony No. 1: Jeremiah with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and soloist Jennie Tourel.

April 18, 1944: Premiere of Fancy Free

On April 18, 1944, the ballet 'Fancy Free,' a collaboration between Bernstein and Jerome Robbins, premiered with the Ballet Theatre in New York.

December 28, 1944: Opening of On the Town on Broadway

On December 28, 1944, 'On the Town,' a musical expanded from the ballet 'Fancy Free', opened on Broadway and broke race barriers.

1944: On the Town premiere

In 1944, Bernstein's theater work, 'On the Town', premiered.

1945: Recording for RCA Victor

Between 1945 and 1950, Bernstein recorded a variety of works for RCA Victor, primarily his own compositions and those of other American composers.

1945: Music Director of the New York City Symphony

In 1945, Bernstein became the music director of the New York City Symphony.

July 4, 1946: European Premiere of Fancy Free

On July 4, 1946, Bernstein conducted the European premiere of 'Fancy Free' in London.

1947: First Conducts in Tel Aviv

In 1947, Bernstein conducted in Tel Aviv for the first time, marking the beginning of a lifelong association with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

1947: Music Director of the New York City Symphony

In 1947, Bernstein was the music director of the New York City Symphony.

April 1949: Performance as Piano Soloist

In April 1949, Bernstein performed as a piano soloist in the world premiere of his Symphony No. 2: The Age of Anxiety.

December 2, 1949: World Premiere of Messiaen's Turangalîla-Symphonie

On December 2, 1949, Bernstein conducted the world premiere of Messiaen's Turangalîla-Symphonie with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

December 10, 1949: First Television Appearance as Conductor

On December 10, 1949, Bernstein made his first television appearance as a conductor with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall.

1949: On the Town Becomes a Motion Picture

In 1949, 'On the Town' was adapted into an MGM motion picture starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra.

April 24, 1950: Opening of Peter Pan

On April 24, 1950, the Broadway production of 'Peter Pan', for which Bernstein composed incidental music, opened.

1950: Recording for RCA Victor

Between 1945 and 1950, Bernstein recorded a variety of works for RCA Victor, primarily his own compositions and those of other American composers.

September 9, 1951: Marriage to Felicia Montealegre Cohn

On September 9, 1951, Bernstein married actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn and they had three children: Jamie, Alexander, and Nina.

1951: Head of Orchestra and Conducting at Tanglewood

In 1951, Bernstein became head of the orchestra and conducting departments at Tanglewood after Koussevitzky's death.

1951: Composes Trouble in Tahiti

In 1951, Bernstein composed 'Trouble in Tahiti,' a one-act opera, during his honeymoon.

November 1952: Television Presentation of Trouble in Tahiti

In November 1952, the NBC Opera Theatre presented 'Trouble in Tahiti' on television.

February 25, 1953: Wonderful Town Broadway Opening

On February 25, 1953, Wonderful Town opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre. The musical starred Rosalind Russell, Edie Adams, and George Gaynes, and would go on to win five Tony Awards.

1953: La Scala Debut

In 1953, Bernstein became the first American conductor to appear at La Scala in Milan, conducting Cherubini's Medea.

1953: Wonderful Town

In 1953, Bernstein composed the theater work, 'Wonderful Town'.

November 14, 1954: Omnibus Television Lecture

On November 14, 1954, Bernstein presented the first of his television lectures for the CBS Television Network arts program Omnibus, entitled "Beethoven's Fifth Symphony."

1954: Serenade after Plato's "Symposium" and On the Waterfront score

In 1954, Bernstein composed 'Serenade after Plato's "Symposium"' and the original score for the film "On the Waterfront".

April 19, 1955: Broadway Opening of Trouble in Tahiti

On April 19, 1955, 'Trouble in Tahiti' opened on Broadway at the Playhouse Theatre.

1955: Callas Reunited

In 1955, Callas and Bernstein reunited at La Scala to perform Bellini's La sonnambula.

April 2, 1956: Signing with Columbia Records

On April 2, 1956, Bernstein signed his first long-term contract with Columbia Records as conductor, piano soloist, and commentator.

December 1, 1956: Candide Broadway Opening

On December 1, 1956, Candide opened on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre, directed by Tyrone Guthrie. Despite being a box office disaster, the cast album became a cult classic and kept Bernstein's score alive.

1956: Visiting music professor at Brandeis University

From 1951 to 1956, Bernstein was a visiting music professor at Brandeis University.

1956: Candide

In 1956, Bernstein composed the theater work, 'Candide'.

September 26, 1957: West Side Story Broadway Opening

On September 26, 1957, West Side Story opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway. The production, directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, ran for 732 performances and won Tony Awards for Robbins and Oliver Smith.

1957: Conducts Inaugural Concert of Mann Auditorium

In 1957, Bernstein conducted the inaugural concert of the Mann Auditorium in Tel Aviv.

1957: Appointment as Music Director

In 1957, Bernstein was appointed the music director of the New York Philharmonic, sharing the post jointly with Dimitri Mitropoulos.

1958: South American Tour

In 1958, Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic embarked on its first tour south of the border, through 12 countries in Central and South America.

1958: Sole Music Director

In 1958, Bernstein took sole charge as music director of the New York Philharmonic.

May 14, 1959: Lincoln Center Groundbreaking

On May 14, 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower broke ground for Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

1959: European and Soviet Tour

In 1959, Bernstein and the Philharmonic undertook a 50-concert tour through Europe and the Soviet Union, sponsored by the Department of State.

1960: Mahler Centennial Performances

In 1960, Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic marked the centennial of Gustav Mahler's birth with a series of performances, with Mahler's widow Alma attending some of the rehearsals.

1961: Fanfare for President Kennedy

In 1961, Bernstein composed and conducted a fanfare for President John F. Kennedy's pre-inaugural gala.

1961: First Visit to Japan

In 1961, Bernstein led the Philharmonic on their first visit to Japan, which included acclaimed concerts and cultural exchange.

1961: Grammy Award for Humor in Music

In 1961, Bernstein's recording of Humor in Music was awarded a Grammy award for Best Documentary or Spoken Word Recording.

1961: West Side Story film adaptation

In 1961, West Side Story was adapted into a feature film.

April 6, 1962: Brahms Concerto Performance

On April 6, 1962, Bernstein addressed the audience before a performance of the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, explaining Glenn Gould's idiosyncratic approach to the work.

September 23, 1962: Philharmonic Hall Opening

On September 23, 1962, the New York Philharmonic moved from Carnegie Hall to its new home, Philharmonic Hall (now David Geffen Hall), with Bernstein conducting the gala opening concert.

1962: Bernstein became music director of the New York Philharmonic

In 1962, Bernstein began conducting as music director of the New York Philharmonic from its opening as Philharmonic Hall.

November 23, 1963: Kennedy Memorial Concert

On November 23, 1963, the day after President John F. Kennedy's assassination, Bernstein conducted a nationally televised memorial featuring Mahler's Symphony No. 2.

1963: Symphony No. 3: Kaddish

In 1963, Bernstein wrote his Symphony No. 3: Kaddish, which he dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy.

1964: Metropolitan Opera Debut

In 1964, Bernstein conducted at the Metropolitan Opera for the first time in Franco Zeffirelli's production of Verdi's Falstaff.

1964: Sale of Redding, Connecticut house

In 1964, the Bernstein family sold their house in Redding, Connecticut. Bernstein maintained a studio with a piano in each of his dwellings.

March 24, 1965: Stars for Freedom Rally

On March 24, 1965, Bernstein participated in the Stars for Freedom Rally in support of the marchers heading from Selma to Montgomery.

July 15, 1965: Chichester Psalms Premiere

On July 15, 1965, Chichester Psalms premiered at Philharmonic Hall in New York City, conducted by Bernstein himself.

1965: Chichester Psalms Composition

In 1965, Bernstein composed 'Chichester Psalms'.

1965: Concerts in the Parks Launch

In 1965, the Concerts in the Parks were launched, connecting with New Yorkers, and often conducted by Bernstein.

1966: Recordings with Vienna Philharmonic for Decca Records

In 1966, Bernstein recorded Mahler's Song of the Earth and Mozart's 15th piano concerto and "Linz" symphony with the Vienna Philharmonic for Decca Records.

1966: Commissioned to compose work for Kennedy Center

In 1966, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis commissioned Bernstein to compose a work for the inauguration of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

1966: Began Relationship with Vienna Philharmonic and Vienna State Opera Debut

In 1966, Leonard Bernstein began a lifelong rich relationship with the Vienna Philharmonic, conducting concerts. 1966 was also his debut at the Vienna State Opera.

1967: Concert on Mount Scopus

In 1967, Bernstein conducted a concert on Mount Scopus to commemorate the Reunification of Jerusalem.

January 21, 1968: "Broadway for Peace"

On January 21, 1968, Bernstein and Paul Newman co-hosted "Broadway for Peace" to support the Congressional Peace Campaign Committee, with Bernstein composing "So Pretty" for Barbra Streisand.

1968: Conducts Der Rosenkavalier

In 1968, Bernstein returned to the Vienna State Opera for a production of Der Rosenkavalier.

1968: Robert Kennedy Funeral Mass

In 1968, after Senator Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated, Bernstein conducted the "Adagietto" movement from Mahler's Symphony No. 5 at the funeral mass.

1969: Began writing Mass

Bernstein began writing Mass in 1969 as a large-scale theatrical work based on the Tridentine Mass of the Catholic Church.

1969: Conductor Laureate of the New York Philharmonic and founding of Amberson Productions

In 1969, Bernstein became Conductor Laureate of the New York Philharmonic and founded Amberson Productions.

1969: Bernstein stopped being music director of the New York Philharmonic

In 1969, Bernstein stopped being the music director of the New York Philharmonic.

1969: Laureate Conductor Appointment

In 1969, Bernstein was appointed "Laureate Conductor" of the New York Philharmonic.

January 14, 1970: Fundraiser for the Black Panther Party

On January 14, 1970, Bernstein and his wife Felicia held an event at their Manhattan apartment seeking to raise awareness and funds for the defense of members of the Black Panther Party.

1970: Amberson and Unitel production of Verdi's Requiem Mass

In 1970, Amberson Productions, in partnership with Unitel, created a video production of Verdi's Requiem Mass in St. Paul's Cathedral with the London Symphony Orchestra.

1970: Conducting Cavalleria Rusticana

In 1970, Bernstein returned to The Met to conduct Cavalleria rusticana.

1970: Conducts Fidelio

In 1970, Bernstein returned to the Vienna State Opera for Otto Schenk's production of Beethoven's Fidelio.

1970: Bernstein on Beethoven: A Celebration in Vienna

In 1970, Bernstein wrote and narrated "Bernstein on Beethoven: A Celebration in Vienna," an in-depth exploration of Beethoven on the composer's 200th birthday, filmed on location in and around Vienna. The show won an Emmy Award.

September 8, 1971: World premiere of Mass

On September 8, 1971, Mass premiered, conducted by Maurice Peress, directed by Gordon Davidson, and choreographed by Alvin Ailey.

1971: Mass

In 1971, Bernstein composed 'Mass'.

1971: Mass: A Theatre Piece

In 1971, Bernstein created Mass: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers.

1972: First Deutsche Grammophon Recording

In 1972, Bernstein made his first recording for Deutsche Grammophon with Bizet's Carmen.

1972: Recording of Bizet's Carmen

In 1972, Bernstein recorded Bizet's Carmen, with Marilyn Horne in the title role and James McCracken as Don Jose. It was Bernstein's first recording for Deutsche Grammophon and won a Grammy.

1972: Conducting Carmen

In 1972, Bernstein returned to The Met to conduct Carmen.

1972: End of Young People's Concerts

In 1972, Bernstein's influential series of music education programs, the Young People's Concerts, ended after 53 episodes.

1972: Rostropovich Prohibited to travel outside of the Soviet Union

In 1972, Mstislav Rostropovich was prohibited to travel outside of the Soviet Union.

1972: Charles Eliot Norton Chair at Harvard

In the 1972 academic year, Bernstein was appointed to the Charles Eliot Norton Chair as Professor of Poetry at Harvard, where he delivered six lectures, The Unanswered Question.

January 19, 1973: "Concert of Peace"

On January 19, 1973, Bernstein conducted a "Concert of Peace" at the Washington National Cathedral in protest of Nixon's failure to end the Vietnam War.

1973: Mahler's Symphony No. 2 Recorded at Ely Cathedral

In 1973, Amberson productions recorded Bernstein conducting Mahler's Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection" with the London Symphony Orchestra at Ely Cathedral.

May 16, 1974: Dybbuk Premiere

On May 16, 1974, Bernstein's ballet Dybbuk was premiered by the New York City Ballet at the New York State Theater, with Bernstein conducting.

November 1974: Dybbuk Variations Premiere

In November 1974, a revision of the choreography and score of Dybbuk, titled Dybbuk Variations, was premiered.

1974: Dybbuk

In 1974, Bernstein created Dybbuk.

1974: Release of Mstislav Rostropovich from the USSR

In 1974, Bernstein played a key role in the release of Mstislav Rostropovich from the USSR after Rostropovich had been held in disgrace for years.

October 1976: Concert for Amnesty International

In October 1976, Bernstein's concert in Munich with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and pianist Claudio Arrau to benefit Amnesty International.

October 17, 1976: First Live Recording on Deutsche Grammophon

On October 17, 1976, Bernstein made his first live recording on Deutsche Grammophon, which started a 14-year collaboration.

1976: Intended Tribute to the American Bicentennial

In 1976, Bernstein intended to present Songfest as a tribute to the American Bicentennial, but it was not finished in time.

1976: Bernstein leaves Felicia

In 1976, Bernstein left Felicia for a period to live in Northern California with Tom Cothran.

1976: Recordings for EMI

In 1976, Bernstein recorded Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique and Harold en Italie for EMI.

1976: The Unanswered Question broadcast on PBS

In 1976, Bernstein's six lectures, The Unanswered Question, were broadcast on PBS.

October 11, 1977: Premiere of Songfest

On October 11, 1977, Bernstein's Songfest: A Cycle of American Poems for Six Singers and Orchestra premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

June 16, 1978: Death of Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein

On June 16, 1978, Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein died of lung cancer, with Bernstein caring for her until her death.

1978: Fidelio at the Vienna State Opera

In 1978, Amberson productions filmed Fidelio at the Vienna State Opera.

1979: Bernstein recorded over 500 compositions for Columbia Records

Between 1956 and 1979, Bernstein recorded over 500 compositions for Columbia, 455 of which were recorded with the New York Philharmonic.

1979: Concerts with the Berlin Philharmonic for Amnesty International

In 1979, Bernstein conducted the Berlin Philharmonic for the first and only time, in two charity concerts for Amnesty International featuring performances of Mahler's Ninth Symphony.

1980: Commencement Speech at Johns Hopkins University

In 1980, Bernstein gave a commencement speech at Johns Hopkins University warning the graduating class of the dangers of nuclear proliferation.

1980: Kennedy Center Honors Award

In 1980, Bernstein received the Kennedy Center Honors award.

1981: Recording for Philips Records

In 1981, Bernstein recorded Wagner's Tristan und Isolde for Philips Records.

1981: Kennedy Center Honor

In 1981, Leonard Bernstein received the Kennedy Center Honor, recognizing his contributions to the performing arts.

1982: Co-founded the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute

In 1982, Bernstein co-founded the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute, a summer training academy inspired by Tanglewood. He served as artistic co-director and taught conducting classes for two summers.

1982: Bernstein/Beethoven series on PBS

In 1982, PBS aired the Emmy-nominated series Bernstein/Beethoven featuring all nine Beethoven symphonies using films that Unitel had recorded of Bernstein conducting the Vienna Philharmonic in the late 1970s.

April 30, 1983: HIV/AIDS Fundraiser at Madison Square Garden

On April 30, 1983, Bernstein participated in one of the earliest HIV / AIDS fundraisers at Madison Square Garden, conducting the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Orchestra.

June 1983: Statement on AIDS

In a written statement for a June 1983 benefit for AIDS advocacy in Houston, Bernstein stated, "AIDS is not, repeat not, the Gay Plague it is so often made out to be; it is part of the human condition, and must be universally researched and annihilated."

June 17, 1983: Premiere of A Quiet Place

On June 17, 1983, Bernstein's opera A Quiet Place premiered at the Houston Grand Opera, conducted by John DeMain.

1983: Conducting Centennial Gala

In 1983, Bernstein conducted at the Metropolitan Opera Centennial Gala.

1983: A Quiet Place

In 1983, Bernstein created A Quiet Place.

1983: Dedication of 65th Birthday to Nuclear Disarmament

In 1983, Bernstein dedicated the activities surrounding his 65th birthday to the issue of nuclear disarmament.

1984: Reconfiguration of A Quiet Place

In 1984, Bernstein and Wadsworth reconfigured A Quiet Place to include Trouble in Tahiti in its middle.

1984: Recording of West Side Story

In 1984, Bernstein conducted a Deutsche Grammophon recording of West Side Story, his only recording of the entire work.

July 4, 1985: Televised performance of Songfest

On July 4, 1985, Bernstein conducted a nationally televised performance of Songfest as part of the National Symphony's annual A Capitol Fourth concert.

1985: "Journey for Peace" Tour

In 1985, Bernstein brought the European Community Youth Orchestra on a "Journey for Peace" tour across Europe and Japan, performing at the Hiroshima Peace Ceremony.

1985: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and Legion of Honour

In 1985, Bernstein received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and France's Legion of Honour (Commander).

1985: Lifetime Achievement Grammy

In 1985, Bernstein was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Grammy.

May 1986: Inaugural Concert of the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival

In May 1986, Bernstein conducted the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and Chorus for the inaugural concert of the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, performing Haydn's Die Schöpfung (The Creation).

May 1986: Bernstein Festival at the Barbican Centre

In May 1986, the London Symphony Orchestra mounted a Bernstein Festival at the Barbican Centre, featuring a concert in which Bernstein conducted his own works. Queen Elizabeth II attended the performance.

1986: Bernstein Conducted and Recorded A Quiet Place

In 1986, Bernstein himself conducted and recorded the work at the Vienna State Opera.

November 8, 1987: "Music for Life" Concert

On November 8, 1987, Bernstein participated in "Music for Life", a concert at Carnegie Hall to benefit the Gay Men's Health Crisis, dedicated to Dr. Mathilde Krim.

1987: Celebration of Nadia Boulanger at Fontainebleau

During summer 1987, Bernstein celebrated the 100th anniversary of Nadia Boulanger at the American Conservatory in Fontainebleau and gave a master class.

1988: Televised gala for 70th birthday

In 1988, Bernstein had a lavish televised gala to celebrate his 70th birthday.

November 15, 1989: Refusal of National Medal of Arts

On November 15, 1989, Bernstein refused the National Medal of Arts from President George H. W. Bush in protest against the revoked National Endowment for the Arts grant for an AIDS-related art exhibit.

December 1989: Candide at Abbey Road Studios

In December 1989, Bernstein conducted the London Symphony Orchestra in his operetta Candide and subsequently recorded the work at Abbey Road Studios.

December 25, 1989: Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in Berlin

On December 25, 1989, Bernstein conducted Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in East Berlin's Konzerthaus as part of a celebration of the fall of the Berlin Wall, replacing "joy" with "freedom" in Schiller's Ode to Joy.

1989: Ode to "Freedom"

In 1989, Bernstein created Ode to "Freedom".

August 1990: Final Concert Performance

In August 1990, Bernstein had his final concert performance.

August 19, 1990: Last Concert

On August 19, 1990, Bernstein conducted his last concert with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood.

October 9, 1990: Retirement from Conducting

On October 9, 1990, Bernstein announced his retirement from conducting.

October 14, 1990: Leonard Bernstein's Death

October 14, 1990, marked the death of Leonard Bernstein, a highly influential American conductor, composer, and musician.

1990: Founding of the Pacific Music Festival

In 1990, Bernstein founded the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan, with Michael Tilson Thomas and the London Symphony Orchestra, emphasizing musical training for young students.

1990: Praemium Imperiale in Japan

In 1990, Bernstein received Japan's Praemium Imperiale.

1990: Receiving the Praemium Imperiale and Establishing BETA Fund

In 1990, Bernstein received the Praemium Imperiale and used the $100,000 prize to establish The Bernstein Education Through the Arts (BETA) Fund to develop an arts-based education program.

1990: Initiation of Artful Learning Project

In 1990, Bernstein used his Praemium Imperiale award money to initiate a project in Nashville, Tennessee that would eventually lead to the nationwide teaching model known as Artful Learning.

1990: End of Deutsche Grammophon Collaboration

In 1990, Leonard Bernstein's 14-year collaboration with Deutsche Grammophon ended due to his death.

1990: Acquisition of Columbia/CBS Records by Sony Classical

In 1990, Sony Classical acquired Columbia/CBS Records.

April 1992: Posthumous Establishment of the Leonard Bernstein Center

In April 1992, the Leonard Bernstein Center was posthumously established, initiating extensive school-based research that led to the current Leonard Bernstein Artful Learning Program.

1992: Reissue of Bernstein's Columbia catalog

Between 1992 and 1993, Sony reissued and digitally remastered Bernstein's complete Columbia catalog.

1993: Reissue of Bernstein's Columbia catalog

Between 1992 and 1993, Sony reissued and digitally remastered Bernstein's complete Columbia catalog.

1997: Bernstein Century Series

In 1997, Sony issued the "Bernstein Century" series, featuring re-releases and items from the "Royal Edition".

1998: Inducted into American Classical Music Hall of Fame

In 1998, Bernstein was posthumously inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame.

2000: Pope John Paul II requested a performance of Mass

In 2000, Pope John Paul II requested a performance of Mass at the Vatican itself.

2001: Bernstein Century Series

By 2001, Sony continued to release the "Bernstein Century" series, which was a combination of re-releases and items from the "Royal Edition".

2002: Creation of the Leonard Bernstein Award

In 2002, to commemorate Bernstein's legacy as an educator, the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival created the Leonard Bernstein Award to honor young musicians.

2008: Second-Most Performed American Composer

In 2008, Bernstein was the second-most frequently performed American composer (behind Aaron Copland).

2008: Sony Acquires Rights to RCA Victor Recordings

In 2008, Sony acquired Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG), gaining the rights to Leonard Bernstein's RCA Victor recordings.

2010: Leonard Bernstein Edition Re-release

In 2010, the complete Bernstein Columbia and RCA Victor catalog was reissued on CD as part of the "Leonard Bernstein Edition".

2014: Leonard Bernstein Edition Re-release

In 2014, the complete Bernstein Columbia and RCA Victor catalog was reissued on CD as part of the "Leonard Bernstein Edition".

2015: Inducted into Legacy Walk

In 2015, Bernstein was inducted into the Legacy Walk.

August 25, 2018: Centennial Google Doodle

On August 25, 2018, the 100th anniversary of his birth, Bernstein was honored with a Google Doodle. The Skirball Cultural Center also created an exhibition titled Leonard Bernstein at 100.

2018: Third-Most Played Composer Worldwide

In 2018, Bernstein was the third-most played composer worldwide.

2018: Bernstein's Centennial Year

In 2018, Bernstein's Centennial year, Chichester Psalms was cited as the 5th-most performed concert work worldwide.

2018: Leonard Bernstein Edition Re-release

In 2018, the complete Bernstein Columbia and RCA Victor catalog was reissued on CD as part of the "Leonard Bernstein Edition".

2021: 50th anniversary of Mass premiere

In 2021, Edward Seckerson wrote that "no other work of Bernstein's encapsulates exactly who he was as a man or as a musician; no other work displays his genius, his intellect, his musical virtuosity and innate theatricality quite like Mass."

2021: Second West Side Story film adaptation

In 2021, West Side Story was adapted into another feature film.

2023: Premiere of "Maestro"

In 2023, Bradley Cooper's drama film "Maestro", which chronicles the relationship between Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre, premiered at the Venice International Film Festival.